Emoura Pham, alongside 76 contestants, participated in the competition on the afternoon of 10/7. She wore a costume created by Pham Minh Man, with advice from designer Ivan Tran. The "Vinh quy bai to" design previously won first prize at The Grand National Costume competition within Miss Grand Vietnam 2026.

Emoura Pham's performance. Video: MGI

Despite its cumbersome and heavy nature, Emoura Pham performed well. She combined dignified movements with expressive eyes and a smile.

The designer drew inspiration from traditional paper horse craftsmanship. Named "Vinh quy bai to" (Returning Home in Glory to Pay Respects to Ancestors), the costume evokes the custom of scholars returning to their hometowns to honor their ancestors, symbolizing gratitude and the Vietnamese tradition of valuing education. The piece blends the spirit of Giam Ma folk paintings (from the Dong Ho painting style) with vibrant East Asian colors.

Behind the scenes of Emoura trying on the costume and the designer's sharing of the idea. Video: Character's team provided

According to Ivan Tran, the team spent nearly one month completing the costume for Emoura Pham. It was transported from Vietnam to Thailand just before the dress rehearsal on 6/10.

Compared to its original version first introduced in August, the designer expanded the canopy and adjusted its size and weight. The two horse models required significant time to perfect, needing to convey majesty while ensuring comfort for Emoura Pham's movement.

Emoura Pham expressed happiness at the opportunity to promote Vietnamese culture to international friends at the competition. Photo: Hoang Phuc

Emoura Pham will compete in the semifinals on the evening of 7/10, featuring swimsuit and evening gown segments. She is considered a notable candidate by many international beauty pages. On 5/10, Sash Factor ranked her third, after contestants from Ecuador and Tanzania.

Miss Grand Vietnam 2026 has achieved positive results in various sub-contests, including a top 15 finish in the talent round and leading the Grand Day Experience voting. She is currently in the top 3 for the Country's Power of the Year voting; a win would secure her a spot in the top 20.

On 4/10, Emoura Pham participated in a closed-door interview with the judges, answering questions about herself, her spirit for the competition, and future development. According to the organizers, contestants were required to answer a common question: "If you are not the winner, which other contestant would you choose?". Emoura Pham led with 14 votes, followed by the contestant from Tanzania with 13 votes.

Emoura Pham's sharing in the closed interview round. Video: MGI

Emoura Pham had over one month to prepare for the international competition after winning Miss Grand Vietnam 2026 on 31/7 in TP HCM. Her birth name is Turner Katherine Margaret, and her Vietnamese name is Pham Chan Phuong. Born in Thailand, she moved to Vietnam at a young age after her parents' divorce. At age 15, she moved to the United States for high school, then pursued an Associate in Arts program at Irvine Valley College, California. She stands 1,7 m tall, with measurements of 80-58-92 cm, and is often called a "mixed-race rose" by fans.

The 14th season of the competition has been ongoing for over two weeks, featuring cultural experiences, talent rounds, swimsuit competitions, and voting on the MGI platform. This year, the organizers changed the format to allocate one spot in the top 5 for the contestant most favored by the audience. Emma Tiglao of the Philippines will crown the new miss grand international at the final on the evening of 10/10.

Miss Grand International, founded in 2013 by Nawat Itsaragrisil of Thailand, aims to spread a message of peace and call for an end to war and violence. The annual competition rotates among various countries and has been held twice in Vietnam, in 2017 (An Giang) and 2023 (TP HCM).

Tan Cao