A fashion story from the roof of the world

An exhibition in Delhi spotlights designers from Ladakh who are celebrating the region by tapping into their roots and crafts

- Pooja Singh

In a quiet corner of Delhi's 9,000 sq. ft Textile Gallery hangs a backpack that tells stories of India's northernmost region, Ladakh. Shaped like a tiger, it references one of the five mythical creatures in Buddhism, which is widely practised in the region.

Crafted from a blend of lambswool, cashmere and pashmina, it points to Ladakh's rich repertoire of fine fibres. Its three-dimensional form—brought alive through hand embroidery, appliqué and fringe-work—is indicative of the endless possibilities that can emerge when traditional crafts combine with contemporary, functional design to create a piece of wearable art.

"The bag comes with a tiger mask as a symbol of protection," says Jigmat Norbu, founder of Leh-based Jigmat Couture, the brand behind the bag. He points to the two threads on the bag where the mask will be tied. Artisans took over a month-and-a-half to just spin the yarn for this bag. "It's a way to say that we don't have to compromise on our crafts and beliefs to 'fit in' (to the fashion world)."

The bag is part of an ongoing exhibition, Between Wind And Wool: Ladakh Design Today, at the gallery that informs viewers of how designers in Ladakh, who have studied in metros and returned home in the hope of shaping a Ladakhi identity, are reinterpreting local textiles and garments on the roof of the world.

Presented by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and curated by its head Sunil Sethi, the exhibition features 12 works, including traditional dresses, shoes and wall hangings, by labels 2112 Saldon, Jigmat Couture, Namza Couture and Zilzom. Black and grey photographs by Hormis Anthony Tharakan of Ladakh's cold desert and black mountains occupy the walls.