Exhibition reveals clothing and life of women in Hue royal family

An exhibition showcasing the clothing and daily utensils used by women in the royal family during the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945) opened in Hue imperial city on October 20.
Works on display include the royal clothing of the Queen Mother, pairs of boat-like shoes embroidered with phoenix patterns, mirrors, and makeup cases.
Photos on designs and patterns featured in royal costumes as well as the history of Hue’s Ao Dai (traditional long dress) are also being presented at the event.
Visitors to the exhibition can explore the traditional techniques of embroidery and painting used on silk while having a look at sets of Ao Dai made by Hue’s famous designers. They can also get their own Ao Dai made to measure there.
The exhibition is taking place at Truong Sanh (Longevity) Residence’s Cultural Space, which opened for the public the same day by the Hue Monuments Conservation Centre (HMCC).
According to HMCC Director Phan Thanh Hai, Truong Sanh Residence was built in 1822 by King Minh Mang (1791-1841) as a flower garden for the Nguyen dynasty’s Queen mothers. Originally, it was called Truong Ninh (Everlasting) Residence.
It was renamed Truong Sinh by King Khai Dinh (1885-1925) in 1923 when it was restored as a residence of Grand Empress Dowagers and Queen mothers.
The Residence underwent restoration and renovations by the HMCC from 2005 to 2007 in order to add one more tourist attraction for visitors to Hue.