Tears of a beauty queen

Miss Global 2023 Ashley Melendez crowned herself in a phoenix-inspired design by designer Nguyen Minh Tuan. She broke down in tears when she tried on the outfit for the first time in Vietnam.

On the night of March 9th, Miss Global Ashley Melendez handed over her crown to her successor, Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van, who wore a special design by fashion designer Nguyen Minh Tuan.

Before the official Miss Global 2025 event, Ashley Melendez came to Vietnam to meet with designers and try on the outfits she will be wearing for the competition.

Ashley Melendez crowned Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van.

She burst into tears when she first tried on the final walk dress. She and the designer's team brainstormed and refined the design through 3D sketches, but unexpectedly, it still evoked a special feeling when she wore it. The design, titled Wings of Fire, is inspired by the legendary phoenix – a symbol of rebirth, power, and eternal beauty.

Ashley Melendez burst into tears when she tried on her final walk dress for the first time.

The garment is crafted from high-quality materials with exquisite cuts that flatter the wearer's figure. The dominant colors are vibrant red, orange, and yellow, combined with an ombre effect to create the feeling of a fiercely burning flame. A special highlight is the 3D-rendered upper body with stylized feather details, exuding an air of authority yet remaining soft and alluring.

The flowing train of the dress, along with the fiery motif running down the body, makes each movement seem ethereal, like a phoenix spreading its wings. Thousands of meticulously attached crystals catch the light perfectly, making the dress sparkle and captivate on stage.

Ashley Melendez in designs at Miss Global 2025.

In early 2024, Ashley Melendez became the first beauty queen to be crowned wearing a design by Nguyen Minh Tuan. In 2025, Miss Global 2023 will also be the first to wear a design by Nguyen Minh Tuan during the final walk and crowning Miss Global 2025 Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van.

Beauty queen Ediris Rivera Berrios was crowned 2nd Runner-up at Miss Global 2025.

At Miss Global 2025, Ediris Rivera Berrios from Puerto Rico also won the second runner-up title wearing a design by Nguyen Minh Tuan.

Photo: NMT

Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van crowned Miss Global, organizers apologize for 'nine-dash line' controversy . Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van, representing Vietnam, was crowned Miss Global 2025. However, the competition faced controversy for using a map image containing the "nine-dash line," prompting the organizers to issue an apology.