Tailoring
TAILORING APPLIQUÉ
The Norbulingka Design team adapted the skills used in making applique thangkas to create a home range of soft furnishings and wall hangings. These draw from the rich repertoire of traditional Tibetan motifs such as flowers, animals, and symbols using silks, linens and cottons.
Appliqué is a teamwork process, the product of many hours of care and the hands of many craftswomen. The master creates a stencil of the design on tracing paper and perforates the outline with small holes. The stencil is then placed on different colored cloth and rubbed with chalk powder so the image will be transferred. The pieces are cut, the edges lined in silk-wrapped cord, and sewn to the base. Finally, the dozens of parts are ironed and sewn together, reconstituting the image in a colorful, layered effect.
Our artisans are at the core of the unique pieces that were designed for the home by our creative team, who work side by side with our thangka painters, taking traditional motifs to a contemporary setting.
tailoring design
The Norbulingka tailors, with over two decades of experience, are the heart and soul of our clothing and accessories collection. Their meticulous attention to detail, and intimate knowledge of the fabrics they use, instill a sense of confidence in the craftsmanship of our pieces. Our design and production team brings together traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create products that are relevant to everyday life while remaining rooted in the Institute’s appreciation for Tibetan aesthetics and handmade traditions.
Our clothing line, along with the accessories created by our skilled tailors, are an expression of this approach. Developed with an emphasis on natural textiles, comfortable silhouettes and thoughtful detailings, they are designed to be versatile, practical and enduring - pieces that can be enjoyed beyond seasonal trends. Our collection extends across everyday clothing and a range of accessories, including bags, pouches, and other functional pieces. Each is developed with aim of creating products that are simple, useful and timeless.
Our Master
Lhamotso, Tailoring Design Master