The Red Dao wedding dress is considered the pinnacle of a woman’s sewing accomplishments. Mother and daughter are known to spend up to a year making nothing but a brand new ceremonial outfit, in preparation for the big day. The Dao have maintained their traditional culture in costumes and language. Although they include many groups living in many different localities, they speak one language. They have preserved a close-knit community that respects traditional spiritual beliefs and rituals. Ly May and Cheo Ta May welcomed me into their homes on two separate rainy afternoons to meet their daughters: twenty-six-year-old Tansu May and twenty-four-year-old Ly Ta May. My guide had arranged with them to allow me the privilege to photograph them in their wedding attire. The clothing was carefully removed from an array of different coloured plastic bags, and they were stored inside a large bamboo basket. I asked if I could borrow one of Ly May's plastic chairs and convinced my guide that the only way I would have enough light was to place the ladies under the protection of the overhanging roof. The chair was placed in the open courtyard while an umbrella was held over me. The rain continued for the entire time and the location and lighting were the best that I could achieve. There was a lot of laughter from the ladies at my difficult and unpleasant situation. At Cheo Ta May's house, I used an overhanging tree branch to partially protect me as they dressed under the eaves.

Tight Fit©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved

Ly Ta May is wearing a tight-fitting headpiece

Prepared Carefully©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved

Tansu May is preparing to receive her wooden headpiece

Laughter in the rain©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
Laughter in the rain
The Red Dao in Lao Cai has very strict regulations that become principles in marriage. Based on regulations, the order of middle names of each family, members in the community are aware of these relationships, and they can not marry within the first nine generations. Around the age of 8, most girls start learning hand embroidery from older female relatives. By the time they reach a marriage-appropriate age, a woman’s ability to sew is deemed as one of the desirable qualities a potential husband is looking for. Before going to the groom’s home, a Red Dao bride is prepared carefully, has make-up put on, and is covered with a veil, then waits to be brought to the home by the bridegroom’s family.
Discomfort©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved	Try Again©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
Third Piece with Silver Tassels©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved	Religious Beliefs©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved

Village Affair©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved
The first significant piece of embroidery each woman makes is her head scarf. Each head scarf made shows the individuality and skill of the embroiderer. No two scarves are the same. The fabrics used today are primarily cotton purchased from the markets, along with cotton and synthetic embroidery threads.
Head Scarf©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved		Traditional Fashion©Kieron Nelson 2017 "Vanishing Cultures Photography" All rights reserved

Highlighting the HeaddressRemoving hair "opens up" the face, making it appear more prominent and drawing attention to their iconic, elaborate red turbans decorated with silver coins and tassels.

Cheo Ta May plucks along her hairline to make sure no hair shows beneath the headdress, which is worn not only for beauty but also for protection from the cold wind and fog of Sapa.