Bangladesh’s Miss Universe delegate Tanjia Zaman Methila unveiled her National Costume today: a handwoven white Jamdani sari adorned with the country’s national flower, the shapla (lotus)—a look she has titled “The Queen of Bengal.” The reveal came ahead of tonight’s National Costume show at the 74th Miss Universe pageant in Thailand; the winner will be crowned on 21 November.
Sharing images on social media, Methila said she chose Jamdani to bring “the living heritage of Bengal’s royal past” to a global stage. The post drew more than 24,000 positive reactions within an hour, with commenters praising the cultural storytelling and restraint of the all-white palette.
According to Methila, the sari is entirely handloomed and took about 120 days to complete. Designer Afrina Sadia Syeda crafted the piece in 150-count khadi cotton, working with two master weavers along the Shitalakkhya River in Narayanganj—a historic Jamdani hub. The sari’s gold zari detailing and repeated lotus motifs were selected to symbolize peace, purity, and resilience. Jamdani’s heritage roots trace to the Mughal era and were recognized by UNESCO in 2013 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The look also features a bespoke jewelry blouse and a full jewelry set produced by Jerin Tasnim Khan of Six Yard Story. Khan said the suite took two and a half months, involved 12 artisans, and carries a 22-carat gold plating. Traditional elements—tikli, choker, jhumka, bala, thick chur, ratanchur, bajuband, toe ring, key bunch—were reinterpreted with lotus forms; green stones echo lotus leaves. The blouse was built directly on a green inner layer for a precise fit, finalized in a late-night session before the shoot. In a contemporary twist, Methila paired the sari with white sneakers, a choice widely applauded online.
“Wearing Jamdani for Miss Universe is about carrying centuries of craftsmanship with dignity,” Methila wrote, describing the costume as a fusion of heritage, beauty, and fortitude. The Miss Universe National Costume walk gathers contestants from 121 countries, each showcasing garments that narrate national identity through fabric, form, and motif.
With “The Queen of Bengal,” Team Bangladesh is aiming for impact through craftsmanship over spectacle—a measured, museum-quality presentation that places Bangladesh’s artisans and their timeless weave at the heart of the story.