Designer Nguyen Thi Nga (pink ao dai) and guests of the show (Photo: Organizing Board)

The fashion show – called “Ke Vang Khai Lai”, which means “inheriting the past, heading to the future” – displayed collections created by famous Vietnamese and foreign designers. Every fold, seam, and thread of each costume was inspired by Vietnam’s history.

“This is a very special show compared to other shows I’ve participated in. I’m wearing a traditional costume which has many layers.”

“This is the first fashion show I’ve been in. I’m proud to be wearing a traditional Vietnamese costume.”

The models performed to music composed by Do Kien Cuong and performed by the Kieu band that was inspired by “The Story of Kieu”, written by the great Vietnamese poet Nguyen Du.

“The Kieu band performs music that depicts the main characters and scenes in The Story of Kieu,” said Cuong.

Nguyen Thi Nga, the founder of the Van Thien Y Company, which organized the fashion show, said: “The show was held at the National History Museum, so we were able to interact among historical treasures. The show was an important event to get the community involved with Vietnamese history and culture.”