♦ PhD. Le Thi Thu Huong

(continuation of part 2)

Elegance in dress

 

Dress is also an expression of cultural conduct. Appropriate and polite attire reflects respect for others. According to survey data in Hanoi, 84.4 percent of respondents believe that the elegant character of Hanoians is expressed through clothing, ranking third among nine surveyed domains[1]. This serves as clear evidence that, in Hanoian perception, dress is a prominent marker of elegance.

 

The traditional dress style of Hanoians has long been regarded as restrained, modest, and well-groomed, avoiding excessive ornamentation or flashy colors. Writer Bang Son once remarked that “Hanoians have always had a distinctive and beautiful way of dressing, combining courtesy and restraint with grace and refinement, being elegant yet discreet.” He further observed that in dress, Hanoians tend to be neat and attentive to appearance without being overly elaborate; somewhat aristocratic yet not ostentatious or trend-chasing. Hanoi women are particularly noted for dressing beautifully, and innovations in the stylization of the Vietnamese ao dai began with ao dai designers in Hanoi. The longer people live in Hanoi, the more their sense of dress tends to align with that of traditional Hanoians.

 

 

Elegance in home arrangement and interior order

 

As a political center and national capital, Hanoi has experienced rapid population growth and limited living space, requiring residents to adopt orderly lifestyles and thoughtful home arrangements. This, too, represents an aspect of Hanoian elegance. Homes in Hanoi are typically arranged in a tidy, clean, and refined manner, especially in the Old Quarter. Even in cramped living spaces, there is often a vase of fresh flowers. Such images, together with rows of old houses with dark brown tiled roofs, have become familiar subjects in paintings by renowned artists depicting Hanoi, such as To Ngoc Van and Bui Xuan Phai. Interior arrangement often follows principles of feng shui, with an emphasis on bringing elements of nature into the home. This practice contributes to a romantic sensibility and a strong humanistic spirit in the Hanoian way of life.

 

Elegance in labor and production

 

In the demanding realm of labor and production, where effort and perspiration dominate, elegance is not always readily apparent. Yet Hanoians have long expressed elegance through their work and the products they create. Thang Long – present-day Hanoi has historically been a gathering place for craft villages from across the country. The development of these craft villages has not only improved livelihoods but also preserved cultural traditions across historical periods. From a thousand years ago, skilled artisans brought their families and communities to the capital to establish workshops and trade streets. Through diligent labor and refined craftsmanship, they produced exquisite goods that supplied residents of the capital and surrounding regions, contributing to the growing prosperity of the city. Over time, Hanoians have maintained the traditional principle of “traders with partners, sellers with guilds.” Many streets associated with specific crafts remain today, such as Hang Bong, Tho Nhuom, Hang Dao, Hang Bac, and Hang Khay.

 

Urban consumer demand for high-quality goods has compelled artisans to fully demonstrate their skills. Hence the folk saying, “Skilled hands and mastery of craft belong to the land of Ke Cho,” praising the talent of artisans from Thang Long – Hanoi. Today, Hanoians work across many professions and sectors, yet the traits of grace and elegance continue to be preserved. It can be said that “Hanoi – the city of craft streets” represents a convergence of talent and cultural identity, and has long been a source of national pride.

 

However, sociological surveys also indicate concerns that among certain segments of Hanoi residents, work discipline and efficiency have not fully met the demands of industrialization and modernization, and have, in some cases, diminished the traditional elegance of labor formed over centuries. Practices such as arriving late, leaving early, working perfunctorily, poor time management, slow administrative procedures, as well as issues of smuggling, counterfeit goods, and fraud, continue to exist and negatively affect the image of Hanoians in business. The occupation of sidewalks and historical or cultural sites for commercial purposes also detracts from urban aesthetics. To further promote elegance in labor and production, comprehensive solutions are required, with a focus on building civilized and elegant Hanoians who possess strong community awareness. In production and business, ensuring refined craftsmanship while maintaining quality and credibility with customers is essential to preserving the image of the capital’s people in the rhythm of modern life.

 

 (To be continued…)