On the afternoon of September 20, the Best of Vietnam segment, part of the Miss Cosmo 2024 pageant, took place at the Tea Factory 1927 in Bao Loc City, Lam Dong Province. The event combined culture and fashion in a captivating display.

In the serene setting of the factory, 58 contestants showcased hand-painted Ao Dai that depicted iconic imagery from their respective homelands. The collection blended modern materials with traditional silk, creating a harmonious fusion that highlighted the diversity and elegance of the designs. Intricate tailoring and expert craftsmanship made the Ao Dai appear both luxurious and impressive.

Designer Trung Dinh, alongside skilled artisans, breathed life into the Ao Dai by portraying famous cultural and architectural landmarks such as the Pyramids (Egypt), Petronas Towers (Malaysia), Eiffel Tower (France), Taj Mahal (India), and Angkor Wat (Cambodia). This contributed to a vibrant fashion show that celebrated the spirit and beauty of each nation.

The 58 Miss Cosmo 2024 contestants looked graceful in their flowing Ao Dai, showcasing the delicate and charming beauty of women. Even though many contestants were donning the Ao Dai for the first time, they managed to embody the essence of the outfit with graceful movements and elegant poses.

Vietnam’s representative, Bui Thi Xuan Hanh, stood out in an elaborate Ao Dai featuring extended wings on either side, vividly illustrating the grandeur of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Her impressive attire sparked mixed reactions, with some viewers feeling that Vietnam’s representative was given special treatment, which somewhat overshadowed the other contestants.

Designer Trung Dinh revealed that he and his team of artisans worked tirelessly for months to complete the outfits for contestants from other countries. Once those were finished, he turned his attention to designing for Vietnam's representative.

"Since I had more time, I put extra effort into Vietnam’s Ao Dai, so much that now I look back and think... maybe I went a bit overboard," Trung Dinh admitted.

The designer acknowledged it was his mistake and hoped the audience would appreciate the creativity behind the design.

In addition to the fashion show, the contestants took part in various activities in Lam Dong, including a traditional tea ceremony and learning about Central Vietnam’s Gong culture. The grand finale of Miss Cosmo 2024 is set to take place on October 5 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Minh Khoi