SRINAGAR: Kashmiri designer Zubair Kirmani is set to present his label Bounipun Kashmir at World Art Dubai 2025, where he will showcase a curated collection of pashmina-based textile art, blending traditional Kashmiri craftsmanship with contemporary design. The event, scheduled from April 16 to 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is the region’s largest retail art fair.
Bounipun’s display will include exclusive pashmina wall art, integrating Islamic calligraphy and fine karakul embroidery, designed to reframe Kashmir’s centuries-old artistry through a modern global lens.
“It’s an honour to represent Kashmir on such a prestigious international platform,” Kirmani said. “Our work is about more than art—it’s about cultural continuity, storytelling, and preserving the soul of a region through art.”
The brand’s participation follows Kirmani’s recent international recognition as “Innovator of Crafts and Industry” by Azizbek Murtazaev, President of the World Craft Council (WCC) – Asia Pacific, during the WCC’s 60th anniversary celebrations in Srinagar, which was also designated a World Craft City in 2024. Bounipun played a pivotal role in this achievement, having presented a bespoke pashmina wall piece to Saad Al-Qaddumi, President of WCC International.
Zubair Kirmani is a recipient of the International Woolmark Prize (Menswear 2016/17). His collections have been used in runways at Lakmé Fashion Week, Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week, while earning coverage in global publications such as VOGUE, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, ELLE, Grazia, and Travel + Leisure.
Renowned for his minimalist silhouettes and reformative approach to fabric and texture, Kirmani has been honoured with fashion accolades including “Best Debut” and “Neo-Minimal Designer” by ELLE magazine.
