The revival of traditional clothing has become a hot topic in Vietnam, with the ao dai, a traditional Vietnamese garment, taking center stage. To promote the wearing of ao dai among men, Vietnamese artists worldwide have launched the #ViệtPhụcMuônNăm challenge, drawing manga-style characters donning ao dai.
Reviving Ao Dai-Wearing Tradition
The #ViệtPhụcMuônNăm challenge aims to reignite the tradition of ao dai-wearing among Vietnamese men, especially male students who no longer embrace this cultural attire as part of their daily wardrobes. Through vibrant illustrations and imaginative sketches, artists express their support for this revival movement.
Image credit: Nguyễn Quỳnh
By infusing fantasy elements into their artwork, these artists aim to capture the interest of young people and encourage them to explore and appreciate their cultural heritage. Their creative endeavors are a testament to their passion for reviving and preserving the tradition of ao dai-wearing.
Showcasing Diverse Styles
In response to the perception that ao dai is feminine and impractical for everyday wear, artists have stepped up to illustrate alternative perspectives. For example, artist Lop Lop depicts male students playing sports comfortably in loose-fitting ao dai, challenging the notion that it inhibits movement.
Image credit: Châu Chặt Chém
The diversity of ao dai styles throughout history is also highlighted in the artwork. Tuyền Thanh Rat, a local artist, beautifully portrays the evolution of ao dai designs from the 1880s to the 1950s, showcasing the richness and versatility of this traditional attire.
Image credit: Tuyền Thanh Rat
Netizen Reactions
The #ViệtPhụcMuônNăm challenge has quickly gained momentum, attracting the attention of netizens from all walks of life. Their reactions have been mixed, with various opinions shared in the comment sections of these illustrations.
Some netizens envision ao dai as a school uniform, not only for female students but also for male students. They express their delight at the idea of everyone wearing ao dai every Monday morning, citing its cuteness and cultural significance.
Image adapted from: Tuyền Thanh Rat
Fashion enthusiasts offer suggestions on how to incorporate ao dai into modern styles. They propose pairing male ao dai with jeans for a sporty look or adjusting the length of the flaps for more convenience in movement.
Image adapted from: Jay Le Paninie
However, not all netizens embrace the idea of wearing ao dai in everyday situations. Some argue that it is inconvenient for both men and women and should not be imposed as obligatory attire.
Celebrating Vietnamese Culture
While opinions differ, it is heartening to see more Vietnamese young people engaging with their cultural heritage through discussions about ao dai-wearing. The ao dai is a symbol of Vietnamese culture, cherished by both men and women, and its revival sparks a renewed interest in preserving and understanding Vietnamese traditions.
Image credit: Huế Hành
The #ViệtPhụcMuônNăm challenge showcases the power of art and creativity in advocating for cultural appreciation. Through manga-style illustrations, Vietnamese artists are making ao dai relevant and enticing to a new generation. As the movement gains traction, it serves as a reminder that embracing cultural traditions can be both fashionable and meaningful.
Cover image adapted from: Phương Hoài Lâm, Nguyen Chén, Châu Chặt Chém
