Miss Croatia went to Vietnam with a special gift

Miss Croatia Ema Helena Vičar has arrived in Vietnam to compete in the 73rd edition of Miss World, which runs from August 9 to September 5. The grand finale will take place in Nha Trang, where representatives from around 130 countries will vie for the title. Vičar’s journey includes participation in humanitarian activities, cultural events, fashion shows, and official presentations over nearly a month. She will compete in all seven official categories, each offering a chance to secure direct placement among the top 40 contestants. Vičar plans to present a project dedicated to protecting the Adriatic Sea during the Beauty with a Purpose category. Her initiative, titled Blue Planet: A Purpose for Life, focuses on addressing the issue of discarded fishing nets. She will highlight the Croatian initiative Krie x Provir, which repurposes collected fishing nets into regenerated nylon fiber. This effort aligns with broader environmental goals and showcases sustainable innovation from Croatia. For the Top Model competition, Vičar will wear a creation by Croatian designer Marine Matić called LARIE. Inspired by Plitvice Lakes and Mount Krk, the gown features more than 500,000 crystals, pearls, and gemstones. It is accompanied by a cloak nearly six meters long, emphasizing both elegance and craftsmanship. The design reflects Croatian natural beauty and artistic expression through high-fashion elements. Vičar will also participate in dance performances, athletic challenges, public speaking, and interviews throughout her stay. During these events, she aims to discuss topics such as Croatia, education, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and her personal life. These segments provide opportunities to share insights into Croatian culture and values while engaging with international audiences. Vičar brought more than 20 fashion combinations to Vietnam, including evening gowns and other creations from Croatian fashion houses and boutiques. Among her items is a special gift for an auction during the Beauty with a Purpose dinner, a portrait of Marilyn Monroe created by Dimitri Popović. This artwork adds a unique touch to her presentation and highlights Croatian contributions to the arts. As the competition approaches its climax on September 5, Vičar faces an intensive schedule aimed at showcasing Croatia's nature, culture, and sustainability efforts. Her performance in the final stages will determine whether she can claim the world crown and represent her country on a global stage.