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| Students of Ly Thuong Kiet Primary School experiencing Hue's cultural space. (Illustrative photo. Photo: N.H) |
Ao dai subsequently inspired not just adults but also the youth. Social media amplified images of increasingly male and female students wearing elegant and youthful ao dai at year-end ceremonies, award presentations, and graduation photo shoots, etc. Then, “The Capital of Ao Dai” project of Hue was initiated with numerous activities, including workshops, scientific conferences, ao dai festivals, street performances, and events connecting the ao dai with heritage, etc. This gradually changed public perception, and many people were no longer hesitant to wear ao dai, especially ao dai for men.
The revival and spread of Hue's ao dai culture among the youth has become a proud symbol of Vietnam's traditional beauty. The ao dai possesses unique characteristics of sophistication, grace, and cultural depth, evoking the elegant past of the people in the Imperial Capital. Modern youth, despite living in the hustle and bustle of a digital world, do not hesitate to wear ao dai in festivals, cultural events, or simply to record beautiful moments in commemorative photos.
TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, etc., have become platforms for young people to express their love for Hue ao dai. Videos showing ao dai try-ons, tutorials on how to wear it correctly, and clips re-enacting ancient scenes with ao dai in the central role are attracting millions of views. As a result, young people both in Vietnam and all around the world can gradually learn about and appreciate Hue's culture, with ao dai serving as a vibrant proof.
Social media's rapid spread and strong interaction have helped create a trend, encouraging young men and women to embrace ao dai as a way to show confidence and dynamism. The trend of young people wearing ao dai and posing for photos at heritage sites has also led to the lively development of many related services. There are now more shops renting traditional ao dai, and a growing number of photographers and makeup artists are finding high-income jobs...
Many young designers have started incorporating Hue ao dai into modern fashion collections. They use new materials like blended silk or high-quality cotton, combining traditional patterns with more dynamic and youthful silhouettes. The ao dai is no longer confined to ceremonial contexts, but is gradually becoming a personal fashion symbol, expressing the unique identity of younger generation.
Beyond being a trend, the youth's affection for Hue ao dai also shows a connection between generations. When a young person chooses to wear ao dai on a major holiday, or posts a photo of themselves wearing it by Truong Tien Bridge, the Imperial Citadel, or the Noon Gate, etc., it is a moment when culture is extended, memories are revived, and traditional values are celebrated.
The return of Hue ao dai to the lives of young people is not merely an act of nostalgia, but a conscious choice amidst countless modern trends to preserve cultural identity, honor beauty, and affirm national pride. This is a cultural tradition that is not just being revived, but is living more powerfully than ever in the hearts of the youth.