A Vietnamese 'Ao dai' (traditional long dress) heritage club made its debut in Belgium on September 7, marking a significant milestone in preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of Vietnam.

Held at the Vietnamese Embassy, the launching event offered a visual feast for attendees. It featured collections of 'Ao dai', which ranges from traditional to contemporary designs, showcasing the rich history and culture of Vietnam.

Highlights were a fashion show featuring amateur models and two special 'Ao dai' adorned with the flags of Vietnam and Belgium and displayed prominently against a backdrop of Vietnam’s ancient bronze drums. The special display served as a symbol of friendship between the two nations.

In his speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao highlighted the importance of the traditional costume in promoting the country’s image and people. 'Ao dai' is not only a costume but also an art work that represents the beauty and elegance of Vietnamese women, he said.

Huynh Cong My, President of the General Union of Vietnamese in Brussels (UGVB), said that the club was established to connect the Vietnamese community in Belgium and to promote 'Ao dai' to international friends. He expressed his wish to create a cultural space where people can explore, learn about, and appreciate the value of the costume.

Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency, Audrey Lhoest, a deputy head of Ixelles – a district with a significant Vietnamese population, praised the cultural significance of the debut and expressed her hope that the club will continue to grow and organise more activities in the future./.

VNA