Fashion is sometimes so complicated and sometimes it's just absorbing tension. I do not understand fashion. But I have a fashion sense. Thankfully, my childhood played a great role here. There was a series, Fashion Police, my brother used to make me watch. Also, I used to read the magazine Femina Mag, which helped me to groom myself. Fashion is like eating, but you shouldn't stick to the same menu.
Retro Kolkata : First of all, thanks a lot for accepting our invitation for an interview. It’s a great pleasure to have you as our Guest. Let’s start with the first question. Let's jump into the past. What has been your dream since you were a kid? What would you like to do?
Taniya : As a kid, I always dreamed of being an Airhostess and even made plans for it. I enrolled in Fashion Journalism, then got a job as a trainee cabin crew in Air India. But couldn't end up taking my dream job due to family concerns. Later turned into hotels and so far worked in luxurious brands from Novotel, and Leela Palace. My last assignment was with the Taj Group of hotels in Hyderabad. But after lockdown, I took a break from hospitality and currently working within a Fashion Design Lounge as a Luxury Brand Manager of Millennials Fashion Spot, a one-stop-shop solution for wedding trousseau for Grooms of India.
Retro Kolkata : You are the girl who fuelled her dreams to make them a reality! An inspiration to all the common girls who dream of being a queen! Ms. India 1st Runner-up 2021 & Miss West Bengal Quintessential Finalist. How does it feel? Has the feeling sunk in yet?
Taniya : I always take life as it comes, just go with the flow. I was passionate about modeling, perhaps dressing up and styling my friend, giving them the best suggestions - I just enjoyed it. Kolkata is very lucky, and lots of opportunities are here. It's just you need to make the correct move. But yes, I still can't believe the crowns are in my trunk. I and Mumma had a huge laugh sometimes over a cup of cappuccino, it's just the moment that can't be explained. I still get butterflies in my stomach.
Retro Kolkata : Did you always want to be a beauty queen? If not a beauty queen then what would you be?
Taniya : Yes, (Laughed) you should ask my cousins how being a six years old girl, I used to wear my mum's stilettos, wrap her saree and used to do catwalk whenever someone came to my house and I said to everyone that, "I am Miss India." The period was a happy memory and now a reality.
Retro Kolkata : How do you manage to face the challenges that come your way in the journey of the Fashion World?
Taniya : Fashion is sometimes so complicated and sometimes it's just absorbing tension. I do not understand fashion. But I have a fashion sense. Thankfully, my childhood played a great role here. There was a series, Fashion Police, my brother used to make me watch. Also, I used to read the magazine Femina Mag, which helped me to groom myself. Fashion is like eating, but you shouldn't stick to the same menu.
Retro Kolkata : Having been involved in the Fashion Scene, do you think there’s anything about the Indian beauty pageant scene and the modeling scene that needs to be changed?
Taniya : Yes, a lot. I just want it to be cleaner and more welcoming. Many teenage girls get misguided, and the rest are very tough to sustain. So you know diet, home care, and skin care - all don't need a lot of money, just need patience and determination that I don't see these days. And I personally believe that your skin won't make you a top model. Maintaining your dignity and flaunting your beauty with brains make you stand out from the crowd.
Retro Kolkata : Any designer brands you like wearing?
Taniya : I love experimenting with my style and I am not a big fan of designer labels. But my closet has more than ten sets of Sarees from Neeru's India. A white chic top from Rina Dhaka and I just kept a place empty in my wardrobe for a Sabyasachi Ensemble. I think every Indian girl wants to be a Sabyasachi Bride in her lifetime so am I.
Retro Kolkata : Where do you see yourself five years down the lane?
Taniya : Well, the lockdown has taught me to go with the flow. I started assisting a Well known Designer from Kolkata with wedding trousseau for Grooms of India. Now, my main focus is to learn from the brand and grow within it.
Retro Kolkata : Give us a fun fact people might not know about you yet.
Taniya : Ohh! I am a foodie. I can have momos for breakfast, pizza for lunch, and pasta for dinner. And yes, let me share with you a secret, I can munch every now & then.
Retro Kolkata : Any message to all the aspiring girls who dream to be successful in the Indian beauty pageant scene?
Taniya : I never joined a training institute only because of the lockdown. But trust me, if you have a goal to be in a pageant and see yourself as a winner, then my suggestion is to join Cocoaberry, they do an offline course as well and yes portfolio with for looks is a must. Groom yourself, maintain a diet, exercise, and have faith in yourself.
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