When brocade is innovated into modern clothing

(DN) - The costumes made from brocade fabric of the Stieng people in Tan Hung commune create a beauty that is both strange and familiar, making many people excited. After the brocade weaving profession of the Stieng and M'nong people in Dong Nai was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage (February 2024), the movement to preserve and develop the traditional weaving profession in hamlets and villages in the province has increasingly flourished. In particular, the renovation of traditional costumes according to modern fashion trends has been focused on.

Value from the model "Office brocade clothing"

In Tan Hung commune, under the guidance and support of the Women's Union, the movement of using brocade costumes has spread strongly. Not only the Stieng ethnic group but also many women of other ethnic groups have supported it, through the model of "Brocade office costumes".

Different from the familiar image of the ancient Stieng people - men wearing loincloths and women wearing skirts, brocade costumes are being innovated in a more modern and practical direction.

Ms. Thi Gion (61 years old, a long-time artisan in Tra Thanh Lo O hamlet) was a pioneer in creating brocade shirt and skirt designs more than 15 years ago, when she started using a sewing machine. The initial products were praised and ordered by the locals, which made her continue to focus on production. When demand increased, she placed orders with women who knew how to weave. From there, the Tra Thanh Lo O hamlet brocade weaving startup group was born with more than 30 women, becoming the place to provide the first innovative brocade costumes for the Women's Union of Tan Hung commune.

Ms. Thi Gion, a pioneer in creating brocade shirt and skirt designs in Tan Hung commune. Photo: Tu Huy

“At first, I did it to preserve the weaving profession for my children and grandchildren, stemming from the desire to wear modernized costumes that were popular on the market but made of brocade. I researched and learned how to sew. At first, it was very difficult because brocade fabric was thicker and harder than regular fabric. I had to use the right needle and thread. Gradually, I got used to it and gained experience. After that, I was very happy to receive support from both the ethnic minorities and the Kinh people,” Ms. Thi Gion recalled.

For nearly 2 years now, in Tan Hung commune, many members of the Women's Union have been wearing brocade costumes when attending meetings. Each costume has its own style, color and pattern, which is very attractive. Regardless of ethnicity, the use of brocade has become an affirmation of solidarity between communities, while spreading the love of traditional weaving.

The model of “Brocade office attire” has brought new colors to the workplace for women in Tan Hung commune during meetings and gatherings. Photo: Tu Huy

Ms. Dao Thi Kieu Oanh (Kinh ethnic), a member of the Commune Women's Union, shared: "When wearing the brocade costume of the Stieng people, I still feel the gentle, traditional beauty of Vietnamese women. I often wear this costume at seminars and training sessions..."

Preserving the profession and inspiring pride

In Bom Bo commune, modernized brocade costumes have been widely used in festivals and cultural exchange occasions at the Stieng Ethnic Cultural Reserve, Bom Bo hamlet.

In particular, in March 2025, for the first time, 70 costumes made from brocades painstakingly woven by the women and mothers of the Stieng and M'nong ethnic groups were brought to the stage by designer Minh Hanh. These costumes appeared alongside brocade fashion designs she designed herself in the program "Bom Bo New Day", held in Bom Bo hamlet, Binh Minh commune, Bu Dang district (old); now Bom Bo commune, Dong Nai province. The event marked an important step, affirming the quality and opening up opportunities to strongly promote the products of the brocade craft village.

Modernized brocade costumes have been widely used in festivals. Photo: Tu Huy

Currently, Tan Hung commune has 3 brocade weaving groups operating regularly. The increasing demand from the women in the commune's Women's Union has become a driving force for production, helping the weaving profession gain a firm foothold in modern life. Ms. Thi Gion excitedly said: "Now, my products and those of the women in the weaving group are not only sold to the Stieng people but also to many other ethnic women. Their demand for designs is increasingly diverse. In addition, we also sell to foreign customers via social networks."

The consumption of products helps many Stieng women be more patient with the loom, and at the same time, love and be more confident with the profession. Ms. Dieu Thi Hong (Stieng ethnic group) confided: “I have been familiar with the loom since I was young, but I was not passionate about it because weaving a brocade cloth takes a lot of time. Recently, seeing people making beautiful clothes, I felt proud, so I decided to learn again to keep the profession.”

Promoting product output helps the Stieng women make efforts to learn the traditional brocade weaving craft. Photo: Tu Huy

Mr. Dieu Son Ray, an elderly artisan from the Weaving Group of Bu Dinh Hamlet, Tan Hung Commune, shared: “In the past, no one taught me, I had to learn by myself. Each pattern must be measured, aligned meticulously, and placed in the right position, otherwise the fabric will not be beautiful. I am also looking for some of the patterns created by my grandparents to remake, hoping to better serve the needs of the weaving group.”

Mr. Dieu Son Ray (second from left) guides people to use a loom to create patterns on brocade. Photo: Tu Huy

Ms. Le Thi Linh, President of the Women's Union of Tan Hung Commune affirmed: "For nearly 2 years, the model of "Brocade Office Clothing" has become a great motivation for women to keep the profession. When the products are sold, women have more income and that is also a prerequisite for reinvesting in production and continuing to develop the profession."

Ly Na

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202508/khi-tho-cam-duoc-cach-tan-thanh-trang-phuc-hien-dai-2f41b43/