Philippine bet Asia Rose Simpson has secured a spot in the Top 60 finalists of the Miss World 2026 Top Model Challenge, overcoming an unexpected shoe mishap during her runway appearance in Vietnam.
More than 111 candidates participated in the fast-track competition, dubbed “The Green World,” which featured contestants walking the runway in creations by Vietnamese fashion designers at Dragon Ocean Do Son in Hai Phong.
Despite the pressure of the competition, Simpson maintained her composure after the ankle strap of one of her 8-inch heels broke shortly before she was scheduled to take the stage.
“I just finished the fashion show and Top Model, and I had a great time walking the runway. But some behind the scenes for you—right before I went onstage, my ankle strap broke on one of my 8-inch heels!” Simpson shared on social media.
Rather than letting the mishap affect her performance, the Filipina beauty queen completed her runway walk and impressed enough to advance to the Top 60.
The Top Model Challenge is one of the fast-track events at Miss World, with its results potentially helping contestants advance in the competition. The winner of the challenge is set to be announced on August 28.
Simpson is now continuing her Miss World journey as she aims to follow in the footsteps of Megan Young, who made history in 2013 as the Philippines’ first Miss World titleholder.
The Miss World 2026 coronation is scheduled to take place in Vietnam, where Thailand’s Opal Suchata Chuangsri will crown her successor. Simpson is hoping to secure the Philippines’ second Miss World crown and add another major achievement to the country’s pageant legacy.
