10th HCM City Ao Dai festival takes place on Nguyen Hue pedestrian street. (Photo: VNA)

The opening ceremony on Thursday presented 800 beautiful ao dai designs created by 30 prominent designers.

Particularly noteworthy was a modeling of ao dai by female consuls general and wives of consuls general, showing off the charm of Vietnam’s traditional attire and demonstrating the friendship between nations.

The festival, which will run through March 17, will include an art program, competitions, exhibitions, and a donation of ao dai to disadvantaged women.