Story KIM UYEN
Photos INTERNET

As Tet arrives, join Heritage Fashion on a colorful journey across the four seasons of the Vietnamese ao dai.

Spring colors from timeless inspiration

The golden age of the ao dai is often considered the period between 1945 and 1975 – particularly the 1970s when fitted ao dai accentuating the waist became a prominent symbol of Vietnamese fashion. In 1959, fashion designer Christian Dior reintroduced the New Look to the fashion world. After World War 2, women began focusing more on dressing elegantly, leading to a surge in the popularity of fitted styles. The Vietnamese ao dai was not exempt from international trends, reflecting a blend of modernity and tradition that challenged entrenched views. During the early days of the year, fitted ao dai or designs inspired by traditional four-panel and five-panel garments create a distinctive contrast with contemporary ao dai and also help us reconnect with timeless beauty.

Summer and the red of the East

In East Asian culture, red symbolizes luck and prosperity. This vibrant hue evokes strong emotions while also conveying elegance and sophistication. In fashion, to attract attention – especially during festive occasions or holiday seasons – brands often employ bright colors to impress consumers and create unique highlights in their collections. The ao dai can be styled with layered designs or simplified to allow red to stand out, adding a delicate touch to Eastern beauty. Whether modern or traditional in style, elaborate or minimalist, the mere presence of red is enough to enhance beauty. Wearers can use minimalist accessories such as round-framed glasses from CHANEL or a classic Gucci Bamboo bag to complement the hue.

Autumn colors on new fabrics

Fashion is a realm of continuous innovation. With the ao dai, while adhering to certain tailoring standards is essential, creativity and experimentation with new fabrics offer wearers modern experiences that still retain traditional charm. For this Tet season, pleated fabrics and lace are perfect suggestions to bring autumn colors to life in every piece.

Soft materials like silk or linen for trousers combined with lightly pleated tops create an elegant highlight. For a more mysterious and enchanting look, lace is an indispensable choice. This fabric makes a strong impression, especially when paired with minimalist accessories like chokers, large Simone Rocha pearl earrings and thin scarves.

Elegant cape ao dai for winter

Once reserved for elegant ladies, the cape has now become an endless source of inspiration for modern ao dai designs. The sophisticated combination of the classic ao dai with Western cape styles in pristine white embodies winter days. Such graceful beauty honors the feminine charm of Vietnamese women.

To complete this look, timeless and minimalist accessories are ideal choices. The Le Cambon 35 bag by Manu Atelier or uniquely shaped shoes from brands such as Prada, Tory Burch or The Row will enhance contemporary style while providing a distinct elegance for the wearer.