Bangladeshi Model Stuns Global Audience in âQueen of Bengalâ Jamdani Costume at Miss Universe 2025
A Celebration of Timeless Heritage on the Global Stage
In a dazzling display of cultural pride and craftsmanship, Bangladeshi model Tangia Zaman Methila captured global attention at the Miss Universe 2025 pageant with her breathtaking national costume titled âQueen of Bengal.â The ensemble paid tribute to Bangladeshâs centuries-old Jamdani weaving traditionâan art form celebrated by UNESCO as part of humanityâs Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Standing under the bright lights of the international stage, Methilaâs appearance transported the audience into the heart of Bengalâs golden textile era. Draped in a regal Jamdani saree and adorned with handcrafted traditional jewelry, she embodied the merging of elegance and strengthâa vision that blended ancient artistry with modern representation.
The Inspiration Behind the âQueen of Bengalâ
The concept of the âQueen of Bengalâ costume drew from the historical grandeur of the region once known as the âGolden Bengal.â Designers sought to highlight the resilience, creativity, and beauty of Bangladeshi womanhood, translating these qualities through threads of cotton and metallic detailing.
At the core of the costume lies the Jamdani, a muslin-based fabric that dates back more than 500 years. Originating from the looms of Dhaka, Jamdani saris have long been regarded as symbols of luxury, worn by royalty and passed down across generations. Each piece is meticulously handwoven on traditional pit loomsâa process that demands exceptional patience and precision.
Methilaâs costume showcased a reinterpretation of this legacy, featuring fine motifs of blooming flowers and flowing vines woven into a silvery base that echoed moonlight against the Bengal plains. The result was not only a work of art but also a statement of national identity at one of the worldâs most-watched beauty events.
Crafted by Artisans, Rooted in Tradition
Behind the splendor of the âQueen of Bengalâ costume stood twelve master artisans who devoted two months to its creation. Working in rural weaving communities near Narayanganj and Sonargaonâthe traditional hubs of Jamdani productionâthey preserved age-old techniques passed from generation to generation.
Every thread of the hand-spun cotton was chosen for its texture and sheen, while metallic yarns added subtle glimmers that hinted at royal attire of ancient Bengal. The ensembleâs distinctive jewelry was equally symbolic. Methilaâs accessories included the ratanchur (armlet), jhumkas (earrings), golap bala (floral bangles), tayra (forehead ornament), and bichha (anklet)âeach crafted by traditional goldsmiths and embodying motifs from Mughal and pre-Mughal Bengal.
The integration of these elements created a visual language that spoke of both history and empowerment, making the costume one of the standout moments of the Miss Universe cultural showcase segment.
The Symbolism of Jamdani in Modern Bangladesh
Jamdani weaving remains deeply connected to Bangladeshâs cultural and economic story. Once considered a symbol of aristocracy in Mughal courts, the craft faced near extinction during colonial rule when imported industrial textiles replaced local production. However, after Bangladeshâs independence in 1971, the government and private sectors revived the tradition, establishing cooperatives and heritage programs to support local weavers.
Today, Jamdani stands as a proud emblem of sustainable fashion and national craftsmanship. Its enduring demand among South Asian and global consumers continues to sustain thousands of families. Each sari carries a narrative of patience, artistry, and the enduring spirit of Bangladeshi artisansâqualities that align with the global movement toward ethical and slow fashion.
Methilaâs choice to feature Jamdani on the Miss Universe stage thus extended beyond aesthetics; it underscored an ongoing dialogue about sustainability, heritage preservation, and fair wages for traditional weavers.
From Local Looms to Global Runways
The world of fashion has recently turned its attention back to handwoven textiles, driven by consumer awareness about sustainability and cultural authenticity. In this context, Methilaâs presentation not only spotlighted Bangladeshâs rich textile traditions but also positioned Jamdani as a globally relevant fabric.
Designers in Europe, Japan, and the Middle East have begun incorporating Jamdani into couture collections, blending Eastern techniques with Western silhouettes. This growing interest creates export opportunities for Bangladeshâs textile artisans, diversifying an economy long dominated by industrial garments.
