Vietnamese silk shopping
Vietnamese silk is considered the finest in the world
Vietnamese silk comes in such a range of vibrant colours and patterns that it never fails to turn the eye, whether it’s in the form of a graceful ao dai, a dazzling bedspread or a shimmering scarf. So it’s not surprising that Vietnamese designers are using home-spun products to wow the catwalks of Paris and Milan.
Since silk is one of the best-value products to buy in Vietnam, many visitors plan to buy at least one piece, if not several, and the choices of form the silk takes seems unlimited. Suits, dresses and ao dai are probably the most popular purchase, but scarves, handbags, lanterns, cushion covers and napkins all make excellent gifts to stuff in your bag at the last moment.
Vietnam has history of producing silk for hundreds of years, with traditional textiles spun by small family enterprises in remote villages. Ancient methods of thread spinning, weaving and then dying are continued to this day.
The patterns of traditional Vietnamese designs each tells its own story and has an important place in local culture. For example, a famous century-old design called ‘old money’ features an ancient Vietnamese coin and can often be seen in colonial photos adorning the robes worn by Mandarin officials.
An unusual way to purchase silk is to buy a painting that is made on a silk canvas. Many Vietnamese artists find that the material has a dramatic quality that enhances the subject matter, so keep your eyes open for any such works while browsing the art galleries.
Another imaginative use of silk is the creation of portraits, landscapes and abstract images with the use of woven silk. One company that excels in the production of such works is XQ Vietnam which has outlets all over the country and its headquarters at 258 Mai Anh Dao, Da Lat.
When it comes to silk tailoring, Hoi An has always had a good reputation for speedy and efficient work, and while that still remains true, there are lots of second-class tailors in town riding on this reputation, and a growing number of dissatisfied customers. A couple of more reliable outlets are Bi Bi Silk at 13 Phan Chu Trinh and Yaly at 47 Nguyen Thai Hoc.
For the latest designs, head for Khai Silk, which has outlets in Hanoi (121 Nguyen Thai Hoc), Ho Chi Minh City (81 Dong Khoi) and Hoi An (Hoi An Riverside Resort). If you’re just looking for something simple and cheap, your best bet is to head for Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi, find a piece of cloth you like, choose a design, get measured and pick it up the next day.
