Goan fashion designer Melvyn Noronha has won the coveted Best National Costume award at Miss Grand International in Bangkok, Thailand. The milestone marks the first time in 32 years that India has secured the top spot in this category at a Grand Slam pageant, since Karminder Kaur Virk won the national costume award at Miss World 1993.
Over the past decade, Noronha has established himself as a global powerhouse in national costume design, consistently ranking among the world’s top three designers for eleven years before ultimately claiming the title of Grand Number One National Costume Designer of the World. Over time, he has evolved from designer to mentor and creative director, inspiring pageant designers across the globe with innovative techniques and bold artistic vision.
The winning costume was showcased by Vishakha Kanwar, representing India at the competition in Bangkok, where contestants from over 70 countries presented their national costumes. The elaborate ensemble weighed approximately 135 kilograms and was crafted using a blend of multi-metals, HD foam, chiffon and silk, intricately embellished with crystals and silk embroidery.
The costume carried a layered narrative rooted in Hindu theology and pageant philosophy. It drew inspiration from Mohini, the enchanting feminine avatar of Lord Vishnu, who restored cosmic balance through beauty and intelligence. The design also referenced Kalki, the prophesied tenth avatar destined to end the darkness of the Kali Yuga and usher in an era of truth. At its center was the Samudra Manthan — the mythological churning of the ocean — symbolizing both the human mind and the transformative journey within the pageant industry.
Accompanied by Devadatta, Kalki’s mythical white horse, the costume featured sweeping wings and reflective elements representing spiritual strength and inner awakening. Noronha also paid tribute to his former mentee, Meenakshi Chaudhary, by incorporating a colour palette inspired by her legacy in the pageant world. Returning to the Miss Grand stage after seven years, Noronha described the creation as a tribute to the shared pursuit of excellence.
The designer credited the achievement to his core team — Roni, Pratesh, Dattaguru and Vivek — as well as the guidance of Vishwanath Bhat and the Narvekar family for insights into Hindu religious traditions. “The design was inspired by my deep respect for my Hindu brethren, who embody character, compassion and honour,” Noronha said. He also acknowledged the unwavering faith of the pageant directors, whose trust in his avant-garde vision helped bring the award-winning creation to life.
