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Vietnamese Traditional Ao Dai
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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
ÁO DÀI
The áo dài, literally meaning "long dress" or "long tunic," is one out of many traditional Vietnamese costumes worn (nowadays) most often by women. It is the national costume of the Vietnamese people. Male versions of the ao dai include the cotton áo the, traditionally for commoners, and the silk áo gấm, traditionally for the noble classes.
Pronounced "ao yai" in the south, and "ao zai" in the north, the costume has had a short history relative to the country and people of Vietnam.
Early versions of the garment date back to the early 1700's, and were influenced by imperial Chinese garb of the Qing dynasty, known as Qipao. Unlike its cousin the qipao, which is a tight fitted dress with slits on both sides (in its modern reincarnation), the áo dài is a looser tunic, which even in its tight-fitting form is still left wide and flowing at the bottom. Furthermore, the slits of the áo dài extend above the waistline, revealing a slight glimpse of the sides of the midriff.
The costume has faced countless modifications throughout the centuries but its basic form consists of a long flowing gown with a slit on both sides, often with a high fitted collar, worn over long silk pants.
Some historians have suggested that the áo dài was an evolution of different influences from many directions, including the ancient four-flapped tunic áo tứ thân, one of the other more well known (and much older than áo dài) traditional Kinh costumes.
In 1930, the Vietnamese fashion designer Cát Tường, known to the French as Monsieur Le Mur, modified it. He lengthened the áo dài so that the top reached the floor, and made it fit the curves of the body closer. With the import of an abundance of foreign fabrics in 20th century Vietnam, including broader fabric, the modernized áo dài required less material to be made and as a result the flaps also became generally slimmer.
In Saigon during the 1950s, Tran Kim of Thiet Lap Tailors and Dung of Dung Tailors modified the áo dài to a form closest to what is seen today. He produced the gowns with raglan sleeves, creating a diagonal seam that runs from the collar to the underarm.
Áo dài only continued to become more form-fitting with time.
In the 1960s the collarless áo dài style was popularized by the infamous Madame Nhu (former first lady of South Vietnam).
Despite the two major modifications to the áo dài in the 20th century, it has also seen slight changes throughout each decade as fashion changes constantly. Everything from floral to checkered patterns, the use of transparent fabrics, the tunic length being largely reduced or lengthened, has all been seen throughout different eras of Vietnamese history.
The áo dài has always been more prevalent in the south than in the north, and has faced a surge in popularity in recent years, even with overseas Vietnamese.
In recent decades it has inspired worldwide renowned fashion designers such Chanel and Ralph Lauren, among other big names, to create entire collections of áo dài.
The most popular style of the áo dài as we see it today is tight-fitting around the wearer's upper torso, emphasizing her bust and curves. For this reason, the áo dài, while it covers the whole body, is said to be provocative, especially when it is made of thin or see-through fabric.
Source:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%81o_d%C3%A0i |
trekks, Roly, pablominto, romanaa, lasscor has marked this note useful
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- trekks
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1241 W: 114 N: 1979]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-g-g.gif)
(6842) - [2008-01-07 18:29]
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Very nice work, Thanh, because I thought the earlier post was a one-off candid shot. You surprised me by this great portrait shot and having a good model with striking red dress. This front face is as good as the previous, or maybe even better with direct eye contact and lovely smile.
Great job. TFS
bill
later
- daddo
![Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1641 W: 29 N: 1668]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-s-g.gif)
(7689) - [2008-01-07 21:23]
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Hi Thanh. So , she wasn't just a stranger whom you photographed from behind. she is known to you and is a beautiful woman with a lovely smile.How long do you think before the bicycle, the conical hat and the ao dai become something from the past? To me these things, and the charm of the people, represent Vietnam.Regards. Klaudio.
Hi Thanh. Great photo. The subject and background are well separated by colour and sharpness. Nice work and thanks for sharing.
Cheers, Paul.
Hello Thanh,
A beautiful image with the Dof and complimentary colors, the dappled shadows adds much to the airy scene and adds depth also. The model you chose is as beautiful as your image, a great combination...
Steve
Hello Thanh,
She is a lovely lady, very elegant!
Pleasant composition where her red dress is an effective eye-catcher...
The setting contributes to this fine feeling of depth!
Greetings,
Pablo -
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- pawelx
![Silver Star Critiquer [C: 48 W: 0 N: 7]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-n-n.gif)
(200) - [2008-01-08 0:11]
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Lovely portrait and an interesting story - yourself being a local resident makes it infinitely more plausible.
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- BennyV
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 260 W: 1 N: 283]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/g-n-g.gif)
(1276) - [2008-01-08 2:45]
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Dear Tham,
This is a classic image of Vietnam. I am always intrigued by the way the colour of the ao dai fits in with the surroundings.
Benny
Hello,
Perefect portrait with beutiful backgound. I love the contrast of colours.
Well done.
Romana
Nice shot, I prefer with the face looking at the camera.
Well done,
Jean-Claude
Hi Ha Thanh,
Lovely woman in red traditional áo dài.
Lovely scene and expressive face.
Great idea to share the same scene, one time from back and another time from face.
TFS,
Corinne
Nice colors, lighting and composition.
![Silver Note Writer [C: 3 W: 0 N: 14]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/n-n-s.gif){kind=small}
![Silver Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor [C: 32 W: 18 N: 1]](http://i1.trekearth.com/misc/s-s-n.gif)
(159)
Hi Thanh,
You capture good photo, good framing good model specially her red dress.