On the evening of September 11, the National Costume competition within the framework of Miss Grand Vietnam 2025 attracted the attention of the public when a series of unique designs appeared on stage. Among many new ideas, the outfit named "Flower Smoke of the Ancestors" became the focus of discussion due to the controversial factor.
According to the introduction from the organizing committee, this design is inspired by the worship of ancestors - a long-standing cultural feature of the Vietnamese people. The designer wants to convey the message of gratitude for the origin, affirming the connection between generations and showing that folk beliefs can be completely conveyed from the perspective of artistic performances.
However, right after the competition night, "The smoky ancestors" created a mixed public opinion. Some viewers asked: "When will the altar become an ethnic cultural costume?". Many opinions say that bringing the image of an altar and incense burner - which are associated with sacredness and spiritual space - to the stage for performance is a lack of sophistication, easily causing offense.
On the contrary, there are also defensive opinions, saying that this is a bold experiment, aiming to emphasize the connection between people and tradition and create a different mark in the competition. Some people consider the inclusion of folk cultural materials in performing arts as a creative approach, although it can easily cause controversy.
Responding to an interview with Lao Dong Newspaper, designer Ivan Tran - Mentor of the contest author Tran Cong Hau - responded: "The design of Ancestor's smoke scent by author Tran Cong Hau was inspired by the recent movie "House of Ancestors" that is loved by the audience. We wore costumes with a profound message of gratitude, showing respect for our ancestors and generations. We simply think that this is a custom that needs to be honored and preserved.
In response to public reaction, Ivan Tran added that the outfit caused controversy, he and the crew apologized to the audience and will learn from his experience in the future.
Meanwhile, director Hoang Nhat Nam of the Miss Grand Vietnam 2025 contest said: "This is the theme of the cultural and religious worship of ancestors from all generations of the Vietnamese people. The design drawings are made from real-life materials, with offerings of offerings of trays, fruits, flowers, boiled chickens, sticky rice, and three incense sticks in the heart of the incense sticks with wishes for peace and gratitude to the ancestors.
The contestants wear reserved, evening gowns, embroidered with lotus flowers with their roots, with incense motifs connecting the present with the past. The words were extremely profound and touching. In fact, the younger generation today will sometimes have questions: What is the significance of worship, burning incense, and offering offerings to the altar? Why should we do that? Now this is a way to introduce and preserve the good life of Vietnamese people more intensively and vividly than ever".
Previously, in 2019, the national costume selection round for Hoang Thuy to compete in Miss Universe also attracted attention when a painting called the Altar appeared, with detailed photos of the worship frame and incense burner. At that time, this idea also faced a strong reaction from the public.
