Meet the Vietnamese Miss with a Baguette‑Inspired National Costume
The Miss Universe stage has never been a dull affair, and in 2015, a fiery Miss Thailand once strutted through the arena wearing a tuk‑tuk—yes, a three‑wheeled scooter complete with headlights and a handlebar. While the internet guffawed, Miss Thailand’s compatriot Ms. Aniporn “Nat” Chalermburanawong turned that quirky hype into a triumph by snatching the Best National Costume award in Las Vegas.
Shifting gears: Miss Vietnam 2017’s Banh Mi Takeover
Fast forward to this year, and Miss Vietnam 2017 H’Hen Nie is revving up a new, wildly inventive theme for the national costume segment at next month’s Miss Universe contest in Thailand. The star of the show? A banh mi—the beloved Vietnamese baguette sandwich—reimagined as a full‑blown costume.
- Unveiled on Nov 22 – H’Hen shared a photo that showed her surrounded by a triad of baguette baskets, each loaded with meat and veggie fillings.
- Color palette – Emerald‑green cloth, hinting at fresh veggies, snugged around her waist.
- Chosen over 5 contenders – Even slick lanterns and majestic dragons couldn’t beat the sandwich’s appeal.
Why a Baguette?
Speaking to Viet Nam News, H’Hen articulated that regardless of which corner of Vietnam you visit—whether the impoverished highlands or bustling Ho Chi Minh City—bread is omnipresent. “Banh mi and pho are the visual shorthand for Vietnam when foreigners stare,” she explained.
Design & Cultural Cheers
Crafted by designer Pham Phuoc Dien, the costume sparked a wave of memes featuring the beauty queen as a mobile Vietnamese street‑food cart. One fan, Thuy Le, voiced her enthusiasm:
“I love the idea and the dress; it’s impressive and different. That costume really reminds everyone of Vietnamese tradition. I believe we can win the prize.”
Conclusion: A Delicious Statement
When the runway turns into a culinary stage, the spectacle is bound to spice up the competition. With H’Hen’s baguette cape, Vietnam is not just walking—but feeding—the global audience’s curiosity for a week‑long cultural feast. Let’s see if the judges do themselves a favor and award the Best National Costume to this edible masterpiece.
Miss Universe 2018: The Big Countdown
Picture‑perfect moments captured by Facebook/H’hen Nie hint at the glittering drama that’s going ready to unfold on Dec 17, when the 67th edition of the world‑famous pageant lands in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi.
Why You Should Care (And Why You’ll Be Amazed)
- Celebrity Spotlight – Everyone’s whispering about the Malaysian beauty queen marching in a nasi lemak dress. Talk about turning traditional cuisine into runway gold!
- Location Vibes – Nonthaburi’s Muang Thong Thani complex is buzzing with lights, sound, and a splash of Thai hospitality. The stage will be set for a night that promises to sparkle louder than the royal lamps in the city.
- Global Gaze – The venue will host faces from across the planet, each bringing their own flare, culture, and heart. Expect a mix of fierce confidence, dazzling smiles, and maybe a splash of tears.
What We Learned So Far
Based on early Straits Times reporting, the pageant is under tight reins with all elements carefully choreographed. Anticipation building? Absolutely.
Rumor vs Reality
Do not let the hype stray too far from the facts—senior pageant insiders assure us that no “secret shortcuts” are happening behind the glitter‑glam.
Plan Your Plans!
Book your front‑row seat, bring your camera, and remember: this is a night for cheery reflections and a spirited celebration of beauty, culture, and star power.