“A Hundred-Year Hemline” was not merely a journey into the etiquette of the Nguyen Dynasty but a perfect blend of art and historical heritage. The event offered students an opportunity to admire magnificent, intricately designed royal costumes once reserved for emperors and aristocrats of the Nguyen Dynasty. These costumes were authentically recreated with exquisite silk fabrics and sophisticated patterns. In addition, traditional outfits such as the áo dài, áo tứ thân, and ceremonial dresses from Vietnam’s feudal dynasties were displayed, providing profound insights into Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage.
Through this exhibition, students were able to observe and gain knowledge about various costumes from different periods of the Nguyen Dynasty, including the Phượng Bào, Nhật Bình, and Mãng Bào. These pieces were meticulously reconstructed by Vietnamese traditional costume experts.
At the talkshow, the guest speakers were founders of independent research projects on traditional costumes, who have made significant contributions to the preservation and promotion of Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
Speaker Vũ Đức, founder of the brand Great Vietnam and the Vietnamese traditional costume research project, has spearheaded notable initiatives such as the Đại Triều Phục and Nhật Bình. He contributed to the Vietnamese costume festival Bách Hoa Bộ Hành, which won the National External Information Award in 2022. His recreated costumes were featured at the art program Tinh Hoa Việt Nam in Grand World Phú Quốc (2021), the exhibition The Resplendent Vestiges in Sydney, Australia (2019), and the photo-video project Người Việt Xa Lạ (2021) in collaboration with Vietnam Centre. He has appeared on prominent TV programs such as Chuyển động 24h, Bây giờ và ở đây, Cà Phê Sáng, Việt Nam Đa Sắc, and Culture Mosaic on VTV.
Speaker La Quốc Bảo, an independent cultural researcher and founder of the Converse BARO brand, created the Annam Heritage Converse collection inspired by Nguyen Dynasty patterns, blending traditional art with modern creativity. He has also repatriated valuable artifacts, including a royal wedding gown and the Phụng Bào (phoenix robe) of a Nguyen Dynasty princess. Additionally, he founded the Hoa Quan Lệ Phục project, which focuses on recreating ceremonial Nguyen Dynasty attire, alongside his partner Nguyễn Phùng Minh Luân, a visual effects specialist based abroad. Their first masterpiece was the recreation of Empress Nam Phuong’s Nhật Bình robe, inspired by a photograph of her wearing the iconic red garment at the Công Quán pavilion.
With their expertise in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values, the two speakers helped students understand the importance of safeguarding national cultural heritage. Alongside intriguing stories about researching and restoring traditional costumes, the speakers also showcased valuable Nguyen Dynasty royal artifacts, such as the Cửu Long Thông Thiên (King’s Crown), royal slippers, and aristocratic attire. These artifacts served as vivid evidence of the past, bridging traditional costumes with national identity, while offering a fresh perspective on Vietnamese fashion and culture in the modern era.
The Exhibition-Talkshow “A Hundred-Year Hemline” successfully recreated historical stories and royal anecdotes through the delicate details and artistic designs of vibrant costumes once worn by emperors and aristocrats. Moreover, the in-depth knowledge shared by the speakers inspired students, igniting a passion for cultural roots and fostering confidence in future generations to preserve and restore the artistic values of Vietnam’s history.
