Manika Vishwakarma was crowned Miss Universe India on the evening of 17/8. She wore a glamorous gown by Song Toan, a brand founded by designers Pham Si Toan and Huynh Bao Toan.

Si Toan said the gown was inspired by the Milky Way galaxy and its stars, a symbol of the Miss Universe pageant. The designers used sheer mesh fabric and hand-embellished it with thousands of crystals and Swarovski stones.

Manika Vishwakarma during the evening gown competition. Photo: Miss Universe India

Designer Huynh Bao Toan explained that Vishwakarma contacted them very close to the competition date. The team had to mobilize numerous artisans to complete the dress in time. Because many other contestants also ordered evening gowns from the brand for the same competition, Toan flew to India to oversee the process and make any necessary adjustments.

Vishwakarma, 22, hails from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, and currently resides in Delhi. A final-year student of political science and economics, she was crowned Miss Universe Rajasthan 2024. She is also a classical dancer and painter. She will represent India at the 74th Miss Universe pageant, scheduled to be held in Thailand in November.

The day before, Julia Horne, the newly crowned Miss World Gibraltar, also wore a Song Toan gown at her final competition. She chose a yellow evening gown with a high slit.

Horne explained that her sister had commissioned the gown from Song Toan. However, her sister passed away before the final. As a tribute, Horne added a red heart to the dress.

Julia Horne at her crowning moment. The 25-year-old will compete in the 73rd Miss World pageant in 2026.

With 10 years of experience, the two designers have contributed to the image of many beauty queens, including H'Hen Nie, Do My Linh, Do Ha, Ngoc Chau, first runner-up Kim Duyen, and Hoang Thuy. In 2023, the duo served as judges for the national costume segment of Miss Vietnam.

Tan Cao

Photos, videos: Provided by the designers