Duyen arrives at the studio of Cong Khanh. It’s down to the wire as Vietnam Fashion Week runs November 25-27 in Ho Chi Minh City.

There’s something intangible about being part of the country’s biggest fashion event, she says, noting it’s hard to translate into words. It’s really special, and hard to describe.

Duyen says she will attend the event as an invited guest and she wants everything, especially her gown, to be perfect.

Miss Vietnam 2014 tries on a variety of outfits from the latest collection of designer Khanh.

According to Duyen, a unique collection themed ‘Golden Women’ designed by local designers – Cong Khanh, Li Lam, Truong Thanh Long, Ha Truong, Hoang Ngan, and Tran Thi Thanh Nga – will be introduced at the event.

After hours of trying on clothing, Duyen decides to choose a black rooster embroidered dress.