Ms. Dinh Thi Kim Lan is a beautiful example of a modern Hanoi woman: fulfilled in her career, complete in her family life, and steadfast in her commitment to community values. After retirement, instead of choosing a leisurely life, she continues to dedicate herself to social activities and currently serves as the President of the Khue Van Cac Women’s Association in Hanoi – an organization that brings together intelligent women who love culture and strive for enduring humanistic values.
In Kim Lan, one easily senses the calm and profound demeanor of a woman who has traversed many stages of life but still retains her passion for beauty, especially the Vietnamese ao dai (traditional dress). For her, the ao dai is not just a garment, but a living cultural heritage, intertwined with the memories, character, and soul of the Vietnamese people.
Kim Lan wears the ao dai naturally in her daily life, not waiting for festivals or formal occasions. She chooses to wear the ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) to work, when meeting friends, and when participating in community activities. Each garment is cherished as a part of her identity, a gentle slice of memory and tradition. The ao dai, therefore, is present in her life in a persistent, intimate, and deeply respectful way.
Beyond simply wearing it, Kim Lan also dedicates time to researching the history and meaning of the ao dai, understanding why this garment is so deeply connected to the beauty, grace, and soul of the Vietnamese people across generations. This understanding allows her to wear the ao dai not only beautifully but also with profound spiritual meaning.
In particular, Kim Lan consistently supports ao dai designers and tailors, prioritizing handcrafted tailoring and valuing every stitch. For her, this is not just a personal choice but also a way to contribute to preserving traditional crafts and retaining the “spirit” of ancient values in modern life.
Through taking photos and sharing her feelings about the ao dai (Vietnamese traditional dress) on social media, in ao dai clubs and communities, Kim Lan quietly spreads that love to many people. She also actively organizes and participates in activities honoring the ao dai, such as ao dai festivals, cultural performances, exchanges, and charitable activities related to the Vietnamese dress.
For Kim Lan, the ao dai is a spiritual value – a symbol of gentleness, grace, national pride, and the feminine beauty of Vietnam. Her love for the ao dai is not loud or ostentatious, but quiet yet enduring, just as she is preserving it so that it remains beautiful and vibrant in life today.
