Nearly two weeks before the Miss Universe 2008 pageant comes to a close in Vietnam, the activities are heating up as the international contestants head into the final phase of the event. 

On Monday, the Hoan Cau Company in coastal Nha Trang Town organized an opening ceremony at the Diamond Bay Resort where the main contest will be held on stage next Tuesday, with the finale slated for July 14.

On their second day in Vietnam, competitors in the Miss Universe 2008 pageant tried on the traditional Vietnamese dress, ao dai.

Over 50 girls who came to HCM City on the first two days were measured and tried on ao dai, which were designed by four Vietnamese designers, Vo Viet Chung, Thuan Viet, Sy Hoang and Lien Huong.

Each designer is in charge of taking body measurements and preparing ao dai for 20 competitors. Thuan Viet said on June 18 he got measurements and tried ao dai on 11 candidates from France, Indonesia, India, El Salvador, etc.

THE choice of a beach-inspired glamour gown over a bikini as Australia's national dress at Miss Universe has come under fire.

Miss Universe Australia, 21-year-old Laura Dundovic of Dural showed off the frilled fashionable piece by top Australian designer Jayson Brunsdon in Sydney yesterday.

But Australian artist Ken Done, who also has a clothing range featuring iconic Australian symbols, said the dressed up Brunsdon frock didn't reflet true Australian dress.

"He has created something beautiful but I don't think a gown is what is meant as national costume,'' said Mr Done.

The organising board of Miss Universe 2008 pageant has completed the working schedule for competitors from June 17 to July 14 in Vietnam.

According to the schedule, international beauties will participate in many fashion shows in big cities of Vietnam.

On June 21, they will attend a fashion show and a red-carpet party in HCM City.

On June 22, they will model traditional Vietnamese clothes, and on June 24, Vietnamese ao dai. These two events will be aired live.