Organizer: Global Vietnam Studies at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute, Columbia University; Vietmode
Type/Location: In Person / New York, NY
Description:
Global Vietnam Studies at the Weatherhead East Asian Institute and Vietmode proudly present The Journey Connecting Heritage, a special program honoring 30 years of U.S.–Vietnam reconciliation and celebrating the beauty of Vietnamese culture through its arts, crafts, and iconic national dress, the áo dài.
Conversation with Minh Hanh and Artisans – Gain insights from Vietnam’s leading fashion designers and artisans on how the áo dài and traditional crafts have become symbols of national pride and global cultural exchange.
The Áo Dài Showcase – A live performance featuring Minh Hanh’s contemporary designs that reimagine Vietnam’s national dress while drawing on the artistry of traditional crafts and celebrated Vietnamese painters.
Art & Craft Exhibits – Experience the richness of silk weaving, embroidery, rattan work, and painting, brought to Columbia by artisans dedicated to preserving Vietnam’s heritage.
About the Speaker:
Minh Hanh is one of Vietnam’s most celebrated designers and a pioneer in bringing traditional Vietnamese crafts into global fashion. Known for blending ethnic fabrics, motifs, and embroidery into modern design, she has elevated the áo dàiinto an international symbol of artistry and cultural pride.
Her dynamic approach often combines fashion with hands-on learning—engaging artisans, students, and scholars in interactive workshops that preserve and reimagine Vietnam’s textile traditions. Minh Hanh’s impact has earned her global recognition, including:
Special Award, Asia Collection (Makuhari, Japan, 1997)
Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres (France, 2006)
Fukuoka Prize for Arts and Culture (Japan, 2015)
ASEAN Selection Award – Top 10 ASEAN Artisans (Thailand, 2016)
Registration:
To attend the event in person, please register here.