Modest Fashion as a Cultural Vessel for Vietnamese Womanhood

The goal of my project is to explore the redefinition of modesty and feminity for women in Vietnam ranging from the imperial period to post Doi-Moi era. The changing contours from an imperial regime to a socialist country and lastly, post-revolutionary Doi Moi. This is seen through the lens of dress and culture, and whether through our profound history, modesty can be viewed in a more positive light. I will hone in, especially on the cultural phenomenon and style of woman figures who are the embodiment of ‘the feminine figure’ during three different periods. I will attempt to convey an image where modesty can be seen as empowering, and recolored modest woman fashion in a more positive light, one that of a cultural and ideological vessel.Throughout this project, I interviewed artists and fashion designers, as well as visited various art galleries and museums in the city of Hanoi.

Growing up in Vietnam, there are stark differences in concepts of fashion across cultures. Through phases of generation transfers, it is undeniable that young Vietnamese women are going astray from the more traditional ideals of dress. Throughout my lifetime, I have had much exposure to clashing streams of opinions of what beautiful fashion means. My personal choice of dress is a conglomeration both of personal taste, but also an element of preservation of culture.