Introduction
The world of international beauty pageants has long been dominated by iconic competitions such as Miss Universe, Miss World, and Miss International. Yet, in recent years, a new contender has emerged from Vietnam, determined to redefine the standards of beauty, inclusivity, and cultural representation. This is Miss Cosmo, an annual international beauty pageant founded in 2023 and headquartered in Ho Chi Minh City. Despite its young age, Miss Cosmo has already made waves in the global pageantry scene, attracting contestants from dozens of countries and establishing itself as a platform for impactful beauty.
In this blog, we’ll explore the origins of this pageant, its unique vision, the highlights of its inaugural edition in 2024, and what lies ahead for this ambitious competition.
Table of Contents
Origins of Miss Cosmo
Miss Cosmo was officially founded on August 23, 2023, by Trần Việt Bảo Hoàng, a visionary leader in Vietnam’s pageant industry. The organization operates under UNICorp and UNIMedia, with its headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City. The pageant was born out of a significant shift in Vietnam’s pageant landscape.
In 2023, the Miss Universe franchise in Vietnam was awarded to a new licensee, leaving Hoa Hậu Hoàn Vũ Việt Nam (Miss Universe Vietnam) to continue independently. To mark this independence, the competition was rebranded as Miss Cosmo Vietnam. This rebranding was more than a name change—it symbolized a new direction, one that emphasized inclusivity, innovation, and a stronger connection with audiences.
The associated reality television series was also renamed I Am Miss Cosmo Vietnam, further cementing the brand identity. Soon after, UNICorp announced the launch of an international pageant under the same name: Miss Cosmo.
Purpose and Vision
Miss Cosmo is not just another beauty contest. Its stated purpose is to celebrate diversity and inclusion in the beauty industry. The competition aims to provide a platform where contestants can showcase not only their physical beauty but also their talents, intelligence, and social impact.
The winner of this pageant receives:
- Cash prizes
- A one-year stay in an apartment
- A modeling contract
- Opportunities to represent the pageant internationally
- Ambassadorship for charitable initiatives
This holistic approach ensures that the titleholder becomes more than a queen of beauty – she becomes a global ambassador for change.
The Inaugural Edition: Miss Cosmo 2024
The first edition of Miss Cosmo took place between September and October 2024, culminating in a grand finale on October 5, 2024, at Saigon Riverside Park, Ho Chi Minh City.
Contestants
The competition attracted participants from 82 countries and territories, though some withdrew before the final. Ultimately, 56 contestants competed in the finale, making it one of the largest debut editions for a new pageant.
Hosts and Jury
The event was hosted by MC Duc Bao and Kylie Verzosa, Miss International 2016. The jury panel featured an impressive lineup of global figures:
- Paula Shugart, former President of Miss Universe
- Harnaaz Sandhu, Miss Universe 2021
- Nguyen Huynh Kim Duyen, 2nd Runner-up Miss Supranational 2022
- George Chien, Co-founder and CEO of KC Global Media
- Pham Quang Vinh, Vietnam’s former Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs
- H’Hen Nie, Top 5 Miss Universe 2018 and Ambassador of Miss Cosmo 2024
This diverse panel reflected the international ambition of Miss Cosmo, blending pageant veterans with leaders from media and diplomacy.
The Winner
The crown went to Ketut Permata Juliastrid of Indonesia, who became the first-ever Miss Cosmo. She was crowned by CEO Trần Việt Bảo Hoàng in a dazzling ceremony. Juliastrid had previously held the title of Puteri Indonesia Pariwisata 2024, and her victory marked a historic moment for Indonesia in the global pageant scene.
The Crown: Symbol of Impactful Beauty
One of the most talked-about aspects of Miss Cosmo 2024 was its crown, known as the Impactful Crown and Tiara. Designed by Vietnamese artist Tran Chi Nguyen and crafted by Ngoc Chau Au, the crown symbolizes the pageant’s message of “Impactful Beauty.”
Key features include:
- Platinum base
- 22-carat emerald blue diamond (VVS1 clarity)
- 122 carats of lab-grown white diamonds
- 116 carats of blue sapphires
The tiara complements the crown with marquise sapphires and zirconial lab-grown diamonds. Together, they represent elegance, sustainability, and a commitment to innovation in jewelry design.
Distinctive Features of Miss Cosmo
This pageant differentiates itself from other pageants in several ways:
- Audience Participation: For the first time, audiences were given the power to judge contestants’ performances during the final. This interactive approach reflects the pageant’s commitment to inclusivity and transparency.
- Rebranding Strategy: By breaking away from Miss Universe Vietnam, Miss Cosmo created a unique identity that emphasizes diversity and modern values.
- Charitable Focus: Winners are expected to serve as ambassadors for charitable initiatives, particularly those promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Global Ambition: Despite being founded in Vietnam, Miss Cosmo has positioned itself as a truly international event, attracting contestants from across continents.
Challenges and Criticisms
Like any new competition, this pageant faced challenges. Some critics questioned the similarity of its name to other pageants, such as Miss Cosmos International or Miss Cosmopolitan World. The organization responded firmly, emphasizing its originality and unique vision.
Additionally, a few contestants withdrew before the final, and one even stumbled on stage during the finale. These incidents, while minor, highlighted the growing pains of a new international event.
Looking Ahead: Miss Cosmo 2025
The second edition of this pageant is scheduled for December 20, 2025, at Ho Tram Beach Square, Ho Chi Minh City. While details about the number of entrants are yet to be confirmed, expectations are high. With the success of its inaugural edition, Miss Cosmo 2025 is likely to attract even more contestants and global attention.
Impact on Vietnam’s Pageant Industry
This pageant has elevated Vietnam’s status in the global pageant industry. By hosting an international competition, Vietnam has positioned itself as a hub for beauty, culture, and diplomacy. The involvement of high-profile figures like Paula Shugart and Harnaaz Sandhu further validates the pageant’s credibility.
Moreover, Miss Cosmo Vietnam continues to serve as the national gateway for Vietnamese contestants to compete internationally, ensuring that local talent has a platform to shine on the global stage.
Conclusion
In just two years, this pageant has transformed from a bold idea into a global reality. Its inaugural edition in 2024 showcased not only stunning contestants but also a vision for a more inclusive and impactful beauty industry. With its unique crown, innovative judging system, and strong charitable mission, this pageant is poised to become a major player in the world of pageantry.
As the competition prepares for its second edition in 2025, the world will be watching to see how this pageant continues to evolve. Will it challenge the dominance of established pageants like Miss Universe and Miss World? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: Miss Cosmo has already made its mark, and its journey has only just begun.
Also read about “Miss Cosmo 2025: A Deep Dive Into the Crown, Prizes, Contestants, and ‘Rising Dragon’ Theme“.