The upcycled dress was inspired by Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-iam’s father who’s a garbage collector and mom who’s a street sweeper.
The stakes are getting higher as we’re halfway into the Miss Universe competition, but each of the queens keep on surprising us with the many tricks up their sleeves. (Pasabog, if you will.) Recently, our jaws dropped when Miss Universe Thailand Anne Sueangam-iam walked into the preliminaries wearing a stunning chainmail dress that was revealed to be made out of soda can tabs embellished with Swarovski crystals. It was brought to life through the help of designer, Manirat and is called “Hidden Precious Diamond Dress.” But it wasn’t until she unveiled the heartfelt story behind her evening gown that we instantly ugly-cried. Grab your tissues quickly because best believe tears will be shed.
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Anne Sueangam-iam wasn’t born into privilege. In fact, she didn’t have a lot growing up. On an Instagram post made by Miss Universe Thailand, she shared that the inspiration behind the dress were her parents; her dad is a garbage collector while her mom is a street sweeper. When she was a child, her parents would gift her with toys that they’d find in the rubbish bins, but that didn’t stop her from graduating with honors. If that doesn’t scream “beautifully confident,” then we don’t know what is.
“You must not get stuck with murky surroundings you were born into, but do believe you have the power to change your own life for the better.” Those were the powerful words of Anne Sueangam-iam that spoke volumes of how her tenacity led her to becoming the graceful beauty queen she is today.
The 71st Miss Universe coronation night will be on January 15 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans and will be streamed online.
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