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From Arkansas to LA: The Story of Murway, A Self-Taught Luxury Designer

Written by

Jorge Lucena

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Luxury items are often associated with exclusivity, quality materials, and exceptional craftsmanship. Unfortunately, people almost always associate luxury items with their high price tag because they equate quality with cost. Denishio Gaylord Murray, a self-taught designer and entrepreneur is changing the public perspective by making luxury designer accessories affordable. His brand "Murway” is one of the black-owned luxury brands redefining how the fashion industry perceives and values black designers. 

Born and raised in Forrest City, Arkansas, Denishio has always been passionate about fashion and design. As a 10-year-old, he would style his mother for big events. As a child, Denishio enjoyed making bags and other fashion accessories using copying paper. Eventually, these papers were replaced with cardboard boxes, and he started making rigid bags as a kid. Growing up in a small town, Denishio had no access to any course in fashion design. Instead, he chose the traditional path of earning a degree and getting a job. Following this, he obtained a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Arkansas State University and planned to pursue a master's degree to become a therapist. Denishio always loved helping people, giving him a sense of fulfillment. 

For most of his growing-up years, Denishio spent time reading articles on fashion or watching videos on YouTube until he perfected sewing and sketching. He shares, “Fashion always gave me an extra drive daily. Using my old clothing, I would make pants, shirts and any fashion accessory you could think of, from gloves to handbags and totes." It continued until the pandemic changed the way of life for people worldwide. Denishio discovered his true passion and purpose in life. He dedicated most of his time to sketching and creating designs and mood boards for his brand. He knew Arkansas was not the right place to start his business, so he moved to Los Angeles and started “Murway,” a brand offering luxury designer accessories at an affordable price point. 

Murway makes handbags using genuine leather from Italy. All handbags are designed in LA and handmade in Italy while keeping the price range affordable to represent inclusivity in the customer base. Denishio says, “The goal is to stay inclusive by designing luxury bags that everyone can afford. Our prices reflect our mission.” The Joystick bag is a hugely popular product of this brand that was sold out within a short while of its launch and is currently available in three shades. 

The MoMo bag and the XL Murway Earrings have a separate fan base among “Murway” customers. Accessories at Murway are known for their unique design and classy looks. For Denishio, the customer’s preference is always a priority. He believes caring and listening to customers will fuel the growth of his brand since “Murway” has an inclusive consumer base. Denishio says Murway is “creating a space where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.” Apart from his fashion brand, Denishio owns Murray's In-Home Care, a non-medical home health company helping the disabled and elderly community. 

With Murway, Denishio is on a mission “to provide luxury handbags made in Italy to everyone, regardless of age group, gender, social status." He looks forward to transforming the fashion industry's way of doing things by introducing more inclusive values where consumers will not be tricked into associating exclusivity or quality with the price point.

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