Though all state managers, experts and cultural diplomats agree that having a national costume is important, there are still many disagreements about the criteria to choose that national costume.
Miss Vietnam World 2010 Luu Thi Diem Huong in traditional Ao dai
At a conference about criteria for national outfits, Deputy Minister of Cultures, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien highlighted the importance of traditional dress, saying "The national costume establishes cultural identity and expresses the independence of a nation."
Since the 90s, the official national costume issue has been discussed at many conferences and displayed at fashion contests, but has not gained any official status.
According to historian Duong Trung Quoc, a national costume would have to display the country's identity and be wearable by diplomats on official trips abroad.
Trung has not been alone in his concerns. Professor Hoang Chuong said that Deputy Prime Minister once told him a story about the Vietnam - South Korean Culture Festival night. The Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism felt embarrassed because the S. Koean Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism wore the national costume and while they did not.
On the other hand there are opinions from those such as Tran Khanh Chuong, Chairman of Vietnam Fine Art Association, who says that even though the 'ao dai' has become the default national dress for women, for men it might not be suitable for modern times. He added, however, that the three-piece suit has no Vietnamese roots and that something that is more representative of the country could be worn during symbolic events.
National costume for male stirs up controversy
It has been widely agreed that for women the 'ao dai' is the national costume, but there is some dispute whether it should be 'ao dai' for male or western business suit for men.
Many delegates suggested that there be a clear distinction between a "national costume" and a "formal outfit", making the male 'ao dai' the national costume and the three piece suit the "formal outfit". Their argument was that this would make business and political affairs more expedient.
Though 'ao dai' has long been a symbol of Vietnam, many said 'ao dai' is more suitable for females and that Vietnam needs a costume for both males and females which is modern but has traditional features.
Vietnam traditional wedding dress
Deputy Minister of Cultures, Sports and Tourism Vuong Duy Bien said the ministry will continue to gather opinions to complete the project about national costume.