Keeping the Eid festivities and the scorching heat in mind, Dhaka’s much-loved couturier, Mehruz Munir, pulls out all the stops when it came to designing the 2017 spring summer collection.
In conversation with ICE Today, Mehruz Munir reveals his design inspirations behind the collection
ICE Today: Where did you draw inspiration from for the spring summer Mahrajan collection?
Mehruz: The Spring Summer 2017 Mahrajan collection was inspired by two things: South Asian handicrafts and my memories of Eid while growing up. As I started designing the collection, I asked myself what Eid meant to me and how would I like to dress myself on the Eid day. I also wanted to use a lot of hand embroidery and embellishment, but I didn’t want to go overboard with the surface design as my main focus this time was the materials we used.
We tried keeping the entire collection very colourful and festive yet making sure they are minimalistic, clean and chic.
ICE Today: What can Zurhem admirers expect from Mahrajan?
Mehruz: In this collection, we have a huge range. There are over 30 designs for kurtas and around 20 for vests. The idea was to have something for everyone. I wanted the collection to speak to all age groups. Zurhem’s clientele is made up of men in their late 20s as well as men in their 70s. There are some pieces such as the double breasted short vest that I think is very cool.
I have never seen it anywhere and I think men of all age groups will pick it up. There are kurtas with the button opening on the shoulder instead of the neck. Again, that’s something new and I haven’t seen that in a kurta before.
We have also taken more risks with the choices of fabrics this season. We used a lot of materials such as georgette and crepe silk for our kurtas, and these are generally not used in menswear.
ICE Today: Isn’t it difficult to imbue innovation (in cuts and designs) for a staple like a panjabi?
Mehruz: To be frank, it is possible to do more to a kurta’s shape and cut. Currently, a lot of designers are playing with kurtas with a lot of drapes and volume. I honestly appreciate and welcome the innovation, but I don’t think that kind of style goes with Mahrajan.
Our clients appreciate simpler designs that are well made and timeless. They want to buy pieces they can cherish for years to come.
ICE Today: Can you tell us about the price range of Mahrajan collection?
Mehruz: Vests and jackets are available between Tk 18000 to Tk 35000;
the price of Kurtas price ranges from Tk 10000 to Tk 22000 and Slacks are priced at Tk 2000 to Tk 4000.
