The 90-minute event, called Tinh Hoa Ao Dai Viet (Quintessential Vietnamese AoDai), featured new designs from collections by famous fashion designers such asSi Hoang, Minh Hanh, Lan Huong, Lien Huong and Vo Viet Chung.
Miss Vietnam 2016 Do My Linh also participated in the catwalk.
The models on the stage were supported by singers and dancers from localtraditional art troupes.
This year, the fourth festival’s theme is Ao Dai- Toi Yeu Viet Nam (AoDai - I Love Vietnam), aiming to honour and promote traditionalcultural values as well as the beauty and grace of Ao dai, a symbol offeminine beauty in Vietnam.
The festival will continue with an open-air music and song programme, Ao DaiViet - Net Duyen Di Cung Thang Nam (Vietnamese Ao Dai - BeautyForever), programmes featuring pop stars and young singers, on Nguyen HuePedestrian Street at 7pm on March 4 night.
Visitors will receive free Ao dai tailoring services offered byskilled designers from more than 20 garment and textile companies and fashionhouses, who will set up stalls on the street.
A special performance of more than 3,000 young people in Ao dai onthe Pedestrian Street will begin at 7pm on March 5.
The performers will sing Vietnam Oi (Hi! Vietnam), a song in praiseof country and Ao dai, together with the show Toi Yeu Viet Nam (ILove Vietnam).
Their show aims to make a Vietnam Guinness Record for the biggest chorus.
A day later, an exhibition on Ao dai at the Áo Dài Museumon Nguyen Hue Street and a contest on designing Ao dai for theworkplace as well as ceremonies and festivals at the Youth Cultural House willbe featured.
Both events are aimed at students and young people.
“Through our activities, we hope to encourage people, both male and female wholove and wear Ao dai not only during the festival but also everyday,” said Bui Ta Hoang Vu, Director of the HCM city Department of Tourism, amember of the festival’s organising board.
According to Vu, dozens of photo and picture exhibitions on women in Ao dai willalso be held at universities, cultural centres, museums and libraries aroundthe city, including HCM City’s Museum of Southern Women and HCM City GeneralScience Library.
“We want the festival to be one of the city’s famous tourist productions,” hesaid.
Organised by the city’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the festivalwill close on March 17. Last year, it attracted more than 50,000 foreign andlocal visitors.-VNA