According to recent trade reports, high-end handloom exports from Bangladesh have seen an annual increase of nearly 15 percent, driven by niche global markets that value craftsmanship over mass production. Experts suggest that the cultural exposure gained through international events like Miss Universe can further accelerate this growth, linking fashion diplomacy with economic development.
Public Reaction and National Pride
As images of Tangia Zaman Methilaâs costume circulated across social media, admiration poured in from audiences around the world. Fashion commentators praised the intricate detailing and cultural storytelling embedded in her look, while Bangladeshi citizens expressed pride in seeing their heritage celebrated on one of the worldâs largest stages.
Artisans involved in the project described the experience as âa dream fulfilled.â Many noted that while weavers often remain invisible behind their fabrics, Methilaâs costume placed their artistry front and center. For them, the global recognition carried profound meaningânot simply as a cultural triumph, but as validation of decades of dedication to a vanishing craft.
The moment also highlighted how pageantry can transcend aesthetics to become a medium for cultural dialogue and preservation. By bringing a historical art form to such visibility, Methila reaffirmed the power of fashion as both cultural ambassador and economic engine.
The Economics of Cultural Representation
Bangladeshâs garment industry has long been recognized as a global powerhouse, yet it primarily focuses on mass-produced apparel. The revival of the Jamdani sector offers a counterpointâone rooted in heritage and sustainability rather than large-scale manufacturing.
Economists note that integrating traditional crafts into contemporary design could diversify Bangladeshâs textile exports, attract new markets, and boost the countryâs creative economy. This approach, often referred to as the âheritage economy,â promotes value-added products that command higher prices abroad.
Cultural showcases like Miss Universe amplify such opportunities. By associating Bangladesh with quality, authenticity, and artistic depth, they foster brand recognition that standard trade marketing rarely achieves. Methilaâs âQueen of Bengalâ thus operates as both a national statement and a strategic act of cultural diplomacy.
Comparing Regional Heritage Representations
In recent years, international beauty pageants have become key platforms for South and Southeast Asian nations to display their cultural identities. Indiaâs traditional attire often incorporates Banarasi or Kanjeevaram silks, while the Philippines features indigenous textiles like Tânalak. Thailandâs costumes, rich with golden embroidery and mythological motifs, celebrate ancient kingdoms and craftsmanship.
Bangladeshâs Jamdani, by contrast, stands out for its subtlety and precision. It speaks in patterns rather than embellishments, celebrating restraint and detailâa philosophy closely tied to Bengali aesthetics and artistic sensibility. Methilaâs performance placed Bangladesh firmly within this growing regional narrative, proving that cultural expression can be both contemporary and deeply rooted in tradition.
Observers note that presenting heritage crafts through pageantry offers more than aesthetic appeal. It fosters regional cooperation, tourism, and creative exchange, all of which contribute to economic and cultural development.
The Legacy of the Moment
As the 2025 Miss Universe competition concluded, Tangia Zaman Methilaâs âQueen of Bengalâ costume remained one of the eventâs most talked-about features. Critics hailed it as a masterful blend of cultural authenticity and modern artistry.
More importantly, it turned the spotlight toward the artisans who sustain the Jamdani legacy. In doing so, the costume reminded the world that fashionâs true power lies not only in beauty but in storytellingâin weaving threads of history, identity, and craftsmanship into a single vision.
For Bangladesh, the appearance marked a defining chapter in how the country expresses itself to the world. A handwoven sari became a statement of national pride, a celebration of artisan skill, and a timeless symbol of what it means to be both modern and deeply connected to tradition.
Tangia Zaman Methilaâs performance as the âQueen of Bengalâ stood as more than just a display of elegance; it was an affirmation of Bangladeshâs cultural resilience and creative strength. In every shimmer of Jamdani fabric and every handcrafted ornament lay centuries of artistryâan eternal reminder that heritage, when presented with dignity and imagination, can capture the worldâs heart anew.