DESIGN
Norlha: Rethinking luxury with eco-friendly and humane clothing Yak Khullu
Article
Norlha
Writer
Yana Karnaukhova
In the remote and hilly pastures of the nomadic Tibetan Plateau, a remarkable brand named Norlha has emerged, breathing new life into the region’s traditional way of life. Norlha specializes in crafting exquisite clothing from Yak khullu, a warm layer of down-like fiber that grows beneath the characteristic black coat of yaks. This natural fiber acts as a protective shield against the harsh winters of the Tibetan Highlands. Norlha’s commitment to sustainability and ethical practices is evident in their careful collection and natural processing of the finest khullu fiber, resulting in fabrics that retain their shape, withstand the test of time, and can be cherished for generations to come.
Norlha’s dedication to quality begins with the meticulous selection of thousands of yaks from the Tibetan Plateau, ensuring the highest caliber of fiber. The brand places a special emphasis on sourcing the softest, first molt of baby yaks, known as yeko. These young yaks are born at the end of winter, covered in a delicate layer of down, which they shed at the beginning of the second summer. This exceptional quality khullu fiber can be carefully collected as it naturally falls out, without the need for shearing or combing, ensuring that the yaks are never deprived of their natural protection. By harnessing this molting fiber, Norlha creates fabrics that possess exceptional elasticity and insulation, providing unparalleled comfort and warmth
“At the heart of Norlha’s philosophy lies a deep commitment to preserving tradition and fostering positive social change.”
Norlha’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond the selection of fiber. The collection of khullu fibers is timed to coincide with the natural molting cycle of the yaks, which typically begins to loosen in June. During this narrow window, Norlha’s skilled artisans delicately pry loose fibers, ensuring that the precious fiber is collected before it is lost to nature. The collected khullu fibers are then processed naturally, without the use of bleaching agents, preserving their inherent properties. Through a meticulous combination of spinning, weaving, and felting techniques, Norlha creates fabrics that not only resist pilling but also retain their shape, ensuring that each garment is a testament to the brand’s unwavering commitment to quality and longevit.
Over the past two decades, the race for the market has prompted many nomads to invest heavily in cattle ranching as their primary source of income. However, this pursuit has had detrimental effects on the region’s pastures, leading to gradual erosion and the deterioration of animal health. Norlha’s establishment has provided an alternative path, demonstrating that cattle breeding is not the sole means of livelihood. As Norlha creates a market for yak khullu, many nomadic families have made the decision to sell their animals and embrace permanent jobs that offer stable incomes. This shift has not only alleviated the burden on those who continue to herd but has also resulted in the regeneration of higher-quality pastures, enabling them to better feed their flocks. Norlha’s incredible journey is a testament to the transformative power of a small workshop, dedicated to the preservation of an entire region’s traditional way of life.
“By combining traditional knowledge with modern technology, Norlha creates pieces that not only exude elegance but also uplift and support the local community.”
Speaking about the products created by Norlha, the brand’s products are handmade by former nomads who inherited the skills of spinning, weaving and felting from past generations. This commitment to preserving traditional craftsmanship is what sets Norlha apart from others.
Norlha masters work with natural colors of yak wool, which can vary from dark brown to gray, golden brown and white. These basic colors are inspired by the fur of the yaks themselves. Masters work with all four shades of yak wool, either leaving them in their natural state to demonstrate their beauty, combining to create different tones, or coloring to obtain bright shades. This versatility allows Norlha to create a diverse range of clothing that meets different preferences.
For example, in the production process to create shawl-collar coat, a team of 17 highly qualified craftsmen is involved, who carefully make each product by hand in the studio Norlha on the Tibetan Plateau. In the production process, clothing goes through 15 highly specialized processes that demonstrate the experience and attention of craftsmen to details. This ensures that each Norlha garment is of the highest quality and durability.
As soon as the clothes are ready, Norlha packs and ships them with great care. All orders are carefully packed and shipped from the atelier in the Tibetan Highlands, ensuring that they reach customers in their original form. This attention to detail and commitment to customer satisfaction is a testament to Norlha’s commitment to providing premium services.
Norlha’s commitment to sustainability goes beyond its production processes. The brand produces a limited number of each style in order to avoid overproduction and ensure the sustainability of production processes. In addition, Norlha pays great attention to supporting the local community and preserving Tibetan culture. The brand buys yak khullu from local nomad cooperatives, ensuring that the production of their clothing contributes to the economic well-being of the community.
In conclusion, we note that Norlha is a local Tibetan clothing brand that celebrates traditions and craftsmanship. Paying special attention to the use of yak khullu, supporting local nomad cooperatives and employing highly skilled artisans, Norlha creates luxurious clothing that is not only beautiful, but also produced in compliance with environmental standards. By supporting Norlha, clients become part of a movement that values traditional craftsmanship, sustainable practices and the preservation of Tibetan heritage.