Ao dai and kimono, the two traditional costumes of Vietnam and Japan, were put together at an event in Hanoi on Thursday to honor the beauty of the two nations.

Local designer Nguyen Lan Vy and Japanese kimono expert Junko Sophie Kakizaki showcased their collections of ao dai and kimono during the event themed ‘Beautiful Colors of Vietnam and Japan.’

The event, co-hosted by the Vietnamese Women’s Museum and the Vietnamese Ao Dai Heritage Club, was aimed at marking the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Vietnam and Japan, and celebrating the Vietnamese Women’s Day.

Donned by Vietnamese girls, ao dai and kimono designs highlighted the elegance and attractiveness of the traditional costumes.

Nguyen Thi Minh Huong, vice chairwoman of the Vietnam Women’s Union, affirmed that the Vietnam – Japan friendship has been deepened by the two nations’ women.

A wide array of cooperation programs have kicked off to benefit poor women, boost economic development, preserve traditional cultures, and spur gender equality.

The two collections called ‘Vietnamese brocade’ and ‘Japan’s four seasons’ brought a feast for the eyes to audiences and provided them with new angles of the two countries’ traditional costumes.

Women donning ao dai at the ‘Beautiful Colors of Vietnam and Japan’ event in Hanoi on October 12, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre

Vietnamese designer’s collection featured 10 ao dai designs made from brocade and silk. These designs were inspired from Vietnam’s traditional cultural story about the sacred animals - dragon and phoenix, and iconic bronze drum.

The collection of kimono included 10 designs assessed as artworks spotlighting Japan’s natural beauty and uniqueness.

The collection also portrayed Japanese dyeing and embroidering skills via patterns of waves, flamingoes, chrysanthemums, and cherry blossoms.

As part of the event, the Japanese kimono expert presented a kimono design carrying high art and cultural values to the Vietnamese Women’s Museum.

Japanese kimono expert Junko Sophie Kakizaki (2nd, L) and other girls wearing kimono pose for a photo at the ‘Beautiful Colors of Vietnam and Japan’ event in Hanoi on October 12, 2023. Photo: Nguyen Hien / Tuoi Tre

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