Traditions and Elegance: Vietnamese Culture, Tet, and the Timeless Ao Dai

At Pham Fashion House, we believe that fashion is not just about clothing—it is about storytelling, heritage, and the incredible artistry of our talented Vietnamese textile workers. Our mission is to bring the love, care, and creativity embedded in Vietnamese culture to the global stage, showcasing the beauty of textiles that reflect generations of tradition and innovation.

I was born and raised in Nha Trang, a beautiful beach town in Vietnam, nestled next to the blue ocean where the soothing waves lulled me to sleep every night. Tet, or Lunar New Year in Vietnamese, is a deeply cherished time for family and friends to gather, honor ancestors, and prepare for a fresh start. It’s a season filled with meaningful traditions, including visiting cemeteries to clean and pay respects at ancestral graves, performing ceremonies like bidding farewell to the Kitchen God, and dedicating time to thoroughly clean the house and especially the family altar.

I have fond memories of the days leading up to Tet, when everyone was busy preparing for the new year. As a little girl, Tet was especially exciting for me because my mom would take my brother and me to the market to pick out new outfits for the holiday. All the children eagerly awaited New Year’s Day to show off their beautiful new clothes. Vietnamese textiles are exquisite, offering a wide variety of silks, vibrant colors, and intricate designs. The Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional outfit, holds a special place during Tet. This elegant long dress, often made of luxurious silk and adorned with beautiful patterns, is worn by both men and women as a symbol of grace and cultural pride. It’s common to see families dressed in matching or coordinating Ao Dai as they celebrate Tet together.

In my parents' generation, women didn’t just shine in the kitchen—they also created their own outfits and those of their family members. Designing and tailoring clothes for Tet was an expression of love and creativity. From selecting the perfect fabric to bringing imaginative designs to life, tailoring was a highly valued skill.

Older sisters would sew clothes for younger siblings, and mothers would craft garments for their husbands and children. Young women often sewed outfits for their loved ones as tokens of affection. My own mother made a shirt for my father over a decade before they were married, and he still treasures it to this day as a symbol of love. For Vietnamese women, sewing is not just a practical skill; it is a way to express care, showcase talent, and create lasting memories.

I remember being sent to a sewing school before I went abroad to study. Even now, I take pride in my ability to sew on a loose button, mend a hole in a shirt, or fix a tear without visiting a tailor. One of my favorite memories of Tet was just before I left Vietnam at the age of 17. A close friend visited to say goodbye while I was mending my little brother’s shirt. Years later, he told me that the image of me patiently threading the needle and repairing the fabric was etched in his memory as a symbol of true Vietnamese beauty—caring, sweet, patient, and gentle.

The sewing skills passed down through generations in my family have had a profound impact. My aunt, who grew up helping to mend clothes for her 11 younger siblings, later opened a successful tailoring and alterations shop in South Australia in the early 1980s. As a refugee, these skills not only helped her survive but also provided enough income to send money back to Vietnam, allowing my father and his siblings to attend college. Even now, every Tet, she sews new outfits for her family—her husband, son, daughter-in-law, and now her grandson—keeping alive the tradition of handmade clothing. These outfits are not just garments; they are symbols of love and dedication.

Traditional Lunar New Year Red Envelopes

Another cherished Tet tradition is visiting the temple. Families dress in their finest clothes, often in their Ao Dai, to offer prayers for health, happiness, and prosperity in the coming year. The temples are adorned with vibrant decorations, and the air is filled with the scent of incense and the sound of prayers. This spiritual practice is a way to connect with both the divine and the community, reinforcing a sense of gratitude and hope for the future.

For me, Tet is more than a celebration. It is a time to honor traditions, embrace creativity, and celebrate the resilience and beauty of Vietnamese culture. Whether it’s through sewing a meaningful outfit, visiting the temple, or simply spending time with loved ones, Tet reflects the values of love, care, and family that define us as a people.

My mother and I during Tet celebrations

At Pham Fashion House, we are proud to carry forward these values. Our fashion products are crafted with the same love, care, and talent that have been passed down through generations of Vietnamese artisans. Each piece tells a story—a story of creativity, tradition, and the hands that bring it to life. This Tet, as we celebrate renewal and joy, we invite you to explore the beauty of Vietnam through our creations, made with passion and rooted in culture.

Here at Pham Fashion House, heritage and culture are always in style.

Dr. Ngoc Cindy Pham

CEO & Co-Founder, Pham Fashion House