Project Statement

Throughout our project we seek to explore how French colonialism influences the simplicities of clothing and food in Vietnam. We examine how French colonial rule introduced Western styles, fabrics, and culinary influences, to create a hybridity that blended traditional Vietnamese elements with colonial imports.

One prominent example is seen with the transformation of the Vietnamese national dress–the áo dài. Fashion designer Nguyễn Cát Tường’s iconic “lemur” tunic in the 1930s incorporated Western trends such as puffed sleeves and diaphanous fabrics into the traditional garment. Beyond aesthetic changes, colonial influences also shaped societal attitudes and beauty standards for Vietnamese women.

Our project focuses on these tangible changes while also exploring the emotional experiences of women during the time, comparing generational differences between mother and daughter through our Twine visualization. 

Visual depictions from that era gave birth to new norms and ideals of femininity. Brighter colors and imported fabrics of the West became coveted symbols of modernity and fashion around 1920. White trousers replaced old-fashioned black ones, and parting one’s hair on the side rather than in the middle also signified an embrace in shifting aesthetic tastes. Style was also indicative of economic status, with wealthier women wearing five-panel dresses while rural populations stuck to four-panel versions. Regional variations also emerged, such as the distinct “lotus leaf” collar styles that differentiates northern and southern dress. Beyond expectations for women, men also evolved grooming habits by incorporating shorter hairstyles to promote “neatness, simplicity, and hygiene” as a result of colonial influence. 

The intersection of French colonialism with efforts to modernize Vietnamese society is embodied by Nguyễn Cát Tường (or Lemur)’s writings. In his weekly “Beauty: Dedicated to Women Young and Old” columns, he advocated for reforms that went beyond just clothing, urging women to exercise moderately to match Western standards of physique. He recommended that colors should match the personal complexions and individuality of women. His writings walked a fine line, equating women to their appearance and sexual utility to their husbands. While his guidance often stayed within the boundaries of patriarchal roles, there was a movement away from costumes that strictly followed social codes and communicated nationality, and a shift towards embracement of individuality. This illustrates the patriarchal control that persisted even as material changes empowered women’s societal roles. As quality goods supposedly drove cultural progress and Westernization, the áo dài’s transformation into the “Lemur tunic” is symbolic of this nuanced dynamic. 

Another piece of life in Vietnam that has been affected by the French is their culinary culture. One of the most popular Vietnamese staple foods to date is bánh mì, a sandwich made on a baguette made with rice flour inspired by the French baguette, typically filled with other aspects of native Vietnamese cuisine like cilantro, pickled carrots, pickled daikon, and chả lụa (Vietnamese sausage). There was also an increased use of butter and wine in the preparation of meals, a sign of French practices being adopted. In 1857, coffee was introduced by the French colonial government to Vietnam and large-scale production began in the early 20th century. As a huge part of Vietnamese social culture, the act of drinking coffee and coffee shops heavily increased in popularity, serving as a meeting place and social activity. Vietnam’s unique brewing style for coffee and its distinct bitter yet chocolatey flavor helped it gain a lot of popularity around the world as well and are further explored in our visualizations.

Additionally, our project explores how these influences and nuances can be portrayed through a simulation of personal accounts, while emphasizing generational differences that Vietnamese families/diaspora face. Through our timelines and Twine interactive, we will incorporate side by side comparisons of traditional Vietnamese clothing and French influenced clothes while providing comments from different generations. Exploring this through a personal narrative–focusing on the lives of mother and daughter–will not only illuminate these changes from a more relatable perspective, but show how these changes may impact generational relationships and shared experiences.

Additionally, our project explores how these influences and nuances can be portrayed through a simulation of personal accounts, while emphasizing generational differences that Vietnamese families/diaspora face. Through our timelines and Twine interactive, we will incorporate side by side comparisons of traditional Vietnamese clothing and French influenced clothes while providing comments from different generations. Exploring this through a personal narrative–focusing on the lives of mother and daughter–will not only illuminate these changes from a more relatable perspective, but show how these changes may impact generational relationships and shared experiences.