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Period dramas have a way of transporting us to a time of unparalleled grandeur with their sweeping landscapes, ornate palaces, and introcate costumes. These stories remind us of an era when craftsmanship was revered, everything from clothes to jewellery was a labour of love—designed to last, to tell a story, and to be passed down through generations. It was the true age of slow fashion.
When the Silk Route was open, it became the lifeline of trade, culture, and creativity. Stretching across mountains and deserts, this historic network connected Ladakh with Tibet, Kashmir, and Yarkand, bringing with it a kaleidoscope of goods, ideas, and artistry. Laden caravans would make their way through treacherous terrains, carrying everything from shawls, indigo, tea, corals, and muslin out of Ladakh to Yarkand, and returning with silk, precious metals, jewelry, and even Russian currency. Beyond goods, the route facilitated the exchange of religions, architectural styles, and cultural traditions, leaving an indelible mark on Ladakh’s identity.
Back in the day, fashion in Ladakh was nothing short of luxurious. Silk brocades, known locally as Kos-Shen, adorned the elite, with intricate designs that blended Buddhist motifs with vibrant colours. Monasteries glowed with decorations made of these imported fabrics, while royals flaunted gold-threaded robes that spoke of opulence and artistry. But as the Silk Route faded into history, so did these traditions, and they were slowly replaced by muted tones and simpler designs.
Fast forward to today, Namza Couture is on a mission to revive the grandeur of that bygone era. Their new collection, HOR-LAM ཧོར་ལམ, named after the 'Route of the Hor People', draws directly from this rich legacy. Every garment in this collection is a tribute to Ladakh’s cultural heritage, reimagined through the lens of modern design while staying rooted in traditional craftsmanship.
Each piece in the collection is painstakingly handcrafted by Namza’s artisan weavers in Ladakh and Banaras, a process that can take up to a year. The pieces are woven with dedication and steeped in history and ancient textile traditions. HOR-LAM reflects the silk brocades of the 10th-century Namgyal Dynasty, a time when fabrics from Benaras and China draped Ladakh with luxury.
With HOR-LAM, Namza Couture takes you on a journey through time, wrapped in the timeless elegance of Ladakh’s Silk Route legacy.
Follow Namza here to see the collection.
