The semi-final night of the Miss Grand International 2023 pageant in Ho Chi Minh City on October 22 saw an explosive performance by the contestants, helped by 12 gowns by designer Nguyen Minh Tuan.

This is a record in the history of international beauty pageants held in Vietnam regarding the number of evening gowns by a Vietnamese designer chosen by beauty queens from different countries. Miss Grand Australia, Miss Grand Canada, Miss Grand Cuba, Miss Grand Dominican, Miss Grand Guatemala, Miss Grand Ireland, Miss Grand Panama, Miss Grand Netherlands, Miss Grand Nicaragua, Miss Grand Singapore, Miss Grand United Kingdom, Miss Grand Germany all sported Tuan's gowns.

It's expected that representatives from Guatemala, Cuba, the United Kingdom, the Dominican Republic, Canada, Panama, Australia, Nicaragua, the Netherlands, Colombia, Ireland, and the United States will parade in evening gowns designed by Tuan for the final round on October 25.

Some designs by Nguyen Minh Tuan.

Each contestant's dress is tailor-made, based on the beauty, personality, body shape, and preferences of each beauty, which the team of designer Nguyen Minh Tuan consulted, designed, and meticulously crafted.

Upon seeing the finalists exude confidence in his designs, Tuan was filled with joy. "I hope the team's efforts will contribute to Vietnam's image in the eyes of international friends. Not only our inventiveness and diligent work ethic will leave a lasting impression on international competitors, but also the country's culture, tourism, and cuisine," he said.

Having worked in the fashion industry for nearly 10 years, he knows the rising position of Vietnamese fashion, especially in evening gowns, compared to many competitors in the region and around the world.

With clients who are contestants in international beauty contests, Nguyen Minh Tuan feels the pressure, so he is more attentive and precise in all stages.

Tuan, 30, has extensive experience in creating high-quality costumes for the Miss Grand competition. On the last night of Miss Grand International 2021, Miss Nguyen Thuc Thuy Tien won the title thanks to the evening gown he created.

Nguyen Minh Tuan has been a fashion design teacher for 10 years.

Thanks to the outfit Thuy Tien was crowned in, some beauties know about me. They called me while they were in Vietnam for the competition, showing their confidence in me. I did my best because I felt it was a great opportunity to improve the public's perception of Vietnamese fashion," Tuan said.

In addition to designing for famous beauty queens, Nguyen Minh Tuan is also a lecturer at Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology, where he graduated as valedictorian in the Architecture - Fine Arts major. He became a lecturer at the university at the age of 26.

"I have loved teaching since I was a child. I always want to be able to pass on my experiences to people with similar interests. Teaching is the long-term way I want to go," Tuan said.

Designer Tuan said that fashion design is a tough, highly competitive profession that requires a lot of creativity. "However, if you have good skills and techniques in this profession, you will have a stable life and high income. Especially if you work in the art field, you can fly away from boredom and live with your passion. If you are lucky, you can even become a celebrity," he confided.

"Therefore, I hope students can nurture their dreams, have a solid career, be more confident in life, and join hands to contribute to the development of Vietnamese fashion," Tuan said.

Twelve contestants wear evening gowns by Nguyen Minh Tuan at the semifinals of Miss Grand International 2023.