“Female diplomats with Vietnamese Ao Dai”: Spreading identity, fostering cultural soft power

VHO - On October 20 in Hanoi, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) coordinated with the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association to organize a program to celebrate "Female diplomats with Vietnamese Ao Dai", honoring the beauty of Vietnamese women and promoting the value of traditional Ao Dai in the modern diplomatic space.

Delegates attending the program "Female Diplomats with Vietnamese Ao Dai"

The program took place in a solemn and warm atmosphere on the occasion of Vietnamese Women's Day October 20.

On the side of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there were Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang; former Deputy Minister, President of the Network of Vietnamese Women Diplomats - Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga; Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Xuan Anh; Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy Le Thi Hong Van along with female ambassadors, representatives of unit leaders and a large number of female officers and employees.

On behalf of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association, there were Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien - former Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, President of the Association; Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam - Deputy Director of the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Conservation Support Fund, Permanent Vice President of the Association; Vice Presidents and more than 100 members.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang speaks at the program

Ao dai - a cultural symbol in contemporary diplomacy

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang sent his congratulations to female leaders and staff on October 20, and emphasized the enduring role of Vietnamese women in every historical period, from founding and defending the country to building and developing the country.

According to the Deputy Minister, the contributions of female diplomats "have lasting historical value and will last forever", and are an important part of the story of Vietnam's cultural soft power in the international arena.

“We always respect, appreciate and thank the contributions of generations of female diplomats. I believe that you will continue to write the story of Vietnam, the story of peace for the country and for the world,” said the Deputy Minister.

President of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association, Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien speaks

From the perspective of heritage and creativity, Dr. Dang Thi Bich Lien expressed her emotion when witnessing the image of female diplomats in ao dai: ao dai is not just a costume but a “vibrant cultural work, crystallizing the harmony between tradition and modernity, between identity and integration”.

Each Ao Dai, according to her, is a soft message, "sent to international friends about an elegant, confident and proud Vietnam."

Representing the female staff, Director Le Thi Hong Van emphasized that female diplomats are both a bridge of peace and friendship and a "cultural ambassador", contributing to spreading the image of Vietnam with a strong identity, friendliness and integration. She expressed her gratitude for the attention and direction of the Ministry's leaders, the companionship of the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association and the designers and artisans who have helped the program become a bridge connecting fashion - culture - diplomacy.

Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy Le Thi Hong Van speaks at the program

Showcasing three collections: Heritage of Silk Storytelling

The highlight of the event was the performance combining fashion and cultural diplomacy. Three collections were introduced: “Heritage in Hanoi” by designer Anh Thu (Ao Dai Ngan An), “Vietnam Brocade” by designer Nguyen Lan Vy and “Sac Nui” by designer Han Phuong (Ao Dai Viet Phuong).

With light music playing in the background, female officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confidently walked alongside professional models, creating an inspiring runway right in the ceremony space.

“Heritage in Hanoi” suggests a leisurely walk between the ancient and contemporary rhythms of the Capital: Bat Trang ceramic enamel motifs, old town windows, stone bridge arches… are restrained enough on a soft silk background, emphasizing the elegant, discreet and luxurious shape.

“Vietnam brocade” takes the audience into a colorful dance of brocade, silk, and the, a combination of traditional patterns delicately arranged to highlight the curves of Vietnamese women’s bodies, while maintaining the necessary elegance of foreign service uniforms.

Showcasing ao dai collections of famous designers

“Sac Nui” carries the breath of the mountainous region: warm tones, stylized motifs from brocade, hills, terraced fields… creating a coherent highlight for the message about regional cultural diversity.

The combination of models and female diplomats is not only an interesting experiment in event organization, but also a way for the people involved to tell their stories in the language of ao dai: standard - graceful - professional.

Each turn of the skirt, each smile of greeting is a cultural expression, reminding that the ao dai is always present in important diplomatic moments, from receptions and ceremonies to attending multilateral forums.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dang Hoang Giang and delegates visited the Ao Dai display space of designers.

From clothing to soft power

During the exchange, Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga shared professional aspects associated with the ao dai at international forums: the neatness and elegance of the ao dai helps establish an “aesthetic balance point” on the dialogue table; the traditional differences become cultural advantages, making friends look at Vietnam with respect.

The ao dai, therefore, is not only a costume but also a "symbol of behavior": promoting politeness and modesty, while affirming bravery and identity.

On a broader level, the show shows how cultural diplomacy operates through small, persistent and persuasive gestures: a neat show; a story about ethnic motifs; a bow in a fluttering dress…

All contribute to strengthening the "Vietnam brand" - a peace-loving country, respecting cultural diversity, valuing creativity based on heritage.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the program

Connecting the creative community

Besides the performance, the space displaying Ao Dai of the designers attracted the attention of delegates and audiences.

There, the materials are explained like “pages of a book” about the history of the craft, about the dyeing – weaving – embroidery techniques, and about the participation of artisans from craft villages.

The fact that the Vietnam Ao Dai Culture Association accompanied the Department of Foreign Affairs and Cultural Diplomacy in a specialized event affirms the motto of linking "State - artisans - designers - community", thereby increasing the durability of the Ao Dai value chain: preservation - creation - inspiration.

The image of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs leaders presenting flowers to designers, representatives of the Association and female officials is also an encouraging message: the actors of the ao dai ecosystem all deserve to be recognized, because they simultaneously take on many roles – creators, cultural ambassadors, and heritage preservers.

Honor to spread

“Female Diplomat with Vietnamese Ao Dai” is not ostentatious, not fussy about stage techniques; the appeal comes from the coherence of the message and the meticulousness in every detail.

From the choice of color palette, the length of the dress, the neckline, to the performance rhythm – all aim towards the common language of the foreign affairs industry: sophistication, standards, respect for regulations but still open and friendly.

That is also the spirit of the ao dai in contemporary life: accepting creativity, but not losing its essence.

Closing the program, Deputy Minister Dang Hoang Giang and Deputy Party Secretary Nguyen Xuan Anh presented flowers to congratulate the female officials, representatives of the Association and designers.

The memorable moments linger on the silk background, as a gentle reminder of the long-term mission: to honor the beauty of Vietnamese women, preserve and promote the value of Ao Dai, and continue to spread the Vietnamese cultural identity on the journey of integration.

From the event in Hanoi, it can be seen that when culture is given its proper role in diplomacy, seemingly familiar images will turn into new energy.

Ao dai, with its characteristic elegance, continues to demonstrate its enduring vitality – not only on the catwalk, but also in all borders of exchange: where traditional beauty blends with modern life, and where Vietnamese female diplomats shine with their intelligence, courage and unmistakable identity.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/nha-ngoai-giao-nu-voi-ao-dai-viet-lan-toa-ban-sac-boi-dap-suc-manh-mem-van-hoa-175947.html