Wilson concluded Cong’s collection release, held on Tuesday in the coastal province of Ba Ria - Vung Tau as part of the 2023 Miss Ocean Vietnam contest.
The Japanese beauty queen’s outfit combines a scallop shell-inspired bra and a see-through skirt. Despite walking under the rain, Wilson maintained her calm and cold aura.
The show was held at Hamptons Pier, the longest pedestrian bridge with sea view in Southeast Asia with a length of 270 meters.
Aligning with the contest’s theme of seas and oceans, Miss Beauty 2015 Hoai Sa’s outfit consists of a starfish-shaped bra.
Named “Nang Tien Ca” (The Mermaid), Cong’s collection includes 20 modern-style designs inspired by the ocean and made from recycled materials including leftover fabrics, plastic, and used metal, aimed to raise people’s awareness about environmental issues.
Cong said the rain made him worried at first, since his models had to wear heels which could be slippery during the wet weather.
He let out a breath of relief as the show went smoothly.
Cong also said he hoped the show could promote Ba Ria - Vung Tau as a traveling destination to domestic and international tourists.
The collection received positive responses as the audiences did not mind holding their umbrellas while sitting under the rain to watch the models.
From L: Miss Beauty 2015 Hoai Sa, jewelry designer Chau Bao Ngoc Nga, fashion designer Van Thanh Cong, and Miss Universe Japan 2022 runner-up Megumi Wilson.
Wilson tripped, but Cong held her hand to keep her balanced.
“Megumi Wilson had to stand in three hours as she was afraid sitting down would destroy the outfit,” Cong said, adding that the Japanese beauty queen walked the two-kilometer distance from the fitting room to the bridge runway under the rain without complaining.
“I felt bad for her while admiring her patience and professionalism at the same time.”
Cong, 43, started his career as a fashion designer in 2001. He has become the designer favored by various celebrities and beauty queens since then.
Wilson, 28, was born to an American father and a Japanese mother. In addition to her beauty queen title, she is also known for her modeling career.
Sa, 31, is considered Vietnam’s first trans beauty queen after winning the 2015 Miss Beauty contest, Vietnam’s first beauty pageant for trans contestants. She is active as a singer and model.
