On the morning of November 8, at FPT University Ho Chi Minh City campus, the cultural series “Tam Phuong,” organized by the Mother’s Association in collaboration with Multimedia Communications students, officially took place. Here, young participants had the opportunity to engage, listen, and immerse themselves in the unique cultural elements of Vietnamese clothing and cuisine.
The event, featuring a wide range of activities, will run over two days, November 8 and 9, at FPT University Ho Chi Minh City campus. Highlights include a talk titled “Queen Nam Phuong – the Ao Dai Ambassador of the 1930s-40s-50s” with guest speakers, including poet and culinary artist Ho Dac Thieu Anh, Vice Director of the Unesco Center for Vietnamese Culinary Culture in HCMC, and Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, co-author of the book Following the Footsteps of Queen Nam Phuong and King Bao Dai. Additional activities include a culinary space, “Tam Vi,” where guests can savor local flavors, and the “Silken Eternity” exhibit, showcasing and offering hands-on experiences with traditional Vietnamese garments. Other interactive stations allow participants to craft pastries and create character cut-outs inspired by their own images.
During the talk on “Queen Nam Phuong – the Ao Dai Ambassador of the 1930s-40s-50s,” students were immersed in discussions about the significance of the Ao Dai, the cultural and historical journey of this traditional dress, Queen Nam Phuong’s story intertwined with the Ao Dai, and the modern-day relevance of this attire.
In her reflections, Ms. Ho Dac Thieu Anh guided young people through the profound memories of a historical witness, connecting them with the cultural heritage of Vietnam’s traditional attire. As a Huế native, she serves as a cultural ambassador, enabling students to gain a deeper understanding of the elegance of Vietnamese culinary culture and what remains of it today.
Driven by a passion for Vietnamese culture and history, Ms. Thanh Thuy offered fresh and unique perspectives on Queen Nam Phuong’s life, sharing little-known details about the last queen of the Nguyen Dynasty and her connection to the Ao Dai. According to Ms. Thanh Thuy, Queen Nam Phuong, adorned in the traditional Ao Dai, was not only an icon of noble beauty but also a cultural symbol, where past and present harmonize. Despite her frequent appearances in European attire, Queen Nam Phuong maintained a profound respect for the Ao Dai, the traditional dress of Vietnam.
Moreover, the series features the “Tam Vi” culinary space, led by educator Doan Thi Lien, offering a taste of familiar Vietnamese cuisine. Students can also explore the exhibition space, where they can try on traditional silk Ao Dai, ethnic woven Ao Dai, hand-painted, and hand-embroidered Ao Dai designs.
According to event organizers, “Tam Phuong” is a project that celebrates Vietnamese culture through the story of “Queen Nam Phuong – the Ao Dai Ambassador of the 1930s-40s-50s” and the richness of Vietnamese cuisine. This event aims to honor the nation’s cultural and historical values, offering young people fresh and enriching experiences.