October 2019 Edition Apparel October 2019 issue | Page 62

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT
CROONS FROM
A LADAKHI HEART
Stanzin Palmo is deeply inspired by Ladakh’s delightful flora, fauna, and culture,
which together find place in her label Zilzom. Brinda Gill writes.
The northernmost region of India, the recently
declared Union Territory of Ladakh has historically
been at an intersection of important trade
routes. In the recent decades, it has become a
popular tourist destination for its scenic, rugged
mountainous beauty, Buddhist monasteries,
indigenous culture, trekking trails, and serenity.
Adding another dimension to the region are its
textiles (which have been traditionally handwoven
with hand-spun yarns from the wool of local
animals) and the unique, coarse, and typically
deep-coloured attire of the people that is suited
to severe winters.
It is this wonderful reservoir of culture and
tradition that young designer Stanzin Palmo,
based in Leh, draws on to design a range of
60
I APPAREL I
October 2019
distinctive textiles and garments. As a Gen Next
designer at Lakmé Fashion Week’s Winter Festive
2019 edit, she brought the land and her work into
the limelight by presenting a unique and evocative
collection titled ‘Between the Earth and Sky’.
ANCHORED IN LOCAL CULTURE
Speaking of the land she originates from, Stanzin
expresses, “Ladakh is truly heaven on earth. I am
deeply inspired by the beauty of its mountains
and native flora and fauna to create motifs. I
am also inspired by the raw materials that are
available here. These include pashmina, sheep,
and yak wool, from which yarns are hand-spun
and later handwoven into fabrics. I am also quite
drawn to the silhouette, drape, and design of