Izza Ebalo

Period 5


Introduction

Hook

Unlike the vibrant colors of the Korean “Hanbok”, or the exotic intricate designs of the Indian “Saris”, Vietnamese women who wear “Ao Dai”, flaunts a simple yet elegant beauty in everyday life.

Context

Thesis
Statement

The “Ao Dai” is a Vietnamese traditional costume, commonly worn by women. Influenced by a combination Western and Eastern elements of fashion , consisting of a silky cascading gown with trousers, Ao Dai has become the icon of Vietnamese feminine beauty.
The ao dai has its way to differentiate its own effortless yet unique style, modified throughout three hundred years of history making it suitable for its environment, yet still remains popular and influential in the modern day Vietnamese culture, gradually growing its way out of borders. Today, due to its timelessness, the ao dai remained the national dress for both Vietnamese women and men.

Body Paragraph #1

Topic Sentence “Ao Dai” literally meaning “Long Dress”, is a pure, demure, and yet provocative outfit that suits all ages.
Evidence

Analysis

Ao Dai has become the most preferred dress on an everyday wear and during formal events for Vietnamese women.

Transition

Ao Dai is a two piece attire, thorough length, worn over silky trousers. It is split by a front and back panel, making it convenient for movement.
Women wear ao dai in varied colors and patterns, expressed of the wearer’s age and status. Young schoolgirls wear pure white, to signify innocence and clarity. Matured single women transition into soft pastel shades, whereas, married women wear strong, rich colors. (Ao Dai:
History and Significance in Culture, 2009) The Ao Dai is most commonly worn in universities or schools, festivals, pageants, workplaces, and other formal occasions.

However, the garment is thought to borrow its distinct style of clothing from its neighboring lands.


Izza Ebalo

Period 5

Body Paragraph #2

Topic Sentence The ao dai today has been altered many times to accommodate
Vietnam’s busy, evolving environment.
Evidence

Traditional Chinese clothing has greatly influenced the history of Ao
Dai. Lying beside the silk road, the ao dai is made out of silk, and later on were introduced to other types of fabric. The light, flowing material makes it favorable of Vietnam’s humid tropical climate. Until this day, the origin of the Ao Dai is still yet to be confirmed. Although, it is thought to be that Ao Dai was once a mere article of clothing to distinguish the southern courtiers of Vietnam under the control of the southern Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat. It is also thought to be that, Ao dai is a dissimilarity of Ao Tu Than, which were worn by the peasant women in the North. However, both garments have different origins. In the 1930s, inspired by Manchu Chinese fashions, the modern Ao Dai has been altered by a Vietnamese fashion designer known Le Mur, and was later on modified to the ao dai to a form closest to what is seen today, by Tran Kim along with Dung of Thiet Lap Tailors and Dung
Tailors. (A Brief History of Ao Dai)

Analysis

Ao Dai was an evolution of many different influences from many directions. Transition

As ao dai continued to become more form fitting in time, it has slowly formed loose of its borders to evolve and to become an inspiration to the worldwide renowned fashion world.

Body Paragraph #3

Topic Sentence

The beauty of women dressed in ao dai never fails to impress the eyes of many, universally.

Evidence

The ao dai is still worn often in special occasions or holidays, such as
“Tet” or weddings. Besides special occasions, some workplaces require employees to wear ao dai and high school girls wear this garment everyday. Like the Japanese kimono and the Chinese cheongsam, the ao dai’s modest yet intriguing designs, caught the eyes of many big non Asian fashion designers, such as, Ralph Lauren,
Claude Montana, and Giorgio Armani. (Ao Dai ­ Vietnam’s National
Dress; A Brief History of Ao Dai) The Ao Dai beauty pageants has also become a staple in Vietnamese entertainment industry. As the ao dai’s model became more trendy, its popularity rose in the early
1980s. In 1989, the “Miss Ao Dai” competition, founded by Ho Chi
Mihn newspapers first begun. Due to the immense influx of emigration, the Vietnamese also brung ao dai with them, making it


Izza Ebalo

Period 5

known to the world. The “Miss Ao Dai” competition also takes place international places such as, Long Beach, California and Toronto,
Canada. (Ao Dai: Vietnamese Traditional Clothing, 2013)
Analysis

Although, the material and style of the ao dai has changed throughout the years, its purpose, history, and significance still remains.

Conclusion

Ao Dai’s prominent style adopted from the western and eastern traits, to create a product that is uniquely Vietnamese, continues to dominate and inspire many worldwide, yet still remains Vietnam’s symbol of pride, identity, and femininity. One of the lasting image for any foreigner is the aesthetic of the women dressed in their ao dais. Whether it’s youthful girls dressed in white gliding through the streets on their bikes, or the worker in wispy hues greeting you by the entrance, The ao dai manages to flatter every figure. Despite the abundant history of the ao dai, it rapidly became not just the country’s national dress, but also the influence of the people’s patriotism.