Mehruz Munir on Zurhem’s debut in Paris during Paris Fashion Week
By Ayman Anika
The Bangladeshi fashion industry has undergone a seismic shift over the past decade, and Mehruz Munir is at the center of this transformation. The founder and creative force behind Zurhem, Mehruz has elevated men’s fashion in Bangladesh. From crafting a homegrown status symbol to making each Zurhem showcase the most anticipated fashion event of the season, Mehruz has turned his brand into more than just a label – it’s a cultural phenomenon. His audacious, boundary-pushing designs have dominated social media, captivated trendsetters, and set a new standard for luxury fashion in Bangladesh.
Now, Mehruz is taking his vision to the world stage and it is none other than in Paris during the Fashion Week! In this exclusive MWB interview, the talented designer spills all the details – from the inspiration behind his “Solaris” collection to the challenges of preparing for his debut collection in Paris during Paris Fashion Week and his ambitious plans for the future.
Zurhem is making history as a Bangladeshi luxury brand to showcase its collection in Paris during the Paris Fashion Week. What does this moment mean for you personally and for Bangladeshi fashion?
This is truly a significant moment. With Zurhem, we have been working tirelessly for the past 10 years, and this marks a milestone in our journey. From the very beginning, we have prioritized exceptional craftsmanship, high-quality design, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Deep down, I always believed that if I kept doing my best it would eventually lead me to a global platform where I could represent Bangladesh. Consciously or subconsciously, this has been the vision I’ve worked towards over the years, and now, standing on the cusp of this moment, I feel like that dream is finally materializing.
It’s not just a personal achievement – it’s a milestone for Bangladesh as well. To showcase our country’s creative potential at Paris during the Fashion Week is a big deal and I hope it inspires others to believe that Bangladeshi designers can also make their mark on the global fashion scene.
What has been the most challenging aspect of preparing for this debut?
To be honest, there haven’t been many overwhelming challenges so far, Alhamdulillah. However, getting to this point has not been easy. It took us 10 years of perseverance, resilience, and continuous learning to finally reach a stage where we are ready to showcase our work on an international platform.
Every struggle, every obstacle over the years has contributed to this moment. The journey itself has been challenging, requiring us to push boundaries and constantly improve. But I believe all our hard work and dedication will be worth it. Hopefully, the show will be a success, and it will make a lasting impression.
The European fashion scene has a distinct aesthetic. How did you tailor Zurhem’s identity to appeal to this new audience while staying true to its roots?
Zurhem has always had an international outlook, even while catering to a Bangladeshi audience. Our aesthetic has always been globally relevant while maintaining its South Asian essence.
I didn’t have to change much for the European market because I believe the world is increasingly interested in diverse narratives and new perspectives. We have seen South Asian designers, particularly Indian designers, gaining global recognition at Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and other major platforms. This shift indicates that people are now looking beyond Western fashion houses and embracing South Asian craftsmanship and story-telling.
That being said, I have considered practical factors such as climate and seasonal preferences while designing for this collection. However, I did not compromise on Zurhem’s identity – I want to proudly present our unique aesthetic to the European market rather than alter it to fit existing trends.
Your collection Solaris is inspired by the celestial journey of the sun. How did you translate this cosmic movement into fabric, texture, and silhouette?
I incorporated a lot of embellishments, particularly intricate beadwork and stones, to bring the celestial theme to life. The collection features circular emblems and motifs that symbolize the sun’s journey.
The color palette follows the progression of the day. It begins with white, symbolizing the dawn and the beginning of a new day. Gradually, it transitions into golden hues, capturing the radiance of the golden hour.
As the day progresses, the tones shift to lush greens, evoking the Earth’s landscape as seen from space. Finally, the collection concludes with deep blacks, representing nightfall and the mysterious beauty of the universe.
I wanted to embed these celestial elements in a way that feels organic rather than overtly literal. The goal is for people to look at the collection and instinctively feel a connection to nature, the cosmos, and the interplay of light and shadow.
Why did you choose the sun as the primary source of inspiration?
Honestly, the sun is something we often take for granted, even though it governs every aspect of our existence. From the moment we are born, our lives are dictated by the sun – our concept of time, seasons, and even our energy levels are influenced by it.
I started reflecting on how different the world would be without the sun. I even looked into regions where the sun doesn’t rise for extended periods, such as parts of the Nordic countries, and it made me realize just how powerful its presence is in our daily lives.
That realization sparked a deeper curiosity. The sun is not just a celestial body; it is a force that shapes our planet, our emotions, and even our cultural narratives. I felt it was a subject worth exploring creatively, and that’s how Solaris came to be.
Since founding Zurhem in 2015, how has your design philosophy evolved?
As a designer – and as a person – I have evolved immensely. Growth brings change, and I see that reflected in my work.
When I look back at my early designs, I can see the restless energy of my 20s. I was eager to explore every idea at once, incorporating multiple elements into my designs. My work had a bold, almost impulsive quality to it.
Now, with time and experience, I have matured. I have refined my approach, ensuring that every piece has depth and purpose. I focus more on craftsmanship, story-telling, and wearability while maintaining a distinct artistic vision. My work now feels more balanced, more meaningful, and better executed.
Ultimately, growth is a continuous process, and I am excited to see how my design philosophy will continue to evolve in the future.
What’s next for Zurhem on the global stage?
My vision is to continue building Zurhem both in Bangladesh and internationally. While I have established a strong presence here, I want to expand our reach to more global platforms.
I don’t usually believe in New Year’s resolutions, but at the start of this year, I made a promise to myself: Zurhem needs to go global. I kept manifesting it, telling myself that it was time to take our designs to international markets.
Showing my work in the fashion capital of the world and during Paris Fashion Week is just the beginning. From here, I hope to showcase our work in more countries, more fashion weeks, and to make our presence known on a truly global scale. InshaAllah, this is the first of many milestones.
