5 Minutes with a Friend: Gul-E Raana of Wenlin Studio

At the heart of Wenlin Studio is a deep respect for traditional textile practices, particularly from the regions of Punjab and Sindh. Gul-E Raana, the visionary behind the studio, weaves cultural storytelling into each piece, reviving ancient techniques with a contemporary touch. Having worked across the globe in the fast fashion industry, Gul’s journey led her to a profound realisation: the beauty and significance of traditional craftsmanship far outweigh the demands of fast-paced, mass production. This led to her shift towards a practice that prioritises process, workmanship, and heritage.

Gul-E Raana in her studio.

Founded in 2019 in London and now also based in Lisbon, Wenlin Studio is a platform where ancient techniques such as Phulkari embroidery, Ajrakh printing, and Kantha embroidery meet modern design. The studio's collections focus on breathing new life into these textile traditions while making them relevant for a conscious, sustainable future in fashion.

Wenlin Studio cross-cultural collaboration with Osei-Duro

Gul’s commitment to preserving and reinterpreting traditional textiles is reflected in her collaborations with institutions like Museu do Oriente, and Museu Nacional de Arte Antiga in Lisbon. These partnerships are part of her larger mission to integrate historical techniques into contemporary designs, a vision that also resonates in her collaboration with Osei-Duro, and ongoing partnership with Retrosaria Rosa Pomar, a Lisbon-based wool brand, which recently culminated in a cross-cultural collection.

Wenlin Studio x Retrosaria Rosa Pomar

The collaboration produced two exclusive hand-embroidered wool vests, each representing the folklore of Punjab and Portugal. The motifs - Nag (snake) and Lagarto (lizard) - hold deep symbolic significance in both cultures. Gul-E Raana’s meticulous embroidery on these woollen vests embodies themes of movement, transformation, and resilience, while the textured wool from Retrosaria Rosa Pomar provided the perfect canvas for her intricate embroidery, blending the rich heritage of Portuguese wool craftsmanship with the artistry of Punjabi folk embroidery.

Every piece produced at Wenlin Studio is a result of Gul’s work with artisans from various parts of the world, which not only helps to preserve endangered crafts but also contributes to the economic empowerment of local artisans.

We caught up with Gul-E Raana to find out more about her textile inspirations:

Gul, what is your first memory of a textile?

My grandmother used to knit complex sweater and quilt patterns, dyeing her yarns and beads with natural dyes. As she worked, she would share stories of her childhood before the 1947 partition of India. I remember how her fingers moved like a machine, and I often wondered how something so remarkable could be made by hand.

Naturally Dyed Ajrak Pouches, Wenlin Studio

Can you put into words what you love about textiles?

I love the textures of natural fibres - the uneven weave of handwoven khadi cotton, the warmth of coarse wool, the sturdy feel of linen, and the thin strands of embroidery threads. I also find the layout of freshly dyed fabric swatches very inspiring and full of creative potential. Every fibre carries a story, shaped by the hands that embroider, dye, and weave them, transforming textiles into vessels of history, culture, and craftsmanship. 

Gul-E Raana's Studio Space, Portugal

Where is your most inspiring space / place to create?

My most inspiring space to create is my studio in Startup Barreiro, just a short 3-minute walk from my home. It's a peaceful, cozy environment filled with all the tools and materials I need. The space allows me to fully focus on the creative process, experiment with sampling, and work on my current projects.

A sneak peek into Gul-E Raana's sketchbook.

What has inspired you recently? 

Recently, I’ve been inspired by the rare planetary parade of 2025 and basic mathematics. My 4.5-year-old son has given me a fresh perspective on these subjects, teaching me to explore them from a different viewpoint. His curiosity and our daily interactions inspire much of my creative practice, influencing my sketches, embroideries, and overall design approach. It’s a reminder of how creativity can emerge from the simplest moments of everyday life.

What is your most cherished textile, and why?

My most cherished textile is a hand-embroidered wool shawl that my mother gifted me on my wedding day. It has a black base with fine silk embroidery, typical of the Kashmiri region. While the design is fairly modern, it still holds the essence of traditional embroidery techniques, making it a beautiful connection to the past.

Where did you learn your craft?

I studied BFA Textile Design at the University of the Punjab, Lahore, an institution founded in 1882 by the British. Its rich history and arts program provided me with a strong foundation in traditional textile practices, deepening my appreciation for the craft and its cultural significance.

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Further Information:

Website: Wenlin Studio

Instagram: @wenlinstudio

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Image Credits:

Lead Image: Wenlin Studio Cross Cultural Colaboration with Osei-Duro, courtesy of Gul-E Raana

All other images, courtesy of Gul-E Raana