About Guru
Present-day Pakistan is home to several ancient cultures, including Mehrgarh, and the Indus civilization at Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. Over centuries, this land has absorbed the vital energies of Buddhism, Hinduism, and a mystical Islamic tradition. It has served as a crucible to historic trade routes, and as a majestic center to craft in the region. It is this experience of Pakistan that I bring to New York, with the launch of Guru. My products bear witness to a legacy of artisans and their labor, surviving against all duress. So with great pride, and a sense of excellence, I share with you my richly woven heritage. This is the world of Guru.
Guru assures its customers the highest standards of excellence and ethical purchase. Guru commissions sweatshop-free manufacturing. It supports cottage industries free of child labor. And it is committed to making eco-friendly and organic choices for all its materials and processes used.
Guru sandals are sourced from craftsmen who support a dying cottage industry art, based within Lahore and its surrounding villages. The source is also a pioneer in terms of design, technology and standard, producing the most beautifully-worked, durable, quality products available in Pakistan, and in the world today.
Design innovation is drawn regionally from across Pakistan, and surrounding cultural influences. All sandals are made of natural, premium quality cowhide. The shoes are naturally processed, no chemicals are involved in their manufacture. The threadwork, or tankas, are stitched by hand by women or old men from their homes. Often, they are the sole breadwinners for their families. All Guru sandals have reinforced rubber soles for added comfort and durability.
Guru brings to you a revival of jewelry from the Indian subcontinent – designed to meet the needs of urbane lifestyles, while retaining the historic integrity and elegance of yesteryears.
The Jewelry House at Guru began as a private bond between my mother and I. It began with her aesthetic passion, and her desire to extend this lineage to her family. At first she opened a workshop in her own home, with a single artisan in quest of lost forms. She now works with the few remaining master artisans of the region, while at the same time training a second generation in the craft.
Guru celebrates the revival of a precious industry.
Our ateliers are located in Multan, which for centuries served as a center for the decorative arts as well as Sufi philosophy. These two traditions mark our signature style – finesse in workmanship and an ancient sense of luxury.
Each piece is handcrafted and provides our jewelry its profound sense of heritage. Guru’s range varies from the Mughal high-art of enameling and vermeil, to stunning work in kundan and semi-precious stone. All items are made in silver and plated in 22 karat gold.
Our designs are culled from Indian sculpture, painting, and photographs, the chronicles of kings, and texts from ancient trade routes. We consider our jewelry an art form, a purist celebration of life.
Many of our designs are museum owned.
We, however, bring Indian royalty home to our friends.