Log in
Life

Chinese fashion collection angers Vietnamese on Ao Dai plagiarism

Vietnamese designers expressed their discontent with the collection and the way Chinese media praised the copycat.

The release of Ne-Tiger, a Chinese fashion house, has angered Vietnamese after the brand presented a collection of outfits which looked exactly like Vietnamese women's iconic gown: the Ao Dai long dress at the China Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2019,

 Some designs at the show of Chinese fashion house. 

The event was covered by an article on China Daily with the title "Chinese style delights China S/S Fashion Week''. Vietnamese netizens are wondering how their centuries-old national gown is now a Chinese “creation” and accused the collection a plagiarism.

The information was firstly published on China Daily, China’s national English-language newspaper in 2018 and now it is angering Vietnamese internet users who have slammed the Chinese domestic fashion brand Ne-Tiger for the copycat.

Many comments on online platforms considered the move of Ne Tiger over the Vietnamese national costumes China’s second "nine-dash line" plot in the field of culture and fashion.

"The Ao Dai has been recognized by the world as a Vietnamese iconic gown. /Be it innovation or not, it is still design thief," a netizen commented.

"It seems that these designers have given themselves the right to copy the national dress of a country and call it their creation”, another said.

In another development, in October 2018, the Chinese website Sina reported that the collection of Ne-Tiger “was inspired” by the national outfits of countries along the maritime Silk Road 600 years ago.

Founder of the fashion brand Zhang Zhifeng said that the collection aimed to introduce traditional costumes of Southeast Asian countries emphasizing their variety of fashion styles, cultures, and histories.

For their part, some Vietnamese designers also expressed their discontent with the collection and the way Chinese media praised the copycat.

Zing.vn cited renown Ao Dai designer Vo Viet Chung as saying that Ao Dai was once copied by a Chinese designer at a fashion week in Shanghai ten years ago.

From the view of a costume designer, there is not a chance of “borrowing an idea” in fashion, he said. “Once the idea is created by a designer, it should not be used by others. In this case, Ao Dai is the Vietnamese national dress, as a result, the collection is a plagiarism and a stolen idea," Vo Viet Chung stressed.

Miss Vietnam Dang Thi Ngoc Han, an Ao Dai model, said the designs had a similarity of almost 99% with Vietnamese Ao Dai and that the palm-leaf conical hats were copied entirely without any retouch from the traditional Vietnamese farmer’s hat.

Reactions:
Share:
Trending
Most Viewed
Related news
Echoes of Earth: “GOm Show - Sound from Pottery”

Echoes of Earth: “GOm Show - Sound from Pottery”

Vietnamese artists bring national indigenous musical heritage to new heights that transforming rustic sounds into a resonant voice of deeply local and universally human characteristics.

Hanoi’s 350-year-old folk singing festival still strikes a chord

Hanoi’s 350-year-old folk singing festival still strikes a chord

The festival’s recognition as a national heritage is a profound honor for local authorities and residents, reaffirming the cultural significance of this rare folk art form rooted in the Red River region.

Hanoi exhibition delves into lives of post-Doi Moi migrants in Central Highlands

Hanoi exhibition delves into lives of post-Doi Moi migrants in Central Highlands

Decades after immigrants from Hanoi and the Red River Delta transformed Lam Dong's red basalt soil into thriving orchards, their compelling story has come to light through a series of evocative artworks.

Hanoi readies for a festive national holiday rush

Hanoi readies for a festive national holiday rush

As Vietnam approaches its 80th National Day on September 2, Hanoi prepares to celebrate with historical reverence and cultural festivities.

Explore savor authentic Filipino flavors in Hanoi

Explore savor authentic Filipino flavors in Hanoi

This cultural showcase is a highlight of the ongoing celebration of the 10th anniversary of the Philippines–Vietnam Strategic Partnership, reinforcing cultural ties between the two nations.

Author Tina Yuan launches dual works in Vietnam and Greece

Author Tina Yuan launches dual works in Vietnam and Greece

Kinhtedothi - These two works signal a transformative shift in Tina Yuan’s writing from personal introspection to a broader cultural and emotional perspective, crossing borders and connecting hearts.

Hanoi to host Russian and Indian film screenings

Hanoi to host Russian and Indian film screenings

In the next two months, Hanoi will host a series of prominent film screenings from Russia and India, offering the capital’s population a rich cinematic experience.

Michelin Guide 2025: Hanoi shines with new Green Star and Bib Gourmand entries

Michelin Guide 2025: Hanoi shines with new Green Star and Bib Gourmand entries

Hanoi remains a standout destination for food lovers exploring Vietnam's culinary landscape.