A famed Vietnamese designer is poised to showcase his two collections of “ao dai” (traditional long gown), including one which features stylized images of tigers, in New York this weekend as part of the activities to help conserve members of the cat family.

Thuan Viet will introduce his collections at an Asian section themed “Big Cat,” which is slated to run on Saturday at the American Museum of Natural History.

The section will see diverse artistic activities joined by artists from seven other Asian countries, including Bhutan, China, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia.

One of Viet’s assortments, named “Ngu Ho” (Five Tigers), boasts old-style “ao dai” which would be donned by women in the northern Vietnamese region many years ago.

The loose-fitting outfits highlight folk-themed decorative patterns and stylized images of tigers from Vietnamese folklore.

The fashion event is meant to enhance people’s awareness of these feline members and spread the message of conservation with artistic activities to Asian countries.

The event will be organized by New York City’s art authorities under the patronage of the state’s governor Andrew Cuomo.

Viet’s other assortment, “Sac Hoa Viet” (Vietnamese Colors and Flowers), accentuates modern-time “ao dai” dresses which are intricately embellished with hand-embroidered and crystal flowers.

More of Thuan Viet's "Ngu Ho" (Five Tigers) "ao dai" collection

Photos: Muc Tau

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