Washington D.C. (VNA) 🐈- Vietnam Society, a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting Vietnamese arts and culture, hosted a vibrant Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tet) celebration on February 15 at the Martin Luther King Library in central Washington D.C, spotlighting fashion and cuisine, two integral aspects of Vietnamese culture.

The event featured an impressive line-up of guest speakers, including writer and culinary expert Monique Truong, fashion designer Thai Nguyen, acclaimed chef Kenny Thai, and Professor Annita Mannur, a specialist in Critical Race and Gender Studies at American University. More than 200 attendees, including Vietnamese Americans and their American friends, engaged enthusiastically with discussions on fashion, cuisine, and the launch of “Mai’s Ao Dai”, a book co-authored by Monique Truong and Thai Nguyen on the topic of Ao dai (traditional Vietnamese long dress). Erin Phuong, founder of Vietnam Society, explained that the event’s focus on fashion and cuisine stemmed from the remarkable achievements of Monique Truong, Thai Nguyen, and Kevin Tien in their respective fields. By showcasing their success stories, the Vietnam Society aims to deepen awareness among young Vietnamese Americans and international audiences about the beauty and significance of Vietnamese culture, she stated. Designer Thai Nguyen shared the inspiration behind Mai’s Ao Dai. He recounted his journey to becoming a designer of Vietnam’s iconic garment, emphasising his inclusive approach - highlighting that Ao dai is for everyone, irrespective of gender, body type, or skin tone. The Ao dai collection presented at the event reflected this inclusive ethos. Thai Nguyen’s designs celebrated the traditional elegance of Ao dai from Vietnam’s northern, central and southern regions. Using luxurious silk and brocade, he elevated the sophistication of his pieces. He also incorporated signature elements from traditional Vietnamese attire, such as “tu than” (the Northern four-panel dress), “ngu than” (the Central region’s five-panel dress), and the Southern “ba ba” blouse, seamlessly reimagining them with a modern aesthetic. His designs, tailored for both men and women, struck a balance between heritage and contemporary fashion. For celebrated chef Kevin Tien, the event is an opportunity to showcase classic Vietnamese Tet dishes while also promoting the country’s culinary heritage to an international audience in Washington D.C. Events hosted by Vietnam Society not only foster a sense of cultural connection for the Vietnamese expats in the US but also provide Americans with an engaging insight into Vietnam’s rich traditions and evolving cultural landscape./.