Amid the rhythm of modern life, as fashion becomes increasingly diverse and is constantly changing, the traditional ao-dai continues to remain a lasting presence in the lives of women in the former imperial capital. In Hue, the graceful image of women’s association members wearing Ao-dai is not only a symbol of beauty but also a way of preserving and spreading the traditional cultural values of their homeland.

Young designer Linda Hoang (born Hoang Kim Ngoc Uyen Nhi in 1992 in Hue City) is transforming the traditional ao dai by bringing dragon-horse patterns and royal court motifs to linen garments and modern fashion. ​

In 2020, when male officials and civil servants of the Department of Culture and Sports wore ao dai during working days and the weekly flag-raising ceremony, it immediately sparked controversy online. Then, it was not just the cultural sector, at important events, the provincial leaders (now Hue City) and intellectuals also began wearing ao dai. The appearance of the traditional ao dai for both men and women at cultural and educational events made the ceremonies more solemn, elegant, and impressive.

The Community Ao dai Week, which kicked off the Summer Festival 2025 in early June, has drawn a large number of designers, models, artists, cultural experts, and researchers, etc. Each participant acts as an ambassador, promoting Hue Ao dai in particular and the traditional Ao dai Vietnam in general.

More than 1,000 people from all three regions of the country, wearing traditional and modern ao dai, gathered in Hue for a parade. All of this created a vibrant, colorful, and festive atmosphere right in the heart of Hue City.

To the melodies blending traditional and modern tones, hundreds of models showcased ao dai collections in the ancient space of An Dinh Palace. Guests from home and abroad, along with Hue locals, were treated to an “art feast” that fused fashion, music, and heritage.

Responding to the “Ao Dai Week”, women across A Luoi have been donning their traditional ao dai, shining in costumes made from Zeng fabric. The fusion of ao dai Vietnam with the intricate patterns of A Luoi Zeng fabric creates a look that is both graceful and deeply rich heritage value.

Artist Dang Thi Thu An is one of the prominent faces among the promising generation of 1980s artists from Hue. With works deeply characterized by traditional culture, especially depicting women figures and áo dài, she has contributed to creating a unique impression in contemporary Vietnamese painting.

“The fact that “Knowledge of Tailoring and Wearing Hue Ao Dai” having just been enlisted as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage not only is an honor and pride, but at the same time, affirms that Hue Ao Dai always carries the traditional cultural values of the nation and has a strong vitality throughout history,” emphasized Mr. Phan Thanh Hai, Member of the National Cultural Heritage Council, Director of the provincial Department of Culture and Sports when sharing the story about the new recognition of it with Thua Thien Hue Weekly.

For Hue Ancient Capital, Ao dai is a unique cultural heritage that has been formed, developed, and existed for over 300 years. In recent years, Thua Thien Hue has launched and promoted the revival of the traditional ao dai (including both male and female versions) in connection with the implementation of “Hue - The capital of Ao dai Vietnam” project. Ao dai has been integrated into daily life, cultural festivals, sports events, and flag-raising ceremonies in offices.