On 9/10, fashion designer Nguyen Minh Cong hosted the "Bau mac ba ba" (You wear ba ba) exhibition and fashion show, a key part of the "Chiec ao ba ba - duom tinh phuong Nam" (The ba ba shirt - imbued with Southern charm) event. The exhibition, which showcases traditional and modern interpretations of the iconic Southern Vietnamese garment, drew numerous beauty queens and runner-ups. Miss Universe Vietnam Ngoc Chau attended in an all-black ensemble featuring a long-sleeved, waist-hugging top and a floor-length straight skirt.

She accented her outfit with a Chanel bag and a half-up swept-back hairstyle.

Beauty queen Kieu Duy posed in a form-fitting outfit paired with a pleated skirt.

Model Nam Anh wore a sheer, embroidered floral top with slightly flared sleeves, highlighted by a front button placket.

Runner-up Ngoc Thao sported a multi-layered top adorned with sparkling beads, combined with a wide flared skirt. The two contrasting colors created an elegant, modern aesthetic.

Beauty Ngoc Hang wore an outfit with a fitted bodice, accentuated by a sheer fabric panel at the waist. Her layered chiffon skirt flowed loosely, creating a soft appearance. She completed her look with a neat bun and gold-toned earrings.

Miss Yen Nhi wore a subtly glossy top, paired with matching trousers. She opted for a low bun and dark-toned makeup.

Runner-up Thu Ngan combined a long-sleeved top with a matching straight skirt. The minimalist design accentuated the slender figure of the beauty from Ca Mau.

Model Ha Tam Nhu showcased a top covered in shimmering material with sheer sleeves, paired with a long pleated skirt.

Transgender beauty Tuong San wore a stylized light pink ba ba made of sheer chiffon, featuring embroidered floral accents.

Singer Phuong My Chi, who has maintained a close relationship with Nguyen Minh Cong for many years, often chooses his designs for her performances of Southern folk music.

Within the exhibition space, Nguyen Minh Cong displayed a diverse range of ba ba designs, varying in material and silhouette.

Beyond traditional ba ba, Nguyen Minh Cong presented stylized designs by integrating elements like wedding dresses, multi-tiered skirts, and khan ran (checkered scarves). The exhibition is open until 9/1/2027 at the Museum of Southern Vietnamese Women.

Designer Nguyen Minh Cong, 31, graduated as valedictorian in fashion design from Hong Bang International University. He was a top 5 finalist in the Project Runway 2014 competition. He has showcased numerous collections, including "Dreamland", "Muse's Garden", and "The Princess", and has participated in multiple seasons of Vietnam International Fashion Week. In 2022, Nguyen Minh Cong received a Vietnam record certificate for being the first person to create fashion inspired by Western (Mekong Delta) cuisine. In late 2025, he received another record certificate for his fashion exhibition combined with an art performance honoring Southern cuisine, titled "Miet cu lao".

Miss Universe Earth Phuong Khanh and Quynh Anh also featured in the "Bau mac ba ba" collection.

Tan Cao

Photos: Kieng Can