The 8th edition of Miss Grand International was held on 27th March 2021 in Thailand where Abena Appiah of USA was crowned as the winner at the end of the event finale. The beauty competition was held keeping all the covid-19 safety norms in mind and the beauty queens have already completed their 14-days quarantine period. Miss Grand International 2019 Valentina Figuera crowned her successor at the end of the event finale.
Miss Grand International organization held its National Costume Competition on 24th March 2021 where the delegates paraded on stage in their traditional costumes depicting their countries’ cultures and heritage. The organization announced the names of top 10 finalists for the award out of which three of them were announced as the winners. Let’s look at the winners:
Miss Grand Japan 2020 Ruri Saji
Ruri’s national costume was a fusion inspired by the KOKESHI DOLL which was originally crafted for more than 150 years. The traditional handmade wooden doll was distinguished by a single trunk and head, with its face and clothing painted is preserved through tough times as a toy for children. From its highly regarded historical origins and cultural association, the minimalist wooden doll turning to a well-structured ANIME ROBOT ensemble showcases Japan’s technological advancements leading the world in the field of robotics since 19th century. The national costume was designed by Don Cristobal and was highly appreciated at the competition.
Miss Grand Thailand 2020 Patcharaporn Chantarapadit
Patcharaporn’s national costume ‘Floating market of Siam’. It was designed by Art Akarach which is described as people in Thailand has a long way of life tied to water, with "boats" as the main means of transportation, including trading. Until it became a floating market, a centre of bustling street vendors. Patcharaporn’s costume had a paddle boat, hawking various kinds of fruits, reflection of Thailand’s outstanding and unique seamlessly.
Miss Grand Guatemala 2020 Ivana Batchelor
Ivana Batchelor’s national costume was “Xecul Occidental”, that represented the Church of San Andres Xecul, rich with colourful sculptures on the façade and brightly painted domes. It is world famous for its well-preserved Spanish Baroque influenced architecture. Wearing this suit is wearing the colours of Guatemala, the joy of the people, in every detail and fabric there is the hope of an entire country. The costume was created by Cesar Alejandro Portillo.
The finalists for Best in National Costume at Miss Grand International 2020 were Miss Grand Cambodia 2020 Chily Tevy, Miss Grand Indonesia 2020 Aurra Kharishma, Miss Grand Philippines 2020 Samantha Mae Bernardo, Miss Grand Guatemala 2020 Ivana Batchelor, Miss Grand Ecuador 2020 Sonia Luna Menéndez, Miss Grand Japan 2020 Ruri Saji, Miss Grand Thailand 2020 Patcharaporn Chantarapadit, Miss Grand Vietnam 2020 Nguyen Lê Ngoc Thao, Miss Grand Malaysia 2020 Jasebel Robert, and Miss Grand Panama 2020 Angie Keith.