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A Vietnamese 'Ao dai' (traditional long dress) heritage club made its debut in Belgium on September 7, marking a significant milestone in preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of Vietnam, VNA repotered.

The event was held under the auspices of the Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium and the General Union of Vietnamese in Brussels (UGVB). This is also one of the activities of UGVB to celebrate the 79th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day (September 2), the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital Hanoi (October 10), responding to the Vietnamese Cultural Heritage Day (November 23) and honoring traditional cultural values, connecting the community of Ao Dai lovers.

Vietnamese 'Ao dai' heritage club debuts in Belgium. Photo: VNA

Held at the Vietnamese Embassy, the launching event offered a visual feast for attendees. It featured collections of 'Ao dai', which ranges from traditional to contemporary designs, showcasing the rich history and culture of Vietnam.

Highlights were a fashion show featuring amateur models and two special 'Ao dai' adorned with the flags of Vietnam and Belgium and displayed prominently against a backdrop of Vietnam’s ancient bronze drums. The special display served as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao highlighted the importance of the traditional costume in promoting the country’s image and people. 'Ao dai' is not only a costume but also an art work that represents the beauty and elegance of Vietnamese women, he said.

UGVB President Huynh Cong My said that the club was established to connect the Vietnamese community in Belgium and to promote 'Ao dai' to international friends.

He expressed his wish to create a cultural space where people can explore, learn about, and appreciate the value of the costume.

Speaking to VNA, Audrey Lhoest, a deputy head of Ixelles – a district with a significant Vietnamese population, praised the cultural significance of the debut and expressed her hope that the club will continue to grow and organize more activities in the future.

Delegates wear Ao dai at the event. Photo: Quỳnh Iris de Prelle

Many Vietnamese living abroad could not hide their emotions when wearing traditional Ao Dai together. Dao Thu Hang, the initiator of the idea of ​​establishing the club, shared that this will be a bridge for Vietnamese people to preserve and promote the traditional cultural values ​​of the nation, build a community of Ao Dai lovers, where everyone can be proud of their origins. And above all, together they will aim for the noble goal of inscribing Vietnamese Ao Dai on the list of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO.

The launching event of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club in Belgium is not just a simple launching ceremony, but also a message about the connection between the past and the present, between tradition and modernity. Ao Dai, with its delicate beauty and profound cultural values, will continue to accompany Vietnamese people around the world, contributing to promoting the image of the country and people of Vietnam.

At the 'Ao dai' show taking place as part of the debut ceremony. Photo: VNA

Displaying the Vietnamese Ao Dai heritage at the launching ceremony of the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club in Belgium. Photo: Quỳnh Iris de Prelle

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