With much positivity and good faith, “Tay” fashion show by designer Dinh Van Tho (From Ao Dao ABC) has been held successfully in Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort (Quang Nam).
Dinh Van Tho, the star designer of the show expressed his desire to finally hold a fashion show in the old town of Hoi An: “I had chances to bring my collection to many places, from HCM City to Ha Noi, and even abroad, and each show was a special memory in my heart. But for Hoi An, such an old vintage town, to me one of the best tourist attraction of Viet Nam, where I can bring out the best and most memorable images of aodao complemented by the river, and the faded gold that stained the house of time. Everything about this town is my endless source of creativity and joy. I have so much faith in this show “TAY” and that once again we can all slow down and mesmerize ourselves by the wonderful scene of aodai.”
To his expectation, “Tay” has left its most precious impression on more than 400 guests of the night. Over 180 handmade designs, divided into three sub-collections, one by one appeared in the romantic atmosphere of a rustic Vietnamese countryside. The 100m catwalk was set along a river, surrounded by houses, the old time carrying pole of that sweet desert, a steaming pot of rice cake, a whacking flock of duck…
The first collection Nang Tho (Muse) was the embodiment of the beauty of lacquer paintings with eggshell. This collection brought forward the artistic sophistication and fragility in the most traditional form of ao dai, utilizing the process of egg and rice inlay, dragon sculpture, and gold painting. The final designs were mixed with the original accessories such as golden necklace with lotus pattern, silver carp earrings, daisy bracelets, and precious stone rings.
In the Hoa Tay Collection (Finger Flower), the designers strictly select the base material, colorful silk, and silky threads to paint the rustic life, the vast rice fields, and the carpet of grass printed or handedly embroiled. And the Tay Nang collection (Hands of her) was the playground of precious gemstones, silk, and lace fabric. This collection was specially dedicated to a woman in her wedding day. Along with the dresses we have our traditional bridal accessories, the large ornate headpiece with flowers, tiara with precious stones.
Many of Viet Nam most famous models gather in the special fashion show namely Truong Thi May, Lan Khue, Hoang Thuy, Le Hang, Nam Em, Phung Yen Ngoc, Thanh Hoai, Hang Nguyen, Le Thanh Thao, Ngoc Quy, Kim Nhung, Ninh Hoang Ngan, Thai Ha, Le Thu An, Trinh Xuanh Nhan, Thanh Duoc, Nhan Phuc Vinh… In the honor of delivering the message from the designer to the audience, the models successfully performed the most fluid and connected show in the winter breeze of Hoi An early winter..
Every single outfit was completely handmade for the past three months by nearly 200 artists. Therefor Tay (the Hands) was chosen to be the name of this special event, to honor the skillful hands of the Viet artist, and that no such modern and complicated machines needed to create these stunning dresses.
During the charity fashion show, Dam Vinh Hung and Ly Nha Ky was chosen to model the most sophisticated and expensive aodai. While Mr. Dam put on a black silk slick one, Ly Nha Ky donned a stunning white lace aodai. Finally, the black silk Ao dai worn by Mr. Dam belonged to the investors of Silk Sense Hoi An River Resort at 320 million. And Businesswoman Do Lan, who just recently won the title Beauty with a Purpose in Mrs. Aodai Australia 2017 Competition in Melbourne, became the owner of Ly Nha Ky’s lace gemstones ao dai after spending 500 million.
Ly Nha Ky once again let the action speak for itself, that she is an A list star with not only a distinguished career but also a burning heart for charity. All 400 guests at the show was in awe with Ly Nha Ky’s kind heart when right after she helped bringing in 500 millions, she immediately spent 300 million on an aodai modeled by Truong Thi May, and 350 for a special scenic painting. This beautiful woman has generously spent 650 million (close to USD30,000) to charity in one night. The total amount after auction and donation was more than 1.1 billions (around USD 50,000). The money will be used to buy gifts and necessity for many families in Centre Viet Nam who has been affected by the hurricanes.
Right after the fashion show, a number of musical stages took place, bringing much excitement. The queen of Vpop, Mr. Dam Vinh Hung heated up the stage with 5 consecutive songs. With his signature Bolero and Christmas songs, he warmed up the freezing air of Hoi An. Diva Huong Lan, Ngoc Huyen, and singer Nguyen Vu, Quoc Dai, Le Minh Trung all came to raise voice to many slow and heartfelt songs.
The Tay Fashion show by designer Dinh Van Tho has ended in love and appreciation of many guests. Despite the heavy rain prior to the show, fortunately even the weather was perfect for this lovely fashion show. The crew has put their utmost effort into keeping the catwalk dry, maintaining sound and lighting quality to deliver the rustic and romantic field of a Viet Nam countryside. Rarely a show which was staged right by the river, with a 100m catwalk could bring forth the taste of home amid the whacking duckling sounds, the heavy baskets of goods, the horse carriage, the grass field, and the vivid sound of a sleeping countryside… And in the center of all, the ao dai appears as a symbol of timeless and thriving beauty.
Ngoc Linh
Photo: Tri Bui
