In the realm of global fashion, where innovation and influence converge, Aydha Mehnaz reigns supreme. Hailing from the vibrant streets of Bangladesh, Mehnaz has ascended to the upper echelons of the industry, earning herself a coveted spot on the illustrious Forbes 30 Under 30 Europe 2024 list in the Media and Marketing category.
At the helm of Mugler’s meteoric rise, Mehnaz orchestrated a staggering surge in media impact value, propelling the esteemed brand from $58 million to a staggering $200 million. Such a feat is a testament to her unparalleled vision and relentless dedication to her craft.
Mehnaz’s creative prowess knows no bounds, as evidenced by her masterful collaborations with musical luminaries such as Dua Lipa and Bad Bunny. She has orchestrated unforgettable moments in pop culture, including Beyoncé’s iconic Mugler bee ensemble and multiple headline-grabbing appearances by Kylie Jenner.
Yet, Mehnaz’s journey to the summit of success was strewn with obstacles, as she candidly revealed in an exclusive interview with Vogue France. As a woman of colour from a developing nation, she faced systemic barriers when attempting to penetrate the insular world of Western fashion, particularly in her adopted home of France. Despite encountering bias and prejudice, Mehnaz refused to be deterred, leveraging her academic prowess and industry acumen to carve out her rightful place on the global stage.
Mehnaz grew up in Narayanganj, just 30 minutes outside Dhaka, and studied biochemistry and biotechnology at North South University. During her time at the university, she decided to harbour her love for fashion by filming hijab tutorials which garnered huge online views.
Armed with a prestigious master’s degree in International Fashion and Luxury Brand Management from Esmod Fashion School in Paris, Mehnaz embarked on a transformative journey with Mugler. What began as a humble six-month internship blossomed into a permanent role, thanks to her unmatched talent and tenacity. Today, she stands as the indomitable force behind Mugler’s brand image and communications, spearheading groundbreaking collaborations with luminaries from across the globe.
But Mehnaz’s impact extends far beyond the hallowed halls of Mugler. With the launch of Avari in her native Bangladesh, she has established herself as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs in the fashion, beauty, and lifestyle sectors. Her strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to excellence have solidified her status as a true trailblazer in the industry.
For Mehnaz, accolades are not merely a reflection of personal success, but a celebration of her roots and a testament to the unwavering support of her loved ones. From the bustling streets of Paris, she extends her heartfelt gratitude to her family, friends, and colleagues, whose unwavering belief in her talents has propelled her to dizzying heights of success.
Looking to the future, Mehnaz sees her inclusion in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list as a harbinger of even greater accomplishments to come. With boundless creativity and an unyielding spirit, she stands poised to redefine the very fabric of the fashion industry, one visionary project at a time.