Mong ethnic girl at the highland market in Co Ma.

The traditional costumes of the Mong ethnic group stand out for their sophistication in the techniques of linen spinning, fabric patchwork, beeswax printing, brocade embroidery with brilliant colors. The patterns on the dresses are not simply decorative, but contain within them the philosophy of life, beliefs and aspirations for nature. Each fluttering skirt, low-cut shirt, headscarf or beaded belt... is the crystallization of the diligent labor and skillful hands of Mong ethnic women.

In the process of development, Mong ethnic women have flexibly improved their traditional costumes to make their lives more convenient. Ms. Trang Thi Mai, who works as a tailor of ethnic costumes in Co Cham village, Van Ho commune, said: Nowadays, people often choose fabrics such as linen, cotton, velvet... which are soft, cool, sweat-absorbent materials to make costumes. Brocade patterns are also inherited and created to ensure aesthetic factors. In addition, some details have been changed in the design to minimize the process of wearing costumes, for example, instead of using a belt to wrap the skirt tightly around the body, people sew elastic into the skirt, helping to put it on faster and more comfortably.

Many households in Co Ma commune have high income from the profession of sewing innovative costumes.

In recent years, the profession of sewing innovative ethnic costumes has also opened up economic development opportunities, bringing high incomes to many households in the highlands. The family of Mrs. Thao Thi Do, who sews costumes at the central market of Co Ma commune, currently employs 3 workers, producing and selling more than 100 accessories and Mong ethnic costumes each month, with a revenue of hundreds of millions of VND each year. Mrs. Do shared: There are many designs on the internet; in addition, details such as collars, sleeves, skirt waistbands, etc. are also available for sale, so sewing costumes is quite fast. Each innovative costume takes about 2-3 days to complete, with prices ranging from 250,000-400,000 VND/set depending on the design.

Running a costume rental service at the Co Ma Highland Market on the occasion of National Day September 2, Ms. Vu Thi Sa Ly, Co Ma commune, introduced: The innovative ethnic costumes always respect the original values, taking tradition as the foundation for creativity. The dresses and shirts still retain the traditional brocade patterns but are sewn in a modern style, adding new colors and materials; wide or slit dresses, tight-waisted shirts, helping to highlight the figure of young women. In addition, there are many jewelry and accessories such as necklaces, bracelets, beaded hats, handbags, etc., making the costumes more outstanding and attractive.

Mong ethnic girls, Co Ma commune with modernized costumes.

At major cultural events of localities in the province, such as the Ban Flower Festival, Quynh Nhai Cultural Tourism Week, the Mass Art Competition... there are beauty contests in which women perform traditional and modernized ethnic costumes. The Mong ethnic costumes are newly designed but still ensure traditional elements, leaving an impression on tourists inside and outside the province, becoming "cultural ambassadors", adding motivation to promote tourism development.

Dr. Luong Hoai Thanh, Director of the Center for Cultural Research of Northwest Ethnic Groups, Northwest University, said: The costumes of Mong ethnic groups in particular and ethnic groups of Son La province in general always have exchanges and changes to suit the general development trend of society. Designing and innovating costumes is an artistic activity that requires creativity, but must be based on traditional elements, ensuring conformity with customs and aesthetic concepts, contributing to preserving and spreading the cultural values ​​of ethnic costumes.

Traditional and innovative costumes of the Mong ethnic group have created a unique appeal, helping people in the highlands earn a living from weaving and the cultural identity of the Mong ethnic group in Son La continues to spread, contributing to promoting tourism development.