Vietnamese-made gowns make a splash on global stage at Miss Grand International 2026

Vietnamese designers Nguyen Minh Tuan and Thuong Gia Ky brought their creations to the international beauty pageant stage, dressing contestants in elaborate gowns featuring distinctive silhouettes, luxurious fabrics, and intricate embellishments.

Tuan designed evening gowns for representatives of Brazil, China, Georgia, Peru, and the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Ky worked with at least four international contestants, developing designs tailored to their personalities and stage presence.

Both designers emphasized that creating pageant gowns goes beyond visual appeal, requiring a balance between artistic expression, individual style, and practicality on stage.

Nguyen Minh Tuan brings elaborate designs to international stage

Among Tuan's creations, the gown for Miss Netherlands has drawn attention for its dramatic feathered wings inspired by Victoria's Secret Angels.

The design required meticulous construction, particularly in shaping the wings, balancing their weight, and refining the embellishments.

The Dutch contestant continued to wear Tuan's creations in the grand final, where she appeared in a sky-blue evening gown and went on to finish as second runner-up at Miss Grand International 2026.

Tuan said his creative process typically begins with understanding each contestant's preferences, from favorite fashion pieces to the image they want to project on stage.

He then develops the concept with his own creative touches, often incorporating stylized floral patterns and geometric details to accentuate the wearer's figure.

Rather than emphasizing cultural motifs in every gown, he prioritizes flattering silhouettes, visual appeal, and comfort.

According to Tuan, pageant gowns must strike a balance between artistic expression and practicality, allowing contestants to move confidently while showcasing their personalities.

Thuong Gia Ky gives each gown its own identity

Ky also made his mark at Miss Grand International 2026, with his creations worn by the representatives of Guatemala and Cuba during the grand final on Saturday night.

Miss Grand Guatemala Ximena Carrillo finished as third runner-up, while Miss Grand Cuba Alyanni Gomez earned the fifth runner-up title, placing both contestants among the competition's top performers.

Ky, who worked with at least four international contestants at this year's pageant, said every gown begins with the wearer's story, personality, and the message she wishes to convey.

Some contestants came with specific ideas, while others gave him complete creative freedom.

"A successful design is not just one that makes the audience marvel at the gown, but one that keeps their eyes fixed on the contestant as she performs," Ky told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.

He believes that even the most elaborate gown should enhance, rather than overshadow, the wearer's charisma.

To achieve this, Ky carefully considers each contestant's physique, demeanor, and personal style before selecting suitable silhouettes, colors, and fabrics.

Stage lighting is another key factor, with reflective fabrics, crystals, gemstones, and textured surfaces combined to create striking visual effects.

Intricate hand embellishment remains a signature of his work, with every stone and crystal carefully arranged to complement the overall design.

Through his collaborations with international contestants, Ky hopes to showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Vietnamese fashion designers to a wider audience.

The growing presence of Vietnamese designers at Miss Grand International 2026 highlights their expanding opportunities to reach international clients and bring Vietnamese fashion craftsmanship to the global pageant stage.

Miss Grand International 2026 concluded in Bangkok, Thailand on Saturday, with Jihan Dimack of Tanzania crowned the winner, marking the first victory for an African country in the competition's history.

Ecuador's Shyare Andrade finished as first runner-up, followed by the Netherlands' Beau Megan Goos as second runner-up, Guatemala's Ximena Carrillo as third runner-up, and Vietnam's Emoura Pham as fourth runner-up.

Emoura also showcased Vietnamese fashion throughout the competition.

During the October 7 semifinal, she wore Fire Phoenix, a red, orange, and gold evening gown by Vietnamese designer Pham Dang Anh Thu, chosen as a last-minute replacement for her originally planned outfit.

For the grand final, Emoura appeared in another creation by the same designer, featuring two crowns surrounded by radiant motifs symbolizing her national title and aspirations for international success.

The final gown was completed in less than two days and delivered to Thailand shortly before the competition.

Founded in 2013 by Thai businessman Nawat Itsaragrisil, Miss Grand International promotes a message of ending violence and fostering world peace.

Vietnam previously hosted the competition in 2017 and 2023.