On 24/9, Yen Nhi attended the sashing ceremony for Miss Grand International 2025. She showcased "Thang Long Hoi" – her national costume, which previously won first place in a selection contest.
The costume was conceptualized by Nguyen Huy Hoang and advised by designer Dang Trong Minh Chau. They drew inspiration from the art of water puppetry to reflect the cultural beauty and daily life of the Vietnamese people.
The costume depicts a communal house by a lake, a traditional stage for folk tales. It also reflects the soul and creativity of the artisans. According to Hoang, "Thang Long Hoi" carries a message about the desire to preserve cultural identity, allowing water puppetry to continue to shine in a time of integration.
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Yen Nhi's colorful national costume. |
The team spent three months creating the costume, including frame construction and assembling the moving wheels. The patterns on the dress and headpiece were handcrafted using embroidery and carving techniques. The costume includes a fire-breathing dragon prop, adding a highlight to the performance.
Yen Nhi has about two weeks to prepare for the international competition after being crowned Miss Grand Vietnam on 14/9. She said the time is short, but she feels confident with the support she's receiving. Miss Le Hoang Phuong, first runner-up Tuyet Nhu, makeup and hair artists Quan Nguyen and Pu Le, stylist Kiet Cao, and choreographer Khoa Nguyen are working with her to refine her skills. She is also receiving support from several designers for her wardrobe.
"I will try my best to make beauty fans proud and live up to everyone's love and support," she said.
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Yen Nhi shares her feelings after being crowned Miss Grand Vietnam. |
Yen Nhi is scheduled to depart for Thailand on 29/9. She will participate in press conferences, side activities, and preliminary rounds before the final on 18/10.
Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi is from Dak Lak province. She is 1.72 m tall with measurements of 81-64-92 cm. She is currently a third-year student majoring in Tourism and Travel Services Management at Van Hien University. She previously competed in Miss Grand Vietnam 2024, finishing in the top 15.
Miss Grand International (MGI) was founded in 2013 by Nawat Itsaragrisil of Thailand. Its aim is to spread a message of peace and call for an end to war and violence. The competition is held annually in different countries. In Vietnam, Miss Grand International has been held twice, in 2017 (Kien Giang) and 2023 (Ho Chi Minh City). Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien won the crown in 2021 in Thailand.
Over 12 seasons, the competition has attracted attention from beauty pageant fans and a large number of contestants from around the world. However, it has also been embroiled in controversies, including conflicts with national directors and controversial statements by Nawat Itsaragrisil regarding contestants and behind-the-scenes matters. In May, the reigning Miss Grand International, Rachel Gupta of India, relinquished her crown due to conflicts with the MGI organization. The organizers then appointed Christine Juliane Opiaza of the Philippines, the first runner-up of Miss Grand International 2024, to replace Gupta.
Tan Cao
Photos, video: Provided by the organizers
