The Vietnamese Áo Dài in a Time of War explores the significance of Vietnam’s national costume—the áo dài—during the Vietnam War.

Honoring the 50th anniversary of a conflict, the legacies of which continue to haunt us to this day, the exhibition highlights the contributions of Vietnamese women to politics, society, and culture. Artifacts trace the history of the áo dài as a practical item of clothing and important symbol of Vietnamese heritage and identity in Vietnam, among Vietnamese Americans, and on the global stage—thus showing how a national costume can be both traditional and modern fashion with meanings that change over time and space.

Co-curated by Professors Ann Marie Leshkowich (Anthropology, College of the Holy Cross), Martina Nguyen (History, Baruch College, City University of New York), and Tuong Vu (Political Science, University of Oregon).

Panel: Fashion, Politics, and Cultural Identity: The Vietnamese Áo Dài
Thursday, September 11 | 4:30 p.m.
Rehm Library (Smith Hall)

Opening Reception: The Vietnamese Áo Dài in a Time of War
Thursday, September 11 | 6 p.m.
Cantor Art Gallery

Film Screening: Journey from the Fall
Friday, September 12 | 5 p.m.
Rehm Library (Smith Hall)

Living Threads: Community, Culture and the Áo Dài
Thursday, October 23 | 4 p.m.
The Beehive at The Prior

Concert: The Odyssey–from Vietnam to America
Tuesday, November 4 | 7:30 p.m.
Luth Concert Hall in The Prior

Workshop: The Politics of National Costume in Asia
Friday & Saturday, November 7 & 8
Rehm Library (Smith Hall)