My name is Trina, I was born and raised in California. As an Asian American I truly love my culture’s traditions and its beautiful attire. I have worn the áo dài for as long as I can remember, and have always been intrigued by it.
As I’ve learned through my research, the áo dài is a historical testament to the legacies of war, imperialism and colonization in Vietnam. As the áo dài has traveled across geographic boundaries, especially during the Vietnam War, its meaning has continually shifted and been transformed.
When I was 2 years old my mom discovered that I had a talent for music and she decided to help me develop it. I started taking lessons and sang at temples, festivals, and weddings at the age of 8. I mostly wore ao dais for my performances and have always felt so proud of my culture's beautiful dress. A memory I have with my ao dai was a mother’s day fashion show back in 2017, where a fashion designer made white ao dais with hand painted pictures of moms that represent how hard working they are and I am very honored to have been a part of it. When I wear the ao dai to cultural festivals I definitely feel proud that as an asian American I am connected to my culture.
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