PHOTOGRAPHER: LE NGUYEN MINH TUAN
MODEL: MISS AO DAI 2019 NGUYEN TUYET NGA
DESIGNER: KENNY THAI
SHOWROOM: 65 MAI HAC DE, HANOI
STYLIST: HUYEN GIN
MAKE UP: BICH LIEN
HAIR: LIEN LEK FASHION
LOCATION: LEGACY YEN TU

Over its 400-year history, the theatrical art of tuong (Vietnamese opera) has been a source of inspiration for audiences and artists alike. Designer Kenny Thai draws on the traditional attire of this unique element of Vietnamese folk culture for his latest áo dài collection, “Nostalgia.” Each tuong theatrical mask portrays individual personality, and this spirit is brought to the modern áo dài to convey the artistic essence we have inherited from the past.

Drawing inspiration from tuong theatrical masks, the “Nostalgia” collection expresses a unique design language with fresh colors and symmetrical features that display the richness of Vietnamese traditional culture.

Five types of fabric — silk, chiffon, organza, brocade and damask –harmonize across the áo dài collection. Crystals, gems and pearls are meticulously embroidered along with lacquer drawing and fringes to create a sophisticated surface on each dress.

With the “Nostalgia” collection, culture meets fashion, heritage merges with the national costume, and history is reborn through modern inspirations. The collection comes together to express a prominent message: times change, but cultural beauty lasts forever.