Beneath the vaulted ceilings of the Chapelle Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc, on a crisp March evening in 2025, Paris was witness to a truly stellar exhibition. Zurhem, the Bangladeshi luxury powerhouse, debuted ‘Solaris,’ their Fall/Winter 2025 collection, and in that moment, etched a new chapter for Bangladeshi design onto the Parisian fashion landscape.
House of Vendôme, a Parisian beacon for emerging design talent, selected Zurhem to grace their coveted platform. With a mission to showcase and empower, Vendôme provides a stage where artistry meets opportunity, making Zurhem, the first Bangladeshi brand to be presented by them. This collaboration, timed perfectly with the influx of the world’s fashion-forward individuals for Paris Fashion Week, signaled a pivotal moment, not only for Zurhem but for the recognition of Bangladeshi design on the international stage. Since its inception in 2015, Zurhem, guided by Mehruz Munir’s visionary hand, has redefined luxury fashion in Bangladesh with a distinctive blend of ready-to-wear and bespoke garments, and now, that redefinition extended to the Parisian stage.
On the Parisian runway, ‘Solaris’ unfolded – a twenty-piece ode to the sun’s journey, interlaced with hues of dawn white, sunray gold, verdant earth, and cosmic night. Circular motifs, radiant and intricate, echoed the sun’s dynamic phases, inviting the audience to feel the vastness of space. The collection’s palette progressed as a living chronicle of a day, beginning with the serene purity of dawn, represented by pristine white adorned with pearls, a gentle awakening. As the show progressed, gold bloomed in opulent beadwork and shimmering stones, capturing the ‘golden hour’ in all its radiant glory. Then, a verdant embrace, where green and gold intertwined, evoked the earth’s lush landscapes as seen from the vast expanse of space. Finally, the deep mystery of night descended, with black taking centre stage, its vastness punctuated by dark beadwork and embellishments, a silent homage to the cosmos. In crafting ‘Solaris,’ Mehruz Munir made a conscious effort to incorporate local materials, a symbol of his commitment to Bangladeshi craftsmanship. While a complete reliance on regional resources proved challenging, the collection notably featured the luxurious touch of Bangladeshi cotton and silk, adding a layer of cultural depth to the celestial narrative.
Zurhem’s menswear, a hallmark of the brand, showcased a masterclass in the interplay of structured tailoring and innovative layering. On display were impeccably tailored suit jackets, tuxedos, overcoats, and parkas, each a reimagining of classic silhouettes with a distinctly contemporary edge. The audience noted the savvy adaptations for the European market, with cropped jackets and bandhgalas receiving particular attention. However, it was the bold statement pieces – corseted ensembles and floor-length trains – that truly challenged the conventional boundaries of menswear, sparking both intrigue and admiration. The womenswear segment, though comprised just five pieces, delivered a powerful statement. Munir presented five dramatic couture gowns, each a sculptural masterpiece, showcasing grand trains, architectural shapes, and strategically placed cutouts, all elevating embellishment techniques to a level of celestial elegance. The gowns, undeniably, paid tribute to the opulence of Parisian couture, the very birthplace of haute couture, and were met with audible gasps of appreciation from the assembled audience.
The showcase took place within the historic Chapelle Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc, its ancient stones providing a poignant backdrop for Zurhem’s modern vision. Built as a votive offering to Joan of Arc, the basilica, with its inherent sense of history, seemed to amplify the collection’s ethereal quality. “Showing in Paris has been a dream come true.” Mehruz Munir shared, “Standing on this stage, representing Bangladesh, and showcasing our vision to the world is a moment I’ll always cherish. This isn’t just about one show – it’s about opening doors and proving that Bangladeshi fashion belongs on the global map.”
As the models took their final walk down the runway, it was clear that Zurhem had made history. Zurhem’s showcase signified a pivotal moment not only for the brand, but for Bangladeshi fashion as a whole. Beyond the dazzling garments, the audience left with a sense of having witnessed a cultural exchange, a moment where the artistry of one nation shone brightly on the world’s most prestigious fashion stage.