Many have heard of the Áo Dài (pronounced ow yai), a traditional Vietnamese dress that is comprised of a long tunic with splits on either side worn over pants. And while it may be called a dress, it is not reserved exclusively for women.
Source: Life Magazine
Áo Dài is a garment that can be worn daily by anyone - men, women, and even children. It is a style that is used for children's uniform as much as for special occasions such as weddings. The difference is in the fabric, embroidery and the intricacy of the finished gown.
While no one is entirely sure when Áo Dài was invented, most agree that it was popularized in the late 18th century during the Nguyen dynasty.
Vietnam was then divided into two parts - the North ruled by the Trinh Lords of Hanoi, and the South ruled by King Nguyen Phuc Khoat. in 1744, to set his court apart from the North, King Nguyen ordered his courtiers to wear trousers covered with a long silk gown. Said to be a combination of the traditional Chinese attire with influence of Champa style, this event is rumored to be the first glimpse of the Áo Dài we know today.
But, of course, over the years fashion changed and so did the Áo Dài.
Source: Life Magazine
The gown underwent a major redesign in the 1930s. With France having colonized Vietnam, Western influences began to permeate the local fashion. Some of the most innovative changes can be attributed to a Hanoian artist named Cat Tuong, also known as Le Mur. Her redesign of the gown made the Áo Dài look not much different from what we know it as today.
While the Áo Dài of the past was worn loosely and with an open collar, Cat Tuong "tightened up the ao dai, and made it fit the form of the Vietnamese woman’s body, raised the shoulders, lengthened the dress so it reached the floor and introduced a bright color scheme. In other words, she made it sensual, flattering and appealing to the eye." (source Vietcetera)
Source: Life Magazine
Here are Dream Dresses by PMN we have a whole section dedicated specifically to Áo Dài. Ranging from bridal gowns to mother of the bride gowns, these stunning pieces vary in style, color and detailing, which can all be specified to fit clients' specific taste.
Our #LACINA, #JENINE and #HELGA gowns
"I born and raised in Vietnam before moving to the United States to study design. As such, I’ve always loved the graceful appearance of the ao dai and wanted to design my own versions alongside my Western-style wedding dresses," said our owner and chief designer Phuong Minh Nguyen.
#PAIGE, our modern Vietnamese Áo Dài lace bridal dress
So whether you are honoring your traditions or are interested in incorporating Áo Dài elements into your gown, we are here to help.
With our custom design process, every bride has a chance to create her dream dress with our guidance and support from start to finish.
Don't wait too long to get started. Reach out to us to get your design process going and let us create something unique and beautiful just for you.
Our #MAIYA, #APPOLINE and #SOFIA gowns
