Our First Collaboration of Yak Wool Shawls is a special collaboration with a women's collective in Himachal Pradesh that empowers women through making sure the art of weaving continues to go strong in the Valley. This skilled labour over the years has led to the woman being an important part of the household income and giving these communitiesinfrastructure to create a positive impact and investment into the children'seducation in these villages.
What I really loved about this collaborations was that this organization truly understands that's in order to be a sustainable business means creating a happy and empowered workforce, one that can stay rooted in their culture while gaining exposure from the world around them through design interventions. We as a company choose to honour each of these guiding principles equally and without compromise.
Is Yaks Wool Sustainable?
Native to the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, yaks play a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of millions of people across Central Asia. Yaks have a relatively low impact on the environment compared to other livestock. They graze on naturally occurring vegetation in high-altitude regions, which helps maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The yak's dung is a valuable resource, serving as an essential source of fuel for heating and cooking in regions where firewood is scarce. This reduces the need for deforestation and helps preserve fragile ecosystems.
According to a study by the Sustainable Fiber Alliance, the production of cashmere can result in 100 times more environmental damage than wool from sheep or yaks. Yak wool, on the other hand, is a sustainable alternative to cashmere. It is warmer, more durable, and has a lower environmental impact, making it an eco-friendly choice for clothing .
