Top 10 Stunning National Costumes of Vietnam in Miss Universe International Pageants

After much debate, the 'Cà phê phin sữa đá' costume officially became the national attire worn by Á hậu Hoàng Thùy at Miss Universe 2019. Compared to her previous outfits, 'Cò' and 'Chín rồng', the 'Cà phê phin sữa đá' was a more innovative choice, standing out as a bold departure for Vietnam's representatives on the global stage. Despite its unique appeal, the costume sparked controversy due to its focus on culinary culture in the national costume segment at Miss Universe for two consecutive years.

Hoàng Thùy expressed that she enjoyed the energy and comfort the costume brought. 'Cà phê sữa đá is a popular drink among international friends. I believe I will perform my best wearing this design on the Miss Universe stage,' she shared.

As a runner-up who made remarkable progress in her catwalk, interview skills, and beauty, Á hậu Kim Duyên was officially selected as Vietnam's representative at the 2021 Miss Universe competition. At Miss Universe 2021, Kim Duyên introduced the world to a traditional Vietnamese cultural symbol through her national costume named 'Ai tét hông'.

Designed by Khoa Lỗ, the 'Ai tét hông' costume was inspired by the distinctive cuisine of Can Tho, Kim Duyên's hometown, particularly the purple-streaked green 'Tét' cake. The costume's structure was carefully crafted to ensure it would flare out dramatically when Kim Duyên struck a pose. The back of the costume featured a grand display of the colorful 'Tét' cake, with vibrant and eye-catching hues. Wearing this national outfit, Á hậu Kim Duyên radiated strength, power, and personality.

Inspired by the images of bamboo, bamboo trees, and the crane bird, designer Thuận Thành created two national costumes for Miss Phạm Hương to represent Vietnam at the 2015 Miss Universe pageant. The costume took just one month to complete.

The two áo dài (traditional dresses) worn by Phạm Hương included one in white and the other in black. Both were crafted from brocade silk, hand-embroidered, and featured golden metallic thread in the bamboo leaves. The sleeves and collar were adorned with thousands of sparkling crystal stones, while the earrings and necklace were shaped like bamboo leaves and stylized drum motifs. The hand fan was intricately carved with bamboo leaf patterns. Together, the ensemble created a regal and exquisite national costume.

One of the most striking elements of this outfit was the golden headdress, shaped like a crane bird. This elegant and luxurious headpiece made Phạm Hương's national costume unforgettable and left a strong impression on international audiences during Miss Universe 2015.

One of the most unique costumes worn by a Vietnamese representative at the Miss Universe pageant was the four-panel áo tứ thân worn by Á hậu Vũ Thị Hoàng My. This national costume was designed by Thuận Việt.

The áo tứ thân was crafted from raw silk and featured an embroidered image of the iconic bronze drum. The neckline was deeply cut, embellished with sparkling crystal stones symbolizing the five elements: Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth. A standout feature was the golden phoenix design attached to the chest, adding an elegant yet regal touch to the outfit. This daring creation was a modern take on traditional hand embroidery techniques and the latest silk fabrics.

Another highlight of this costume was the traditional conical hat, a must-have accessory when wearing the áo tứ thân. The hat was intricately carved with the image of the bronze drum, further emphasizing the cultural richness of Vietnam. While Á hậu Hoàng My did not place highly in the competition, she successfully showcased a more youthful and dynamic image of Vietnam.

During the 2008 Miss Universe competition, Miss Nguyễn Thùy Lâm achieved the best result for any Vietnamese contestant to date, making it into the top 15. Her national costume also earned a place in the Top 10 Best National Costumes and the Top 5 in the Fashion Show for Áo Dài.

The costume, named "Dance of the Cranes," is a stunning fusion of multiple layers of fabric in red, yellow, and white. The designer, Thuận Việt, created this one-of-a-kind piece, which features 7,500 Swarovski crystals imported from Austria and 500 luxurious pearls. Additionally, the dress is adorned with two elegant cranes, hand-embroidered with golden threads, adding a regal touch to the ensemble.

The 2010 Miss Vietnam World, Diễm Hương, represented Vietnam at Miss Universe 2012, and her national costume left a lasting impression on international audiences. Designed by Thuận Việt, the ensemble was a handwoven silk Áo Dài made with pure mistletoe thread.

The costume conveyed a message of environmental protection, which Miss Diễm Hương aimed to promote. The fabric featured intricate patterns inspired by the ethnic minorities of northern Vietnam, along with a golden, detailed dragon motif, adding a luxurious and stunning touch to the design.

At the 2013 Miss Universe competition, Miss Trương Thị May, Vietnam's representative, was praised for her elegance and style. The national costume featured a striking combination of golden yellow and deep red, adorned with traditional lotus flower patterns.

Designed by Thuận Việt, the costume embodied the graceful and pure beauty of Vietnamese women, highlighted by shimmering crystal embellishments that made the outfit even more eye-catching.

Ranked among the top 10 most memorable national costumes in Miss Universe history, the 'Bánh Mì' costume worn by Miss H’Hen Niê in 2018 stands out. Vietnamese contestants have consistently impressed on the Miss Universe stage, and H’Hen's 'Bánh Mì' costume was inspired by one of the world's most beloved dishes.

At Miss Universe 2018, many contestants and their managers affectionately referred to H'Hen as 'Miss Bánh Mì'. Reflecting on the costume, H'Hen shared, 'Bánh mì has become an essential part of my journey at Miss Universe. This costume reminds me of my childhood dreams of owning a food cart. Now, I've grown up, and I wear this Bánh Mì costume proudly.'

As the final contestant to showcase her traditional costume at Miss Universe 2020, Miss Khánh Vân captivated the judges and audience with her national outfit, inspired by the image of a silkworm cocoon. The design aimed to promote Vietnam's textile industry.

The costume, named 'Kén Em', was created by designer Khoa Lỗ and features a modernized áo dài paired with a headpiece resembling a cocoon made from silk thread. The intricate handwoven technique, combined with foreign macrame knotting, symbolizes the traditional silk weaving process. The dominant white color and the elegant áo dài silhouette emphasized the graceful, timeless beauty of Vietnamese women.

At the highly competitive Miss Universe 2022, representing Vietnam was the reigning Miss Universe Vietnam, Nguyễn Thị Ngọc Châu. During her performance, Miss Ngọc Châu proudly wore the national costume named “Chiếu Cà Mau,” designed by Nguyễn Quốc Việt. This outfit was inspired by the traditional Cà Mau mat-making village, located in the southernmost region of Vietnam, known for its patriotism and vibrant spirit.

The costume was meticulously crafted into an áo dài with an elaborate backdrop, helping Ngọc Châu stand out on stage. The design celebrates the handicraft tradition of Vietnam, showcasing the simplicity, humility, and industriousness of the people in the southernmost part of the country, while sharing the rich cultural values of Vietnam with the world.