The Áo Dài Gets a Makeover

Isabella and Neil previously wrote about the beauty of the traditional Áo Dài. In the past few years, this traditional Vietnamese dress has received a face lift. With a new culture of Vietnamese Hyphenates, the fusion of modern fashion and traditional garb has resulted in a new Áo Dài, made over with an East meets West sensibility. The evolution of the Áo Dài in America shows how this symbolic dress has strong lasting power.

I came across this picture of models Yen Nhi and Yen Trang. It’s amazing to see how the Áo Dài has been designed to be daily wear: fashionable and effortless, yet meaningful and full of culture. I always hear about the days when our moms wore white Áo Dài dresses to school, and with this modern twist, it becomes easy to maintain culture while embracing the new. The Áo Dài maintains its long sleeves and side splits while updating the neckline.

Also, the red Áo Dài and headdress common in Vietnamese weddings has been updated to a more modern look. The dress embraces the original Áo Dài neckline while fusing the flowing white dress of a Western wedding. It is definitive of the Vietnamese-American culture and lifestyle.

Fashion shows and pageants also embrace the Áo Dài, but now with more colorful and original textures and cuts. The court of Miss Vietnam of Northern California Intercollegiate shows the stunning blend of Vietnamese heritage and American style.

All over the world, from Vietnam to America, the Áo Dài is getting a makeover, updating this beautiful dress while maintaining its traditional overall look. Although this is just a piece of fashion, it is telling of the growth of our diverse Vietnamese communities all over the world fusing into one.