On the Tibetan Plateau, Meet the Mother-Daughter Duo Spinning Sustainable Designs From Yak Wool

Warm, earthy tones are a Norlha signature. While yaks typically have dark brown coats, some are gray, and the rarest of all are golden brown or white. The designs in these shades use natural, undyed fibers. A hand-knitted vest top in pure white khullu is a standout piece, while neck warmers in vibrant orange or dandelion yellow add a pop of color, inspired by Plateau women’s flair for bright accents.

The atelier, where the shuttles of weaving looms clatter rhythmically, is Norlha’s beating heart. The building, in traditional Tibetan style, surrounds a courtyard, but with large windows to flood the space with natural light. Just as the architecture has evolved, so too have the production methods. “Many ancient skills struggle to survive modern life because they are intricate and specialized but have not been reinterpreted for today’s market,” Kim explains. “We use 18th-century flying shuttle looms that Britain sent to India after automated looms emerged.” This machinery, she says with a smile, is “modern” compared to its predecessor, which required passing the shuttle by hand across the weft.