Ao Dai designer Lan Huong: Bringing traditional costumes to their rightful position

Nhan Dan - Lan Huong, an alumna of Hanoi Culture University, has developed a strong attachment to designing ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) during her ten-year career (2003–2013). She began her career with nothing: no training, no capital and no supporters. However, the determination and aspirations of this young woman helped her perform miracles.

Designer Lan Huong
Designer Lan Huong

Lan Huong Luxury Ao Dai shop, located at 128 Thuy Khue Street in Hanoi, stands as a testament to the success of the designer. This brand should be the pride of all Hanoians for its noble position and adherence to tradition in these modern times. Above all, Lan Huong Ao Dai shop is known as a wonderful place for foreign tourists to enjoy the traditional female costume of Vietnamese culture.

In 2003, Lan Huong opened her first wedding dress shop, named Xinh Xinh Vip, in Hanoi’s Mai Hac De Street. At that time, Lan Huong formed her idea for ao dai design and then released her first ao dai collections, which were supported in the world of fashion and communications and were introduced at important fashion shows across the country.

The first highlight of Lan Huong’s career was a design she made for Phuong Anh when she took part in the Vietnam Miss Student contest. Her notoriety later grew as a designer who specialised in designing ao dai for politicians, artists, businesswomen and celebrated beauties.

In 2004, ao dai designed by Lan Huong were worn by politicians from 11 ASEAN countries at the ASEAN cultural week. After that, she was further honoured when her dresses were selected as the ceremonial uniforms of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summits in Vietnam.

On the occasion of the 1000th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi in 2010, Lan Huong’s patterns for ao dai embroidered with 1000 dragons (for men) and phoenixes (for women) were showcased. They were also recognised by the Vietnam Book of Records as the longest ao dai ever made, each with a length of 10 metres. These honours and accolades served as milestones in the steady advance of her career.

In 2012, Lan Huong decided to separate her products into two lines – Lan Huong Luxury for customers who are very particular about their clothing and have a larger budget, and LaSen for customers with less to spend.

The year 2013 marked the 10th anniversary of Lan Huong’s career as a designer, and was studded with a variety of successes. She plans to launch a high-quality product line, Lan Huong Luxury silk scarfs, which will convey the beauty and quintessence of Vietnamese sewing and embroidery crafts while affirming Lan Huong’s boundless creativity.

Lan Huong's record Ao Dai dresses