When dreamy silhouettes meet soft strength, you get a fashion language that’s as poetic as it is intentional. With Hania Aamir as the muse and Murk Bajari, the designer behind By Murk, this cover shoot captures more than just style—it captures a story. In this exclusive conversation, Murk opens up about the meaning behind her name, how she finds muses who reflect her aesthetic, and why luxury isn’t always loud. From her UK-Pakistan cultural lens to her creative rituals and fabric philosophies, she lets us in on the beautifully layered world of By Murk.
No filters. No fluff. Just thoughtful fashion straight from the heart.
Wearing clothes from By Murk is all about making you smile — that’s the emotional heart of the brand
Let’s start at the root - what’s the story behind the name Murk? Was it always meant to be an extension of your identity, or did it evolve with the brand?
The story behind the name Murk is that my name is very unique and comes from the Sindhi language, where it means "smile." So, wearing clothes from By Murk is all about making you smile. That’s the emotional heart of the brand - bringing joy, one outfit at a time.
Our muses aren’t just faces — they’re personalities that breathe life into our vision
You’ve recently done shoots that feature Hania Aamir and Sarah Khan. How do you choose your muses, and what do they represent for By Murk?
When choosing our muses, we look for individuals who truly reflect the essence of By Murk. They represent qualities like confidence, positivity, and authenticity, which are central to our brand. Their unique styles and vibrant personalities help to bring our vision to life, inspiring others to celebrate their individuality through our clothing.
There’s an understated grace to your collections—soft shades, romantic silhouettes, a dreamy aura. Is that intentional? How would you describe the woman you’re designing for?
Absolutely, the understated grace in our collections is very much intentional. We aim for soft shades, romantic silhouettes, and a dreamy aura to create a timeless elegance. The woman we design for is someone who appreciates simplicity and sophistication, exuding confidence and femininity. She values comfort while still wanting to make a statement, and our pieces are crafted to enhance her natural beauty and individuality.
We don’t chase trends; we create a moment that feels like a pause — soft, intentional, and lasting
As someone managing both the creative and business side of things, what’s one part of being a designer that people often underestimate?
One part of being a designer that people often underestimate is the business side of things. While the creative process is important, running a brand also requires strategic planning and decision-making. Aspects like understanding the market, managing operations, and ensuring the brand's longevity are just as crucial as the artistic vision. It's a delicate balance that goes into turning creative ideas into a thriving, sustainable brand. It’s a full-time commitment that goes beyond the sketchpad.
People often forget that being a designer is just as much about strategy as it is about sketches
What does a moodboard for By Murk look like when you're starting a new collection? Walk us through the chaos or calm of your creative process.
A moodboard for By Murk is a blend of calm and inspiration. When starting a new collection, I gather images, colors, textures, and patterns that resonate with the theme I have in mind. It often starts with a few key pieces that spark my creativity, which might include soft fabrics, beautiful landscapes, or even artwork. As I compile these elements, I look for a balance in colors and styles to create a cohesive vision. Sometimes, it can feel a bit chaotic with so many ideas swirling around, but that’s part of the process. I refine and narrow it down until I have a clear direction that reflects the essence of the collection. Ultimately, the moodboard serves as a guiding light, helping me stay focused and inspired as I bring the collection to life.
The chaos of a moodboard is where the clarity of a collection begins
You’ve lived and worked between the UK and Pakistan—how does that duality reflect in your designs? Is there a cultural blend you consciously tap into?
As a designer, my experiences in both the UK and Pakistan have profoundly shaped my creative process. The duality of these cultures allows me to blend traditional elements with contemporary aesthetics, creating designs that resonate on multiple levels.
In the UK, I’ve been influenced by minimalism and modernity, which emphasize clean lines and functional design. Conversely, Pakistan’s rich heritage, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns inspire me to incorporate bold visuals and storytelling into my work. This cultural blend is not just a coincidence; I consciously tap into these diverse influences to create pieces that celebrate both worlds.
My designs are where British minimalism meets Pakistani soul
For instance, I often use traditional Pakistani motifs and craftsmanship, reinterpreted through a modern lens, to appeal to a global audience. This fusion allows me to create designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also rich in meaning and context. Ultimately, my goal is to bridge the gap between cultures, crafting pieces that tell a story and evoke a sense of belonging for those who engage with them.
Raw silk and a farshi shalwar — that’s how I fused nostalgia with now
Let’s talk about fabric. Do you believe the material tells its own story, or does the design lead the narrative?
When I was launching my collection, I really wanted people to experience a sense of luxury. The fabric I chose was 80g raw silk, which has a beautiful, royal feel that enhances elegance. I combined this luxurious material with a modern twist on the traditional farshi shalwar to breathe new life into an old trend. This blend not only highlights the richness of the silk but also brings a contemporary flair, making the overall look both elegant and timeless. In this way, the fabric tells its own story of luxury, while the design adds a fresh narrative that connects the past with the present.
A wrong fabric shade turned into our favorite look — the magic always happens off-camera
From late-night sketching sessions to last-minute production changes—what’s your most memorable behind-the-scenes moment that no one saw on Instagram?
One of my most memorable behind-the-scenes moments happened just days before my collection launch. I was in the studio late at night when a shipment of fabric arrived, but it was a completely different shade than I expected. Instead of panicking, my team and I rallied together and brainstormed how to incorporate the new color.
What started as a setback turned into a stunning new look, and we ended up bonding over takeout and laughter during those late-night sessions. It reminded me of the joy of teamwork and creativity—a moment that no Instagram post could ever capture!
Quiet confidence, grace, and emotion — that’s what I wanted people to feel in our very first impression
You’ve launched with a clear visual language and mood that feels intentional. What was most important to you when shaping the brand's very first impression?
When shaping the brand’s first impression, it was important for me that people immediately felt what By Murk stands for—grace, emotion, and quiet confidence. I wanted the visuals, the color palette, the silhouettes—everything—to reflect a sense of calm sophistication that leaves a lasting feeling rather than just a fleeting look. For me, it wasn’t about overwhelming the audience with too much; it was about creating a moment where they could pause, breathe, and connect. I really wanted our first collection to be a soft introduction to the world I’ve been dreaming of building for so long—one that feels warm, inviting, and deeply personal.
If I could dress my journey, it would be called ‘Becoming.’ Structured, soft, and still unfolding
If you could design an outfit to represent where you are in life right now—professionally and personally—what would it look like, and what would it be called?
If I could design an outfit to represent this moment in my life, it would be a structured yet fluid ensemble - maybe a fitted bodice with flowing layers, something that mirrors the balance I’m trying to strike between discipline and creativity. It would use raw silk for its richness but in soft, earthy tones that feel grounded. I’d call it "Becoming," because that’s exactly what this phase feels like. I’m still learning, evolving, and discovering new sides of myself as both a designer and a person. The outfit would carry strength in its structure but softness in its movement - just like the journey I’m on right now.
Hania Aamir:
Photographer: Shahbaz Shazi
Stylist: Alishay Adnan
Designer: Murk Bajari
Makeup & Hair: Babar Zaheer
Murk Bajari:
Interview: Sundus Unsar Raja
Photographer: Ahsan Qureshy
Stylist: Sana Parekh
Designer: Murk Bajari
Hair & Make up: N Pro