From:  Bob Brossia

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:   Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

Had one made for m wife--really sharp get up.


    From:  Peter Berlin

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:   Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

Rick, pretty painting...is it yours?


AFVN Group Conversations

I had to redo this page in June 2017 and while doing it I thought I might add a short note regarding the kimono in Japan.

The kimono is making a comeback of sorts  as something the tourists in Japan wish to try on and get their picture taken, etc.  

I recall helping an exchange student do this in Kyoto perhaps some 25 years ago, but only recently has it become a boom of sorts.

Jim White


    From:  Jim White

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:   Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

Sad, yes, but a fact of modern life. In Japan, one seldom sees a kimono unless attending a wedding reception or a university graduation. Neither do I remember seeing many women wearing ankle length full skirts and sunbonnets in Kansas recently.

Jim 


Disappearance of the Ao Dai

May 2015

    From:  Rick Fredericksen

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:   Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

You're right Jim, but of all the national dress cultures in the world, the Vietnamese ao dai must be among the most attractive.  But impractical too.  I remember young ladies on motor scooters would fasten the flowing front and back panels with a clothes pin. One time, I saw the fabric torn away when it got tangled in the moving scooter parts.


    From:  Brian Wickham

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:   Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

Perfection in an ao dai.  Taken at the Saigon Zoo circa December 1968.  


    From:  Rick Fredericksen

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:   Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

Oh my!


    From:  Rick Fredericksen

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:  Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

​Something to lament: The virtual disappearance of the ao dai from modern Saigon, according to old journalists in Vietnam for this week's anniversary. They are mostly found in the tourism industry; rarely worn by everyday women on the streets anymore.


   I had  to reconstruct this page in June 2017 so I am note sure if this is Brian's photo or not.   Webmaster

    From:  Rick Fredericksen

   Dated:  May 3, 2015

Subject:   Something to Lament- The Virtual Disappearance of the Ao Dai

Yes, Peter. It's over our living room fireplace; a gift from a Thai friend who has a branch office in Vietnam.