“I first went to Vietnam with my Vietnamese friend Thinh in 2012. I have returned for holidays twice more and then to work and live for a year in 2019.

That first time I was captivated by Vietnam, travelling all over the country with Thinh and her friends. Towards the end of the month long stay I visited Thinh in her childhood home in Ho Chi Minh City which had become a Buddhist temple when her mother had become a monk. A couple of rooms had been left aside as living accommodation and Thinh was sat on the floor in one, with what I thought was a small selection of materials. There had been a fire at her friend’s shop/work she explained. She offered me something to try on. It was a purple and green Ao Dai. Favourite colours of mine. Women’s Colours. It fitted. I loved it. But I was still confused. What was going on? “Take it,” she said “Just give some money to my mum's temple.” The place we were. It was a lovely moment between Thinh and I.

We were meeting her friends that night to say goodbye and she asked me to wear it. I was unsure and nervous. Aware that I was a ‘westerner’ I felt reluctant to wear it in Vietnam amongst Vietnamese people, however Thinh reassured and encouraged me. We went out. Everyone at the meal was incredibly taken with me wearing it and exclaimed and smiled broadly. I was surprised. I relaxed and suddenly felt beautiful in my own Ao Dai. It was so beautiful.

I have only worn it once more – to my cousin’s wedding five or so years ago. I don’t know why I haven’t worn it more, perhaps because it is my most loved and cherished piece of clothing. I look for it in my closet at least once a week, just to stare at it and feel its silk.”

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Louise Pike (London, UK)