"Vietnam - A Symphony of Tropical Colors": Moscow Polytech Students Present Ao Dai Collection
The ao dai collection "Hanoi and 12 Seasons of Flowers" was created by designer Vu Viet Ha. As the author explained, it represents a visual journey through the months of the year, where each month is associated with a specific flower evoking memories of Hanoi - from January's peach blossom and March's flame tree to April's white lily, June's lotus, and autumn's chamomile. The collection was showcased on Red Square by Moscow Polytech student models, who received personal invitations from Vietnamese Ambassador to Russia Dang Minh Khoi.
Anastasia Zhalybina's look symbolized the flowering of alstonia in September. The ao dai collection embodies 1930s Hanoi aesthetics, inspired by sketches from artists Le Pho, Mai Trung Thu, and other renowned masters of that era. The dresses, featuring seamless silhouettes, were handcrafted by artisans from Chát Sa village using traditional silk, hand-dyed and embroidered. As Anastasia shared, the models underwent extensive runway rehearsals in central Moscow before the show.
"The Vietnamese culture festival on Red Square left only positive impressions: here you can sample Vietnamese cuisine, watch traditional water puppet shows, touch authentic silk, and discover the country through photographers' lenses capturing Vietnam's finest landmarks and scenic spots. And of course, the traditional banh bao buns with meat, glass noodles, and egg. It still feels unreal how everything came together - but when fate gives such an opportunity, you must seize it completely! This isn't just about wearing beautiful outfits on stage - it's about connecting with another culture and becoming part of a major international event. Right in the heart of my hometown - on Red Square!" Anastasia Zhalybina shared enthusiastically.
The cultural festival "Vietnam - A Symphony of Tropical Colors" opened on July 25 and will run through August 3. Organizers note that for the first time in history, Red Square has been filled with Vietnam's cultural hues and aromas. The event marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Attendees included spouse of the General Secretary Ngo Phuong Le, Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Hai Binh, Deputy Foreign Minister Ngo Le Van, and Ambassador Dang Minh Khoi. The Russian delegation featured First Deputy Chairman of the Federation Council Andrey Yatskin, Moscow Deputy Mayor Natalya Sergunina, Deputy Culture Minister Andrey Malyshev, and Russian Ambassador to Vietnam Gennady Bezdetko.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Ms. Ngo Phuong Le affirmed that the establishment of Vietnam-Russia diplomatic relations 75 years ago not only opened a new chapter in bilateral ties but also demonstrated solidarity, trust, and mutual support between the two nations.
In turn, Andrey Yatskin emphasized that this major cultural event at Moscow's historic heart testifies to the remarkable development of Vietnamese-Russian relations, which both sides pledged to strengthen during General Secretary To Lam's official visit to Russia in May 2025.
The festival program features daily performances by Vietnamese artists. Beyond traditional music, audiences enjoy puppet and water theater shows, with artists sharing their homeland's stories through music, warmth, and Eastern hospitality.
The event is hosted by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Embassy in Russia, under the auspices of the Moscow Government.
