Miss World Uganda Elle Muhoza made a strong fashion statement at the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest by wearing a couture gown inspired by childbirth and motherhood.

The custom outfit, titled ‘The Layers of Life,’ was created by designer Keesha Abdallah for the 17th edition of the Vietnam Beauty Fashion Fest, held under the theme ‘Soul of Heritage’ on August 27. Miss World contestants showcased special couture creations during the event.

The gown was designed around the seven layers doctors pass through during a C-section. These include the skin, fat, fascia, rectus muscles, peritoneum, uterus muscle and amniotic sac. The outfit used white, yellow, pink and red fabrics to represent different stages and changes in the journey of bringing a child into the world.

The concept was inspired by the layers encountered during a C-section and, more broadly, by the extraordinary journey of bringing life into the world, Abdallah said.

The designer explained that the colours were not linked to any particular race. Instead, they represented different stages, textures and transitions. She said life is universal and does not belong to one country, race or colour.

Abdallah also revealed that becoming a mother herself influenced the creation. The gown received praise from women, including C-section mothers, who described it as powerful and meaningful.

Muhoza and Abdallah used fashion to celebrate womanhood, motherhood and the human body. The Miss World 2026 grand finale is being held today in Nha Trang, Vietnam, alongside the organisation’s 75th anniversary celebrations.