Gulmarg is an eyewear collection that pays homage to the rich Kashmiri craft of pinjrakari. Pinjrakari is an intricate technique of crafting screens from interwoven wooden laths, traditionally used to adorn windows and extended balconies (zoondan) in Kashmir. These screens provide privacy and regulate temperature, especially during winter when they were layered with oiled paper (Khosur Kagaz) to ward off the cold breeze and insulate the interior spaces.
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Infused with rich colors harmonized with earthy wooden tones, Gulmarg presents an elegant statement perfect for the festive season. The collection's forms are entirely shaped by the intricate patterns of Kashmiri woodcraft, celebrating the cultural heritage and craftsmanship that define pinjrakari. Immerse yourself in the charm of Gulmarg, where each piece tells a story of tradition, elegance, and the seamless fusion of heritage with contemporary style.
Pinjrakari is entirely based on the principal shapes in Islamic geometry; the triangle, the square, the hexagon, and the star.
There are more than 100 different Panjrakari designs including Gule Aftab and Doule Kondure, Chingus Khani, Shashtez, Mouje, Mouje Haider, Kandoure, Kripe Koundere, Dawazae Gird, Dawaza Panjak, Panch Muraba, Deh Tez, Dawazah Deh, and Sehashpehlu.
The major craft clusters of Pinjrakari exist in Srinagar, Badgam, Baramulla, and Anantnag.
Origins of Pinjrakari as practiced by Shah Hamadani and his disciples are seen in Tral, a remote village, between Srinagar and Anantnag.
Gulmarg offers users the option of wearing their ethno-pride on their faces.
The collection, with its rich colors matched with earthy wooden tones, offers an elegant style statement for the festive season.
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All pinjrakari-inspired temple details are made of actual wood
(strengthened using resin) and colored to match the wood used for pinjrakari craftwork. These include Kaiur (Deodar), Sun-Gal (Silver fir), and Doon Hut (Walnut) wood.
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As seen on Familiar faces
Ishwak Singh
Mrunal Thakur
I'm deeply grateful for the collaborative effort that brought Lenskart's Pinjrakari-inspired eyewear collection to life. Adapting the intricate art form into eyewear was a unique challenge, and the choice of wood as a design element added a touch of fragility, prompting me to explore our technical capabilities. In a world where such a fusion of art and eyewear is unprecedented, we've not only achieved innovation but also an exclusivity that makes this collection truly exceptional. The process of understanding, observing, and visualizing Pinjrakari's essence was a journey into the heart of Kashmir's culture, requiring a delicate balance to scale down the craft for eyewear authentically. My aim in meticulous design was to capture the region's beauty, resulting in a wearable masterpiece that seamlessly balances artistry with the technical precision of eyewear. I thank lenskart for turning this vision into a reality—a collection that not only showcases the beauty of Kashmir but also embodies the harmonious marriage of art and innovation.