𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐖𝐞𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐧’𝐬 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐚𝐦𝐩

By Sonam Choden

On September 27, 2025, Bhutan took its place on one of fashion’s most influential stages. For the first time, the country presented a collection at Milan Fashion Week, marking a milestone that reached far beyond style. The capsule collection, Made in Italy Meets the Kingdom of Bhutan, was co-created by Bhutanese artisans, local designers, and Italian designer Stella Jean. It highlighted how traditional craftsmanship can find resonance in global markets while retaining its cultural essence.

The centerpiece of the showcase was the Küshuthara, an intricate textile from Lhuentse worn by women on special occasions. Reinterpreted into contemporary silhouettes, it conveyed how heritage adapts without losing meaning. Instead of being framed as a relic or decorative motif, the Küshuthara was positioned as a living tradition capable of speaking to both Bhutanese identity and global aesthetics.

The collaboration with Stella Jean emerged after her meeting with Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck. For Jean, the project emphasized culture as an evolving conversation. “We co-created the collection with that in mind- celebrating the expertise of Italian designer Stella Jean while letting Bhutanese weaving traditions and symbols lead the story. The goal wasn’t to dilute either culture but to let them meet as equals,” said Chadrika Tamang, founder of CDK Gyencha and one of the collaborators. She explained that simplifying the complex motifs of the Küshuthara allowed for capacity building and everyday wear while honoring its symbolic layers. Reflecting on the process, she noted that there were more learnings than challenges.

The work of women artisans from Goenpa Kabab, Lhuentse, was central to the presentation. Their contribution carried artistic value while also opening pathways to empowerment through global recognition. In Bhutan, weaving has long been tied to domestic roles and cultural continuity. By entering an international fashion stage, the artisans demonstrated that traditional skills can also serve as economic assets. “Bhutan’s participation at Milan Fashion Week is a proud moment for our artisans,” said Dasho Tashi Wangmo, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment. “It shines a spotlight on Bhutan’s rich textile heritage while proving that traditional craftsmanship can inspire contemporary design on the world stage.”

Sustainability was embedded throughout the project. “Sustainability isn’t a side project for me, it’s the foundation of everything we do in our daily life,” said Chadrika. “Every fabric came from handwoven Bhutanese textiles made with natural fibers, and we produced only what we needed. We worked directly with rural weavers, paying fair wages and giving full credit for their artistry.” Beyond the Milan runway, her work is grounded in slow production, zero waste cutting, and women’s economic empowerment, ensuring that craft remains viable for future generations.

The initiative also attracted attention from international partners. “This collaboration was beyond fashion,” said Ken Shimizu, FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal. “It created opportunities for mountain communities, empowered women, and linked Bhutanese artisans to global markets.”

Bhutanese fashion houses such as CDK Gyencha and Wangpee Streetstyle took part, reflecting a growing creative sector that embraces both heritage and contemporary design. “The co-creation journey with Stella Jean has been truly heartening,” said Chadrika. She expressed optimism for the future visibility of Bhutanese textiles. “Designers are beginning to mix our handwoven techniques with contemporary silhouettes, and global audiences are ready for that authenticity. I believe we will see Bhutanese textiles showcased not just as heritage pieces, but as luxury fashion that’s innovative, ethical, and unmistakably Bhutanese.” She added that she is experimenting with lesser-known weaving practices and wearable art to explore new expressions of Bhutanese craftsmanship.

Bhutan’s Milan debut symbolized more than a fashion showcase. It brought together heritage preservation, women’s empowerment, and sustainable development. By reimagining the Küshuthara for an international runway, Bhutan highlighted how tradition can serve as a foundation for economic opportunity and cultural pride. “Every fabric is handwoven, every pattern carries meaning- blessings, stories, landscapes,” Chadrika said. “And because we work slowly and sustainably, each piece has a depth that fast fashion can’t match.”

As Bhutan moves forward, the challenge will be to maintain this balance, ensuring that the threads of tradition remain strong even as they are woven into a wider global narrative.