'Ao dai' worn by Miss World Opal Suchata spark debate in Vietnam

At the opening night of Miss World 2026 in Quang Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, Suchata appeared in an ao dai by Vietnamese designer Do Trinh Hoai Nam.

The outfit featured a dark-blue color scheme and a matching cape.

According to the designer, it was inspired by the scenery of Ha Long Bay.

The blue silk gown incorporated subtle images of Ha Long Bay along with the Quang Ninh Planning, Fair and Exhibition Center and the Vietnamese lotus. The cape transitioned from blue to sky blue, creating a wing-like effect.

Images of Suchata in the outfit quickly drew mixed comments on Vietnamese and international forums as well as on her Facebook post.

Some users praised the beauty of the reigning Miss World, while others focused on the design and styling. Some said the gown’s design and colors made Suchata look older than she is.

One commenter praised Suchata but criticized the outfit, while another said the design made her look middle-aged, likening her appearance to that of a mother of the groom or bride.

Some fans likened Suchata in the ao dai and cape to a “mother queen” character from a fantasy film.

Others questioned the fabric and patterns, saying they lacked a strong visual impact.

Others took a more positive view, saying the outfit stood out and that incorporating Ha Long Bay, the lotus and other Vietnamese cultural symbols was an appropriate way to promote Vietnamese culture at an international event such as Miss World.

The debate has largely centered on aesthetics, the silhouette and how the outfit was styled on Suchata.

Promoting culture through fashion

Another ao dai worn by Suchata at Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest XVI in Hai Phong City, northern Vietnam, also received mixed reactions.

The reigning Miss World wore a design by Vietnamese designer La Sen Vu from the Yem tham lua dao collection.

The outfit drew inspiration from the traditional yem, a Vietnamese garment worn by women, and peach-colored silk, both of which are associated with traditional feminine beauty in Vietnam.

Suchata again received praise for her poise and appearance.

However, some viewers said the design did not make the most of her figure, particularly in its silhouette and proportions.

The mixed reactions to the two ao dai highlight the challenge of choosing outfits for international beauty queens at an event like Miss World.

Such designs need to promote Vietnamese culture while also balancing traditional elements with contemporary fashion and complementing the wearer’s figure and personal style.

When culture is presented to an international audience, the aim is to make viewers admire and appreciate it. Otherwise, questions may arise over how effectively such cultural promotion works.

From August 20 to September 6, 111 Miss World 2026 contestants are taking part in a series of activities in Nha Trang, including the head-to-head challenge, talent show, closed-door interviews, dances of the world and the final.

On August 31, organizers will hold a Vietnamese flag-raising ceremony, a tribute program for Vietnamese heroic mothers and a charity gala, offering international visitors an opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s history, national spirit and cultural values.

The 73rd Miss World final is scheduled to take place on September 5 in Nha Trang, where Suchata will crown her successor.

The Miss World pageant was first held in 1951. The 2026 edition marks 75 years since the pageant was launched and is its 73rd edition.