The Tibetan Plateau is the most remote and fragile environment on the planet, but it is nevertheless a place of ancient and deep traditions.
The human nomads living there are in the minority. The 6,000 yaks and 20.000 sheep are definitively the lords of the place.
In 2007, 3.200 meters above sea level, in the Autonomous Prefecture of Gansu, a dream came true. This dream gave birth to one of the most extraordinary examples of a community based on tradition while still embracing modernity.
Sustainability, a recap of the traditional manufacturing art of weaving wool yarn, and keeping an eye on the luxury fashion market are the ingredients of one of the most exciting tales of our time.
Norlha Textiles designs, produces, and sells timeless yak textiles made by nomads on the Tibetan Plateau.
In 2005, after an extended stay in Asia, Kim Yeshi, Norlha Textiles founder, had the vision of transforming a poor, traditional, simple yak’s yarn into an exclusive high-value product for the luxury market.
The process was not simple. Yeshi journeyed around Asia to collect all the necessary experience and technical means to realize the production of an incredible material for lusciously soft, warm, and durable fashion items.
After two years of research, Yeshi launched her brand and went global. Nowadays, Norlha Textiles’s 120 employees take pride in their work. As a brand, they uphold a high standard of quality, tradition, and sustainability that every member of the Norlha Textiles team is honored to stand behind.
KIM YESHI, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR
The concept and ideas behind Norlha Textiles were formulated and implemented by Kim Yeshi. Yeshi studied anthropology at Vassar College (BA) and at the University of Virginia (MA). She has lived in Asia for the last 30 years, where she has researched and produced textiles and handcrafts.
DECHEN YESHI, CEO
Yeshi would not have gone far without her daughter, Dechen Yeshi, running the workshop and training its personnel. Dechen is the product of two cultures, Tibetan and Euro/American. She makes a perfect bridge between the Tibetan village community and the demands of the modern luxury market. Dechen and Kim are a close-knit team who work together seamlessly.
Dechen graduated from Connecticut College, where she majored in Asian Studies and film. She has lived in Amdo since 2005, when she began to research the livelihood and dynamics of the region. She single-handedly trained all the staff and established the infrastructure for the Norlha Textiles workshop.
