Miss India Nandini Gupta was named one of the four continental winners in the Top Model Challenge at Miss World 2025, a key segment of the international beauty pageant. The event, which took place on Saturday evening at the Trident Hotel in Hyderabad, was a vibrant celebration of global fashion and regional culture.
A total of 108 contestants from various parts of the world graced the runway during this glamorous event. Each participant represented their country and continent, bringing forward not just beauty but elegance, cultural pride, and personality. The winners were chosen based on their confidence, stage presence, and command over the runway, making the challenge more than just a visual spectacle.
Representing the Asia and Oceania region, Nandini Gupta stood out among her peers and was selected as the winner for her continent. The other three winners who joined her were Miss Namibia Selma Kamanya from Africa, Miss Martinique Aurélie Joachim representing the Americas and Caribbean, and Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt, who represented Europe. The winners were selected not only for their physical appeal but also for how they carried themselves during the event and embodied the values of grace and composure.
The fashion event went beyond traditional pageantry, becoming a platform that celebrated both high fashion and cultural heritage. Hyderabad’s role as host was particularly significant, as the city’s own rich traditions in textiles were highlighted during the show. Contestants wore beautifully crafted garments made using local handloom techniques such as Pochampally, Gadwal, and Gollabhama weaves. These designs also incorporated pearl-inspired elements, in homage to Hyderabad’s historical identity as the City of Pearls.
The outfits were designed by Indian fashion designer Archana Kochhar, widely admired for her ability to seamlessly merge modern silhouettes with traditional Indian artistry. Kochhar’s creations for the event were not only eye-catching but also served as cultural statements. Her work paid tribute to India’s heritage while ensuring the designs remained globally appealing.
After the cultural showcase segment, contestants returned to the runway in contemporary fashion. These modern ensembles were created by internationally renowned designers, presenting a dramatic contrast to the earlier part of the evening. This transition underscored the versatility of the participants as well as the event’s theme of merging tradition with modernity.
The contest was structured in several phases. In the initial stage, two finalists were shortlisted from each continent based on their performance in the earlier rounds. For Africa, the selected finalists were Miss Côte d’Ivoire Fatoumata Coulibaly and Miss Namibia Selma Kamanya. Representing the Americas and Caribbean were Miss Martinique Aurélie Joachim and Miss Venezuela Valeria Cannavò. In the Asia and Oceania category, Miss India Nandini Gupta was joined by Miss New Zealand Samantha Poole. For Europe, the two finalists were Miss Belgium Karen Jansen and Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt.
From these eight finalists, one winner per continent was announced. The final selection was based on multiple criteria, including stage presence, confidence, and overall runway performance. All contestants had an opportunity to showcase their individuality and style before the final decisions were made.
The Top Model Challenge also included a segment where awards for the best designer dress were given. These awards were separate from the main continental winners and recognized participants who excelled in wearing and presenting specially crafted designer outfits. Miss South Africa Zoalise Jansen van Rensburg, Miss Puerto Rico Valeria Pérez, Miss New Zealand Samantha Poole, and Miss Ukraine Maria Melnychenko were honoured in this category. They were each praised for their poise and ability to carry unique and distinctive fashion creations with elegance and charm.
The overall tone of the evening was not just one of beauty and competition, but of unity, tradition, and artistic celebration. The Top Model Challenge served as a tribute to both global diversity and Indian heritage, with Hyderabad playing a central role as both a cultural ambassador and fashionable backdrop.
Commenting on the event’s broader impact, one of the organizers stated that it was about much more than pageantry. “This was not just a beauty pageant but a celebration of culture, fashion, and Telangana’s rich textile heritage.” This sentiment was evident in every segment, from the traditional handloom garments to the modern runway looks that closed the show.
For Miss India Nandini Gupta, the recognition as the top model from Asia and Oceania is a significant achievement and places her in strong contention for the Miss World crown. Her performance in the event showed not only her elegance but also her ability to represent her culture with pride and sophistication. Gupta’s inclusion among the four continental winners highlights India’s growing prominence in the global beauty and fashion industry.
Miss Namibia Selma Kamanya, winner for Africa, also left a strong impression with her performance, while Miss Martinique Aurélie Joachim and Miss Ireland Jasmine Gerhardt captivated audiences in their respective regions. Each of these winners symbolized the diverse beauty and talent present across continents, reinforcing the pageant’s global vision.
In total, the evening was a dynamic blend of fashion, tradition, and international camaraderie. From intricately woven Indian fabrics to sleek modern designs, from heartfelt cultural tributes to confident runway strides, the Top Model Challenge delivered a memorable experience for all in attendance and those watching from around the world.
By the end of the night, it was clear that Miss World 2025’s Top Model Challenge was more than just a lead-up event. It was a powerful display of how beauty, culture, and identity can intersect on a global stage. The success of contestants like Nandini Gupta marks a moment of pride not only for India but for everyone who believes in the celebration of both tradition and innovation.