An exhibition entitled “Fashion and Antiques” coorganised by the Hanoi Old Quarter Management Board and artists Nguyen Manh Duc, Ha Xuan Huong and Ha Tien Dung took place at the Culture Exchange Centre at 50 Dao DuyTu Street in Hoan Kiem District which was an impressive show for the audience.
Many Vietnamese antiques, including ancient statues and pottery objects dating back to the 16th – 19th centuries of antiquary Ha Tien Dung, were showcased at a meditative and ancient space inside the Hanoi Old Quarter area. The fanciful space of old objects served as a background for a fashion show of designer Ha Xuan Huong. The combination of antiques with dark hues and the stylish designs of ao yem and vay dup (Vietnamese brassiere and skirt) brought an aesthetic harmony. Originating from the beauty of ancient pottery, Ha Xuan Huong created 20 modern fashion designs which were decorated with pottery pieces and coins that honored the Vietnamese costumes.
A ballet dancer performs at the exhibition. Photo: Le Bich
20 stylised costumes by designer Ha Xuan Huong. Photo: Le Bich The unique performance in the installation space of antiques creates a harmony for the exhibition. Photo: Le Bich
Valuable antiques dating back to the 16th–19th centuries
of antiquary Ha Tien Dung are showcased at the exhibition. Photo: Le Bich
Rhythmic moves of ballet dancers show the beauty of the costumes. Photo: Le Bich Antique pottery displayed at the exhibition. Photo: Le Bich Designs stylised from yem ao and vay dup. Photo: Le Bich
Ancient statues at the exhibition. Photo: Le Bich
Designs performed by ballet dancers create the difference for the exhibition. Photo: Le Bich
These designs were performed by ballet dancers instead of professional models which gave the viewers an unforgettable experience.
The Vinh Moc Tunnels and the Vinh Linh “tunnel village” system are magnificent and unique military architectural structures stretching for dozens of kilometers underground. Built during the resistance war against the United States, they served as a steadfast stronghold where the resilient army and people of Vinh Linh, the “land of steel”, clung to their homeland, vowing, “Not an inch will be lost, not a step will be taken back”, to defend their country and maintain the vital transport routes to the frontlines.