AikGul

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Textiles, Design and Research

2024GulPortrait

Hi there! I'm Gul, a textile designer based in Lisbon with an interest in historical textile practices

My work focuses on researching and reviving traditional embellishment techniques, particularly from Punjab and Sindh (Pakistan), and reinterpreting them with a contemporary approach. After years in the fast fashion industry, I shifted my focus to prioritize process, workmanship, and cultural storytelling.

I founded Wenlin Studio in London (now studio based in Lisbon) as a project to explore heritage textile techniques through embroidery and natural dyeing. I experiment with Phulkari embroidery, Ajrak printing (an ancient natural dyeing method), and Kantha embroidery, integrating them into modern designs while honoring their origins. Each collection reflects my commitment to preserving and evolving textile traditions for a more conscious future in design.

I love to uncover the stories woven into heritage textiles, celebrating craftsmanship and history. This blog is about sharing the journey, embracing imperfections, and exploring fashion beyond trends.

If you share my interests, feel free to say hello here or on my Instagram. I’d love to connect!