This year, a number of prestigious Vietnamese designers will show their collections in the Museo di Roma in Palazoo Braschi.

On September 9, designers Minh Hanh, Lan Huong, Quang Nhat and Cong Khanh participated in a press conference announcing the Vietnam - Italy Fashion Show programme. At the conference, four designers showed off some of their works. These were largely created using materials traditional to Vietnam, such as silk and brocade. The show is scheduled to be held on September 17.

Desinger Lan Huong, who specialises in ao dais, decided to focus on the use of silk and dyeing. Meanwhile, Quang Nhat selected the use of Vietnamese scenery and embroidery to highlight his work. Nhat used the ethnic minority fabrics and patterns endemic to Ha Giang Province. These are mainly made of the bark of trees.

Cong Khanh's collection has the imprints of southern cultures, featuring the heron. The well-known designer Minh Hanh brought a collection from brocade and denim. She said, "Quang Nhat, Cong Khanh are young designers and this is the first time they have shown their collections in Rome. I really hope that fashion aficionados will truly appreciate their work."

She went on to say that, while Italy is a leader in the fashion industry, Vietnamese designers should do their best to represent their country by showing off the variety and uniqueness of Vietnam, especially its materials and handicrafts.

A representative for the Vietnam - Italy Fashion Show, and ambassador of Italy Lorenzo Angeloni, said he placed much trust in the designers' abilities, especially Minh Hanh, because this is the third time Hanh participated in Italian fashion shows. He went on to say that the show could be a stepping stone to help establish the Vietnam - Italy Fashion Council.

Some of the works at the conference:

Silk designs of Lan Huong

Quang Nhat uses materials made from tree bark

Quang Nhat uses Vietnamese images

Designs from Cong Khanh

Minh Hanh and the traditional brocade and denim

Some other designs of Minh Hanh