NORLHA IN LHASA, TIBET

Not yet ten years old, Norlha has become a sustainable enterprise. More than a concept it's a philosophy reflected by an impressive range of products. At this stage in our journey the best way to express Norlha is in a store, and the strongest context for a brand whose identity is rooted in Tibet is in the heart of Tibet, Lhasa.

We dreamed of a Lhasa store for years. We felt that in a city that for centuries had been the embodiment of Tibetan culture and values there had to be a place to buy a product that was made in a Tibetan area by Tibetans, a product created from a raw material that emanated from the grasslands, one that represents new found opportunity while demonstrating the skill and expertise reflected in centuries old traditions.

Throughout the summer we worked on a building close to the Barkhor that belonged to our Lhasa partner Kunphen, with my son-in-law Yidam making several trips to direct the renovations. In October, Dechen and Yidam, along with our designer friend Isabelle Graz and her husband Dominique, a member of our board, and Dorje, our sales manager, went to Lhasa to set up the store and apply the finishing touches. Today the Lhasa store allows us to express Norlha to its fullest.