by Hoang Ha
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I can fly: A hanbok from Korean designer Kim Hee-soo modeled at the Butterfly fashion show on Sunday in HCM City. — VNS Photo Hoang Ha |
HCM CITY — Traditional Vietnamese and Korean dresses were modelled together on stage on Sunday during the Butterfly fashion show as an expression of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
More than 250 invited guests, including Vietnamese and South Korean guests, and the diplomatic corps in Viet Nam, viewed the wedding ao dai (traditional Vietnamese robe) collection of designer Le Sy Hoang and the traditional Korean costume hanbok of designer Kim Hee-soo.
Named Vuong Trieu (Royal dynasty), the wedding ao dai collection was based on the designs of the overcoats worn during the ritual celebrations of the court of the Nguyen dynasty (19th century) by the Queen Mother Doan Huy (mother of King Bao Dai) and Princess My Luong, among others.
The refined stature and expressive figure of Vietnamese dancer Linh Nga together with other models, showed off the seductive qualities of the collection.
Sy Hoang skillfully embroidered or painted vignettes of a phoenix, calabash, the images of the eight ornaments and the five primary colours (symbolic of the five basic elements) based on traditional designs used on royal silk satin made in La Khe and Van Phuc silk villages.
The collections not only enhance the beauty of the brides but are artistic works that remind couples to maintain happy families.
"In my opinion, hanbok is the most beautiful dress in the world. But I have to change that thought after this night. Your ao dai is more attractive," a Korean representative said. "I hope that you Vietnamese have the same feeling with me and think that our hanbok is beautiful too."
The hanbok designs of Korean designer Kim, who has won many prizes and is the hanbok designer of the wife of the Korean President, were modelled by 10 women who won Miss Korea from 1997 to 2007.
Kim also introduced several hanbok designs used as bridal gowns, including an elegant black and pink decollete hanbok embellished by do quyen (water-rail) flowers, and a motley green and pink decollete hanbok with two dancing peacocks.
At another event last night, South Korean actress Lee Yo-won joined Korean and Vietnamese artists in a HCM City concert titled Sharing Love at the Lan Anh music venue in District 10.
Lee was introduced to the public in 1997 and starred in KBS's TV series Kkokji (Tough Guy's Love).
The memorable musical evening included Korean violinist Park Eun-joo, singer Yang Ki-joon, Hiphop PK Crew, traditional music troupe Yeca, and Vietnamese singers, including Nam Dong Ke (Five Stripes) band, Doan Trang and Minh Quan.
The concert was broadcast live on Viet Nam Television's VTV9 channel. — VNS