The garments blend traditional and modern ao dai silhouettes, digitally printed on silk fabric.

Designer Tran Thien Khanh unveiled 50 designs across two new ao dai collections, Huong ky uc and Lam Ngoc, during the Vu Lan season.

According to Tran Thien Khanh, this occasion allows him to use fashion to honor his mother's nurturing and the women who have supported his ao dai creative journey.

The designer stated that the collection, sharing the show's name, evolved from his childhood memories. Images of his mother's hands and the daily rhythm of life for Hue residents are recreated on the ao dai.

"There are very simple things that, as we mature, we realize are the most precious," he said.

His mother's banh loc vendor is depicted on one of the ao dai designs.

The second collection, Lam Ngoc, draws inspiration from the Huong river. The designer predominantly used blue hues, combining lotus patterns, swirling clouds, and motifs reminiscent of Hue's imperial court.

One design features a stylized yem-style collar with a waist-hugging silhouette, embellished with sparkling stones to mimic the Huong river's flowing water.

First runner-up Miss Grand Vietnam 2026 Ngo Bao Ngoc (center) opened the show. 4th runner-up Miss Grand Vietnam 2023 Dang Hoang Tam Nhu (right) and 3rd runner-up Miss Grand Vietnam 2022 Tran Nguyen Minh Thu closed the collection with a dual catwalk.

Tran Thien Khanh is an ao dai designer from Central Vietnam, known for his distinct imperial ao dai style. His garments have been chosen by many beauty queens. He introduced his designs in England in September 2015. In 2016, he participated in the Hue Ao Dai Festival with the "Huyen Bi Phuong Dong" collection, inspired by the lotus. In 2024, he staged the "Thuong" show in Hue, celebrating 20 years in the profession.

Hoang Dung

Photos, video: Provided by subject