Photos of 108 local models, actresses, singers and beauty queens donning gorgeous “ao dai” (traditional Vietnamese long gown) will be on display in Ho Chi Minh City from March 6 to 12 to mark the upcoming International Women’s Day (March 8).

The exhibit, entitled “Net Dep Viet” (The Vietnamese Beauty) and put on by reputable designer Viet Hung, will take place at the Youth Cultural House at 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street in District 1.

The participating local beauties, including singer Hien Thuc, masters of ceremonies Quynh Hoa and Thanh Mai, former beauty queens Ha Kieu Anh and Dam Luu Ly, will be wearing the “ao dai” designed by Hung.

“The exhibition not only captures the grace of Vietnamese women in ‘ao dai’ but it also aims to boost interest in the traditional attire among locals and foreigners,” Quynh Hoa, the MC, said. “The event will thus encourage the use of ‘ao dai’ in everyday life.”

An “ao dai” honoring fest, set to run for the first time in HCMC on March 8 and 9, will also boast various activities to further promote the costume.