Through her "Silk Talk," a Viet expat aims to promote products from her homeland to Italy's world-class fashion industry.

On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy, the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy and designer Minh Hanh co-organised a programme called "Heritage Connection Journey", bringing Vietnamese silk and fashion to the Italian public through fashion shows and “Silk Talk” with leading Italian designers as guests.

This is an art fashion event that opens a series of cultural exchange events between Vietnam and Italy. This is also in effort to recognize Vietnamese silk on the world silk map.

Attending the program were Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang; Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi; Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung; Director of Rome Department of Fashion, Tourism and Sports Alessandro Onorato; General Advisor Fabio Cassese and many representatives of famous Italian fashion brands and the media.

Italian and international friends at the opening of the Vietnam-Italy Year 2023 were impressed by shows of Vietnam’s traditional long dress which were inspired by Italy’s heritage sites and designed by Minh Hanh. Source: VTV

A Vietnamese silk fashion show. Source: VTV

Source: VTV

The show was held at the world's first commercial center, Mercati di Traiano. This is considered a legacy of the ancient city of Rome.

30 Vietnamese and Italian models created a colorful show. The highlight of the show is this performance on the ancient city walls more than 2,000 years old, politicians and especially Italians have been able to admire 120 hand-embroidered costumes and nearly 100 sets of modern and liberal ao dai designs.

All are made from the natural silk of Vietnam. Throughout the program, the image of Ao Dai, conical hat, bamboo and silk made a strong impression on the audience.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung speaks at Vietnamese silk fashion show. Source: VTV

Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung shared that the purpose of the event is to show respect for the good friendship between Vietnam and Italy, thereby enhancing understanding between the two countries and opening up good cooperation opportunities in the coming time.

After the show, designer Minh Hanh met many Italian fashion business partners and deem the event to be a success.

"The collection of performances in the heart of Italy, right in Rome, where many heritages and quintessence of humanity are gathered is an indescribable feeling. All bring me pride as well as confidence in the cultural, trade and economic cooperation between Vietnam and Italy," Hanh said.

Meanwhile, with 42 years of experience in the luxury fashion industry in Italy such as Prada, Valentino, Roberto Cavalli, all that Gioacchiano Barletta cares about and pursue is quality-oriented, he stressed that it's been a long time since he's seen fashion collection with Vietnamese mark.

Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at Vietnamese silk fashion show. Source: VTV

Like many Vietnamese, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said she always admires the great culture and wondrous beauty that blends the mighty natural wonders of the world along with historical architectures such as Mercati di Traiano Museo dei Fori Imperiali, where the show is held.

"That particular cultural element has brought Italy to become more and more popular and beloved in Vietnam, from world cultural heritages such as Colosseum, Pantheon, Domus Aurea, masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, famous opera singers such as Renata Tebaldi, Luciano Pavarotti to Italian dishes such as pizza, spaghetti or Vespa scooters gracefully glide on the Hanoi's streets."

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi speaks at Vietnamese silk fashion show. Source: VTV

Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Maria Tripodi emphasised the Vietnam-Italy year is the fruit of a common commitment, marked by deep friendship and solidarity. "For us, Vietnam is an important friend and essential partner for balanced, sustainable economic development in the Indo-Pacific region".

According to ANSA news agency (Italy), the fashion show within the framework of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Italy, opens with a collection of collections inspired by Italian cultural heritage, made of silk from Vietnam Silk House. Ao Dai - Vietnam's traditional costume - is presented with various and fancy variations on the backdrop of ancient Rome. The unique creations of designer Minh Hanh - the main character of the event - completely conquered the audience".

At an event named 'Silk Talk'. Source: Thanh Nien newspaper

Earlier on March 29, "Silk Talk", which was held at the Vietnamese Embassy in Italy, not only introduced products of the Vietnamese silk industry but also the history and techniques of Vietnamese silk production, to representatives from the fashion and beauty industries, experts in sustainable agriculture production and Italian press.

With its strength in hand-woven silk, which is still rare in the global fashion industry, Bao Loc city from the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong introduced its silk products to the warm welcome of fashion experts and professional units in Italy. The show opened a new direction for the development of fashion in particular and other fields in general for the two countries.

According to the World Bank, Vietnam is a major silk manufacturer and ranks second globally in terms of raw silk exports. Vietnamese silk has also established its position among the world's top-quality silk products.

The sericulture and silk weaving craft has long been an important traditional economic activity of Vietnamese people.

Silk production is currently a spearhead industry in many Vietnamese provinces where there are favorable conditions for the sustainable development of silk production and silk-based products.

Q.Hoa t.h / Vietnamtimes