Miss Universe 2021, Harnaaz Sandhu, turned heads at the Miss Cosmo International 2025 in Vietnam, not just for her stunning walk but also for her poise after a near-slip on the runway. Serving as a judge for the pageant, Harnaaz encountered a minor wardrobe mishap when her stilettos caught in her shimmery orange gown with a thigh-high slit, causing her to momentarily lose balance.
However, true to her confident persona, she quickly regained her composure, paused briefly, and continued her walk with elegance. Sharing the moment on Instagram, she captioned the clip, quoting Paula Shugart, “It’s not about the fall, it’s how you get up,” while adding, “Fun fact: did you know I almost slipped… heart full of love and gratitude.”
The video, which has since gone viral, captures Harnaaz’s effortless ability to maintain grace under pressure, a trait that helped her win the Miss Universe crown in 2021. Her commanding stage presence and radiant smile were met with cheers from the audience, further cementing her reputation as a seasoned pageant professional.
For the finale of Miss Cosmo 2025, set to take place on December 20, Harnaaz’s presence on the jury alongside notable personalities like Olivia Yace adds star power and credibility to the event. Olivia Yace recently resigned her Miss Universe Africa and Oceania title during the Miss Universe 2025 pageant, highlighting the caliber of judges at Miss Cosmo.
Harnaaz’s gown, a halter-neck number with sequined details and a plunging neckline, perfectly complemented her confident stride, making her momentary stumble barely noticeable. This incident, rather than overshadowing her presence, highlighted her resilience and professionalism, reminding fans and aspiring models alike that grace is not about perfection, but the ability to rise after a misstep.