Last week I accompanied Rogene on a search for the perfect áo dài (pronounced ow-zai), a traditional Vietnamese long dress with two panels and silk pants.
In Vietnam, high school girls used to wear a white áo dài as part of their uniform. Nowadays, I see it most often worn on holidays and weddings.
We went to the famous Danny Nguyen Couture, a young designer whose works are often seen around Houston's fashion shows and at Yellow Magazine's events. He's known for using bold prints and incorporating other cultural influences into an áo dài, yet maintaining the two-panel design and silk pants.
He also lent some of his designs for a fashion show at the upcoming Youth Excellence Luncheon on Aug. 4 that honors graduating high school valedictorians and salutatorians in the Greater Houston area. I can't wait to see them!
How to Choose a Vietnamese Aó Dài
First, you choose the silk fabric. A single layer with prints or overlapping layers can do the trick.
Second, you choose a unique design, which makes this custom-made dress so much fun to begin with -- the traditional high neckline evolved to more contemporary designs that showcase the fusion of Vietnamese American culture. Here, Rogene opted for a V-neck and I have a sweetheart neckline shaped like a halter top.
Third, you choose the occasion. Rogene and I went to the 4th anniversary of VAN-TV (55.2) , a Vietnamese broadcasting station based in Houston. I saw many familiar faces and was so impressed to see Rogene on stage in full galore, complete with a hat, áo dài khan đống, and the sequined overcoat.
Dr. Vu Van Ban and his wife Victoria Bich Ngoc (left photo) of Blue Jade Beauty Center own VAN-TV as well.
With Diana Tran, Pharm.D. who hosts the health and wellness program for VAN-TV.
With Melanie Flowers, a candidate for Judge in the Family District Court
