By Ayman Anika
Bangladesh made its presence felt on the international stage at the Asia Model Festival 2024, held at South Korea’s High1 Resort. This year, two Bangladeshi models, Zarif Shabab and Aklima Atika Konika, not only represented their country but brought home notable awards that highlight Bangladesh’s growing influence in the global modeling scene.
Their achievements highlight the potential for Bangladeshi models in international competitions and mark a milestone for the nation’s fashion and modeling industry.
ZARIF SHABAB: A TOP 10 FINISH
Among a competitive lineup of 60 contestants – 37 women and 23 men from 27 countries – Zarif Shabab emerged as a standout, representing the Face of Bangladesh initiative. Zarif secured a place in the Top 10 of the Face of Asia competition, an impressive accomplishment in a highly selective field. He was one of only three male contestants to make it to the Top 10, marking his presence as a strong competitor. Perhaps even more noteworthy was Zarif’s popularity among fans and the public. He received the highest number of votes in the competition, reflecting his appeal and ability to connect with audiences .His confidence, runway skill, and adaptability didn’t go unnoticed by top designers. Zarif was chosen to walk for several major brands during the Asia Open Collection showcase, including W Homme, Line Homme/Line Collection, A2R, and Foton Garment. His versatile presence on the runway demonstrated his skill, adaptability, and potential to excel in different modeling environments, proving his readiness for an international modeling career. Adding to his list of achievements, Zarif was named an ambassador for Aamang Magazine, an award that enhances his visibility across the Asian fashion industry. This title not only signifies his influence but also opens doors for future collaborations and broader exposure. During his time at the festival, Zarif also participated in high-profile photoshoots, including one at High1 Resort, solidifying his position as a promising new face in Asian modeling.
AKLIMA ATIKA KONIKA: COMMANDING THE RUNWAY AND WINNING BIG
Alongside Zarif, fellow Face of Bangladesh representative Aklima Atika Konika also made a strong impression at the Asia Model Festival. Aklima’s performance won her a prestigious sponsor award from You & I Holdings, accompanied by a prize of 1,000,000 Korean won. Her award clearly acknowledges her runway skill and adaptability, which are increasingly sought after in international fashion. Aklima walked the runway for multiple designers, including Join-Us, Line Collection, Duck Dive, Greedilous, and Evita. Each appearance showcased her ability to adapt to different styles and presentations, further establishing her reputation as a versatile model. Her participation highlighted her skill and professionalism, making her one of the most active models at the festival and demonstrating that Bangladeshi models have the talent and commitment to excel on global stages. A New Benchmark for Bangladesh in International Modeling This year’s dual awards set a historic precedent for Bangladesh at the Asia Model Festival. Previous participants had found success at this event, with Polash Khan winning the Face of Asia title in 2019 and Mir Mariyam Ahmed reaching the Top 10 in 2022.
However, this year marks the first time that two Bangladeshi models have returned with awards in a single event, a significant achievement that underscores the rising standards and reputation of Bangladeshi talent in international modeling. The journey of both Zarif and Aklima was supported by the Face of Bangladesh initiative, organized by Azra Mahmood Talent Camp and X Walk Communications. These organizations play a key role in scouting and training talent in Bangladesh, preparing them for the demands of the international stage. Through this initiative, more Bangladeshi models have been given the opportunity to showcase their skills globally, setting new standards for the industry within the country.
A STEP FORWARD FOR BANGLADESH’S FASHIOK INDUSTRY
As Zarif Shabab and Aklima Atika Konika return to Bangladesh, their success is more than an individual victory – it’s a victory for the entire modeling community. Their achievements pave the way for future talent, raising the bar for Bangladeshi models and building a pathway for recognition on international runways. Supported by the dedication of local organizations, these successes also reinforce the notion that Bangladesh can produce high-caliber talent with global appeal.
Looking ahead, the Asia Model Festival 2024 may be remembered as a turning point for Bangladeshi models, showing that they have what it takes to compete and excel internationally. With continued support from talent development initiatives like Face of Bangladesh, future models can look forward to new opportunities and a growing presence in the world’s top modeling competitions.
