Talk Of The Town

By MWB Desk

Tangia Zaman Methila talks about her experiences at the Paris Fashion Week 2022

Model, television presenter, and actor, Tangia Zaman Methila wears a lot of hats, and one them is a crown. The stunning multi-hyphenate bagged the Miss World Bangladesh title for 2020, and made her acting debut in Haider Khan’s Rohingya – the People from Nowhere, a film about the relationship between a Rohingya girl and an Indian Special Forces officer, released on Apple TV last year.

This year, she added another feather in her cap by walking the runways at the Paris Fashion Week 2022. The stunning conclusion to the European Fashion month, PFW22 was held at the historic Pavillon Cambon Capucines. The centuries old venue neighbors the Vendome and Opera Garnier. MWB recently got on the phone to talk to her about this coup.

Can you tell us a little bit about how that came about in the first place?

The PFW organizers were looking for influencers for their event. They approached Miss World Bangladesh, and Safiq Bhai [Safiqul Islam Duke, National Director of Miss World Bangladesh] linked me to them, and they arranged for me to go there.

How exciting! What were your thoughts en route.

Honestly? It all happened very suddenly. I had just come back from an extended Eurotrip, and had a little over a week’s notice to get everything ready to go. As a professional, it was a little stressful for me because I want to give my best. Paris Fashion Week is a big deal for me, and it’s also such a busy event. There was so much going on. I’m glad it worked out, though.

We noticed you on the runway, and you looked absolutely fabulous. Tell us a little bit about the designers you worked with?

I got to work with two labels. The first was an Asian label called LANYU, and then there was a French label called Pietu Couture. I walked the ramp as a show-stopper for Piet Couture.

For Lanyu, Methila wore a studded black dress with a thigh high slit and a sheer cape detail that created the illusion of wings around her. The fabric from the cape was repeated in the hair accessory to round off the look.

As the Pietu Couture showstopper, Methila was resplendent in red. The dress featured a corseted top, and a full-length skirt rendered in layers of sheer tulle that gave it a ballgown silhouette, without the stiffness. The look was capped off with an eye-catching feathered headpiece.

Tell us a little bit about the experience of walking in the show?

Oh, it was a dream come true. Probably one of the most amazing experiences in my life. It was very hectic, very energetic, but also so surreal. I couldn’t believe I was walking in the Paris Fashion Week, this close to some of my favourite global brands and designers. Everyone was very professional but also supportive. It was a fantastic networking opportunity, and I believe I’ve made some great new friends in the industry. It was a very enjoyable time, overall, now that I have some time to process it.

Did you get to watch some of the shows?

Sadly, no. My schedule was packed, and there was just so much to do. I did have invites, but there was just no time to take in. It’s a little unfortunate, but at the same time, I don’t really regret how I spent my time here.

Let’s talk about the street fashion action

Oh wow. That’s on another level. You have to be there in the city during Fashion Week. The energy is just incredible. There are shows happening round the clock, inside the venues, of course, but the action is there on the streets too. Everyone is stepping out, dressed in killer styles and trending brands, and the photographers are super busy. I did some street fashion shoots too, and sealed some collaboration between some brands. The paperwork is already underway. But imagine, even I haven’t received the images yet, because the photographers are just that booked up.

What was the weather like?

I arrived to beautiful sunshine and great, balmy weather, but by the time I was leaving, it was cold and miserable, with freezing rain. It’s good to be back [laughs]

With this glittering achievement to add to her growing list, Methila hopes that her fans can see her in New York next year.

Photos: Tangia Zaman Methila

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