Threads of Joy showcases unique Nepali Pashmina and Spanish-Vietnamese fashion

On Saturday, 31 January, the European Union Delegation to Nepal recently hosted the "Threads of Joy" fashion showcase, a stunning event celebrating the artistry of Nepali chyangra pashmina garments alongside creative designs from Chula, a celebrated Spanish fashion brand. The event also featured a vibrant pop-up market where guests could explore and purchase a wide array of goods, all at the premises of EU Ambassador Her Excellency Veronique Lorenzo’s residence in Kathmandu.

The event opened with a captivating array of bold and colourful dresses by Chula, a fashion brand founded in 2004 by Spanish designer Laura Fontan and her late husband Diego Cortizas. Produced in Vietnam, Chula works with social enterprises to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities.

Models also presented pashmina ensembles characterised by muted natural tones of brown and white, each crafted with care from handspun pashmina sourced from chyangra goats from the remote Himalayan regions of Mustang and Dolpa. The collection, curated by talented stylist Deepa Kunwar, showcased offerings from KPA Cashmere, Cashmere World Nepal, and Nepal Fibre Processing Pvt. Ltd., the nation's first specialised facility dedicated to refining Chyangra fibre.

This memorable occasion brought together a diverse gathering of diplomats, cultural leaders, fashion professionals, artisans, and friends of Nepal and the EU. It also featured a pashmina processing demonstration by the Nepal Pashmina Industries Association and showcased products from HerCraft Nepal, a women-led social enterprise supported by Action Nepal that specialises in home décor and accessories. Amresh Shah, a former member of the EU Youth Sounding Board, also offered Madhubani spice blend made by his family.

The European Union has consistently championed Nepal's pashmina industry, facilitating its growth through the EU Trade Investment Programme from 2020 to 2024, which established a robust supply chain from fibre collection to global export. With the continued support of the United Kingdom Trade Partnership Programme and implementation by the International Trade Centre, the industry has undergone a remarkable transformation. Women artisans now enjoy greater access to training, fair wages, and international markets, leading to a significant increase in exports.