The opening ceremony for Miss World 2026, held in Vietnam, has generated a divided response from audiences over the traditional ao dai gowns worn during the event, according to Tuoi Tre News | The News Gateway to Vietnam.
The Vietnamese outlet reports that the designs of the ao dai—the country's iconic long dress—sparked both praise and criticism among viewers. The show marked the formal start of the 75th Miss World Festival, which is being hosted in Vietnam this year.
Tuoi Tre News | The News Gateway to Vietnam notes that the mixed reactions centered specifically on how the traditional garment was adapted for the pageant's opening segment. While some attendees and online viewers appreciated the creative interpretations, others felt the designs strayed too far from conventional expectations.
The event is part of a broader festival that has drawn international participants. Separate coverage from other outlets, including Business & Financial Times and Breaking Travel News, indicates that the 75th Miss World Festival involves national delegates from countries such as Ghana and England, with Vietnam Airlines partnering as an official carrier for the event. A photo published by Слободен печат shows contestant Eva Velichkovska wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing at the opening.
The opening show serves as the first major public showcase for the contestants, setting the tone for the weeks of competition ahead. As the festival progresses, observers will likely watch whether the ao dai designs remain a talking point or give way to other highlights, such as the charity auction and preliminary rounds, according to the reporting gathered from the listed sources.
