It is quite clear that the ao dai will be the national dress of Vietnamese women. The agency has launched the competition on designing national ceremonial dress. It will also organize at least two workshops in the central and southern regions to collect opinions on the issue, with the participation of leading experts in the fields of history, art and culture.

A number of specific agencies such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Office of the President and the Office of the National Assembly will be invited to contribute to the project.

There have been many conferences on selecting Vietnam’s national costumes, but so far there is no official decision has been made. At the end of 2012, a workshop entitled “Vietnamese ceremonial dresses – criteria of selection” was held in Hanoi.

Lots of ideas and presentations were given by experts and researchers. Many issues were raised in this workshop, among which the idea of choosing ao dai for women and ready-to-wear turban and ao dai for men were supported by most of the participants. When will this task finish?    

The most controversial issue today is the formal dress for men. Since early 90′s, the selection of national dresses has been discussed at many state-level meetings and many fashion design competitions have been held but the final decision has not been made.

Although there are concerns, many officials, researchers, experts, diplomats have confirmed that Vietnam needs to have its official national dresses. To be sure, Vietnam will have national dresses to reflect the cultural identity of Vietnam to international friends. But the problem now is the disagreement in choosing which dresses will be the national dresses.

It is quite clear that the ao dai will be the national dress of Vietnamese women because it is distinctive costume of Vietnam, which cannot be mixed with others. The most controversial issue today is the formal dress for men.

Ms. Doan Thi Thu Huong, deputy director of the Department of Fine Arts, Photography and Exhibition, said after gathering ideas, the department will introduce the criteria and requirements for a national contest on designing national dresses. The best designs will be submitted to the Government for approval before they are awarded and used.

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