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.
Explorations & motif design
Taking inspiration from the geometric motifs in the craft, we explored how best to incorporate these design details into the product.
From 2D to 3D visualisation.
Since it was our first time incorporating wood into eyewear, I developed detailed 3D mockups to resolve potential design and manufacturing complexities. This process also helped assess the feasibility and harmony of combining different materials within the product.
CMF Design: Earth-Inspired Tones for a Rooted Aesthetic
For the color and finish story of this collection, we chose to stay true to earthy, natural tones that reflect the essence of the inspiration and stay aligned with the design brief. These finishes not only enhance the visual warmth of the frames but also reinforce the handcrafted, heritage-driven narrative of the collection.
Product Iterations
Embracing Imperfection: How Early Prototypes Shape Smarter Design Solutions
Early prototypes often reveal challenges—and that’s precisely their value. They help us identify what needs refinement and offer realistic insight into how a product can be improved. In this case, the wooden elements didn’t fit easily into the designed grooves. Due to the intricacy of the form, using traditional fasteners like screws wasn’t an option.
Additionally, we had initially overlooked the impact of environmental factors—specifically, how wood expands when exposed to moisture. At a later stage, we addressed this by experimenting with coatings and resin mixtures to stabilize the material, ensuring durability and a precise fit. These iterations were crucial in evolving the product from concept to a fully resolved design.
Trip to Wenzhou, China
We traveled to Wenzhou, China to closely observe the development and manufacturing process of the collection. The visit provided valuable insight into how eyewear is actually produced—from tooling to finishing. We also worked closely with the vendor to ensure they fully understood the design intent and quality standards, assisting in refining details and aligning the output with our expectations.
Gulmarg Collection: A Legacy of Art & Innovation
Inspired by the intricate Pinjrakari woodwork of Kashmir, the Gulmarg Collection blends traditional craftsmanship with modern eyewear design. Each frame reflects the heritage of the region while offering contemporary style and comfort—making it not just a product, but a wearable piece of cultural legacy.its successful fusion of cultural heritage with contemporary design, offering wearers not just a product, but a piece of art that tells a story.
Lightweight & Durable Materials
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Handcrafted Temple Detailing
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Culturally Rooted, Contemporary Eyewear
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.
Eyewear that Frames Stories, Worn by Mrunal Thakur & Ishwak Singh
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.