Hue's Ancient Capital Echoes with Maternal Love and Ao Dai Tradition

In Vietnam's central ancient city of Hue, designer Tran Thien Khanh has unveiled two new Ao Dai collections, "Hương ký ức" (Scent of Memory) and "Lam ngọc" (Jade Blue). These collections draw inspiration from family memories, the image of his mother, the Perfume River, and motifs of Hue's royal court culture. This presentation signifies that the Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional attire, is not merely clothing but is being inherited with new vitality in contemporary times, intertwined with designers' sensibilities and cultural backgrounds. The Ao Dai is increasingly recognized internationally as a cultural heritage symbolizing Vietnamese identity. In recent years, the Ao Dai Festival held in Ho Chi Minh City has contributed to positioning the city as a cultural destination. Other designers have also presented Ao Dai collections inspired by the "12 Seasons of Flowers in Hanoi" and Vietnam's heritage, indicating a broadening diversity and creativity in Ao Dai design. Furthermore, Korean designer Han Phuong's Vietnamese Ao Dai collection is set to open the Global Fashion Week All Stars 2026, showcasing the charm of the Ao Dai on an international stage. The preservation and promotion of the Ao Dai as a Vietnamese cultural heritage are ongoing, and Tran Thien Khanh's new collection launch can be considered a symbolic event in this continuum.