Mehruz Munir: The Man Behind a Decade of Zurhem

Mehruz Munir isn’t just a fashion designer—he’s a storyteller reshaping fashion in Bangladesh. As the Creative Director and founder of Zurhem, the Dhaka-based luxury menswear label, Mehruz has taken bold risks to bring Bangladeshi design to the global stage. From his quiet beginnings as a shy child to showcasing at Paris Fashion Week, Mehruz proves that style is not just about clothes—it’s about courage, culture, and identity.

TINDS: Tell us about your childhood.

Mehruz Munir: I grew up in Dhaka and was incredibly shy as a kid. Until I was about 12, I didn’t have many friends. I spent most of my time alone—sketching, listening to music on my Walkman, and floating in my own world. But when I hit 13 or 14, something changed. I became more rebellious and started expressing myself through fashion. That’s when things really changed for me.

TINDS: How would you describe yourself in three words?

Mehruz: Dreamer. Impulsive. Unconventional.

TINDS: What inspired you to start Zurhem?

Mehruz: I’ve always loved creating things. Even at the age of eight, I knew I wanted to build something called “Zurhem”—I just didn’t know what yet. I studied business in Australia to make my family happy, but my heart was always in design. After graduating, I finally told my mom I wanted to study fashion—and I went to London College of Fashion to specialize in menswear. In 2015, I came back to Dhaka and launched Zurhem.

TINDS: What was your first business experience?

Mehruz: In university, my friend (now my business partner at Zurhem) and I brought back clothes and shoes from abroad during breaks and hosted pop-up shops in Dhaka. It started as a side hustle for pocket money, but it taught me a lot about fashion retail and what local consumers actually wanted.

TINDS: What does “Zurhem” mean?

Mehruz: It’s just my name spelled backwards! People ask me this all the time. Luckily, it sounds unique and wasn’t taken, so registering the brand was easy.

TINDS: What’s been your most unforgettable moment?

Mehruz: Our first fashion show in Dhaka. We knocked on many doors looking for sponsors, and got rejected again and again. So we decided to self-fund it. No sponsors, just pure vision and because of that, I had complete creative freedom. And the show changed fashion shows in Bangladesh forever. Within days, three major brands reached out, wanting to sponsor our next shows. That moment taught me: bet on yourself, even when no one else does.

TINDS: Tell us about your Paris Fashion Week experience.

Mehruz: Zurhem turns 10 this year, which feels surreal. Showing in Paris Fashion Week was a dream. It was unreal to see Zurhem on that stage and to feel that kind of global recognition. It reminded me how far we’ve come, but also how far we can go.

TINDS: What’s the hardest part of your work that people don’t see?

Mehruz: The emotional pressure. You’re constantly putting your creativity out there. People see the glamour, but not the sleepless nights, self-doubt, or the financial risks. It can be lonely, and you have to keep believing in yourself even when no one else does.

TINDS: How do you stay authentic on social media?

Mehruz: In my 20s, I felt pressured to post everything. Now I don’t. I show up when I feel like it. Growing older taught me to cut the noise and protect my peace. I no longer need validation—I engage on my own terms.

TINDS: What’s your go-to comfort food or self-care ritual?

Mehruz: In my 30s, I’ve started caring more about myself—hitting the gym, using skincare, staying grounded. And when it comes to comfort food, nothing beats Bangladeshi dishes like rice, goru mangsho (beef curry), aloo bhorta and daal. That’s home for me.

TINDS: Who inspires you?

Mehruz: When I started Zurhem, it was Tom Ford. Now? I try to outdo myself. I compete with who I was yesterday. That’s my benchmark now.

TINDS: What’s one fun fact about you?

Mehruz: I can spend hours watching YouTube videos of abandoned homes being restored. There’s something incredibly satisfying about watching things come back to life.

TINDS: Who would you love to have a conversation with, past or present?

Mehruz: Keith Haring. His graffiti work in New York always inspired me. I’d love to understand how his mind worked. And from today’s world, definitely Daniel Roseberry of Schiaparelli. His vision is incredible.

TINDS: One word to describe your design style?

Mehruz: Innovative.

TINDS: What’s next for Zurhem?

Mehruz: Now, we’re focused on growing internationally. But it’s not just about us—it’s about all Bangladeshi designers breaking into the global scene. I hope people proudly wear local labels to weddings, events, and red carpets. That’s how we grow as a creative industry.

Mehruz Munir’s story is a masterclass in trusting your inner voice—even when the world says no. With Zurhem, he’s not just designing clothes—he’s crafting cultural currency, building identity, and pushing South Asian fashion into the future.

Find Mehruz Munir: Instagram: @mehruz Facebook: Mehruz Munir

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