When Ancient Ladakhi Wool Meets Runway Dreams at 2112 Saldon

Meet 2112 Saldon, where centuries-old Ladakhi wool gets a runway-ready glow-up and every piece carries the soul of the Himalayas. Born from the windswept heights of Ladakh, this avant-garde label is transforming forgotten textile traditions into fashion statements that don't just turn heads, they tell stories. Think handwoven Nambu wool reimagined as contemporary silhouettes, Khampa jackets inspired by ancient architecture, and prints that echo traditional kitchens. 2112 Saldon isn't just creating clothes; they're weaving cultural revival into every thread.

From Crisis to Creation

What happens when a designer's heart beats in sync with their heritage? You get a label that "stands at the confluence of innovation, heritage, and sustainability. It is rooted in tradition yet forward-looking, offering a modern platform for age-old craftsmanship." But this isn't your typical fashion story of trend-chasing and profit margins.

"I don't rely on WGSN forecasts or trend reports. Instead, I follow what feels true to me—what fills my heart. Over the years, I've found that nothing works better than authenticity," reveals the founder and director of the brand, Padma Saldon. This philosophy isn't just refreshing—it's revolutionary in an industry obsessed with fast fashion and fleeting trends.

The mission? Bringing Nambu—Ladakh's handspun, handwoven yak and sheep wool—out from the shadows of its more famous cousin, Pashmina. "While Pashmina has been in the spotlight globally, my focus was to bring Nambu to the fore. Nambu is the staple fabric worn and used by the locals," they explain. It's about time this Himalayan treasure got its moment to shine.

The brand emerged from recognising a cultural emergency. "I wouldn't call Nambu endangered anymore. Instead, I believe it was the handloom sector itself that had been lagging—drifting as the machine-made textile industry began to sweep across not only Ladakh but the entire country," the founder observes. Traditional weaving was losing ground as higher-paying jobs drew skilled artisans away from their looms.

But rather than lamenting the loss, 2112 Saldon chose action. "Seeing this shift, I felt an urgent need to support and uplift our weavers—to reignite the importance of wool, of weaving, and of preserving this deep-rooted craft." Their solution? Give traditional craft a contemporary platform that could compete in today's market.

"To remain relevant, we must evolve with time. If we want the handloom sector to thrive and take its rightful place in the economy, we must continue to adapt, innovate, and blend tradition with change."

The Magic of Nambu: From Mountain to Masterpiece

Ever wondered what makes Himalayan wool so special? It's all about altitude. "The Changthang Valley in eastern Ladakh is renowned for producing the highest quality wool. This is largely due to its high-altitude climate, where the colder environment encourages the growth of finer, softer wool fibres. The rule of thumb: the higher the altitude, the better the wool."

The transformation process reads like poetry. Women's self-help groups scattered across Ladakh, from Phyang to Nubra Valley, spin wool during long winter months. "I still remember watching my grandmother spin yarn during the long winter months, a time when families gathered indoors and kept their hands busy with such crafts. The spindle represents more than a tool—it's a symbol of self-reliance, tradition, and quiet resilience, passed down through generations."

Once the yarns are ready, contemporary design takes flight. "As a designer, my core strength lies in design and aesthetics, but I have a deep and growing interest in textiles and craftsmanship. I try to play my part in the weaving process by experimenting with surface development—introducing creative elements like loops, silk yarns, or varied colour patterns."

Culture as Creative Currency

What sets 2112 Saldon apart is how effortlessly they translate cultural elements into contemporary fashion. Take their Khampa Jacket, inspired by Ladakhi architecture, or prints that echo traditional kitchens. "As a designer, I'm constantly inspired by the world around me. Being Ladakhi, I try to translate as many elements of my culture and surroundings as possible into my work."

The kitchen motif collection wasn't strategic—it was organic. "Drawing inspiration from kitchen motifs wasn't something I planned or forced—it came naturally. These patterns are deeply embedded in every household across Ladakh, just like the rich colour palettes found in our monasteries, which every child here grows up seeing."

"When you're surrounded by such beauty and symbolism, how can you not be inspired? I believe it comes down to sensitivity, curiosity, and the ability to observe. Inspiration doesn't have to be searched for—it's all around you, waiting to be noticed."

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In fashion's speed-obsessed culture, 2112 Saldon champions "slow and artisanal luxury." Their approach isn't just about taking time—it's about honouring process. "I believe I have a natural design sensibility—an instinctive ability to translate traditional ideas and motifs into modern interpretations. Somehow, my aesthetic naturally aligns with the contemporary world, even without intentionally following trends."

The brand works with artisan clusters across Leh through "a decentralised, yet beautifully interconnected system that has existed for generations—and continues to thrive." Each group specialises—some spin, others weave—maintaining transparency and authenticity throughout.

Sustainability isn't an afterthought. "We are also a sustainable label. Sustainability is not just a buzzword for us—it's a practice. We make a conscious effort to reuse every leftover piece of fabric, transforming scraps into entirely new designs with their own identity. Nothing is wasted."

Memoirs of Ri-Yul: Stories in Silk and Wool

Their latest collection carries "deep cultural value—not just through the textiles, but also through the motifs and elements I incorporate. These motifs are drawn from Ladakhi architecture, and the rich colour palettes are often inspired by the vibrant hues found in our monasteries."

But it's not about nostalgia. "In a time when everything is constantly changing, engaging people meaningfully has become one of the biggest shifts in how the creative economy works. Everyone is looking for something new, something different. But for me, chasing trends has never felt fulfilling."

Instead, they follow instinct. "What has always guided me is my inner instinct—my creative antenna. It has never failed to resonate with what feels right, both emotionally and aesthetically."

The vision extends beyond business success to cultural recognition. "I come from a time when most people didn't even know where Ladakh was, to now, where it has become one of the top destinations in India. For the longest time, Ladakh's identity was shaped almost entirely by tourism, but there's so much more to the region than its landscapes."

The goal? "It's time Ladakh is recognised for its rich textile heritage and traditional attire, just like Banaras is known for its silk, or Lucknow for its chikankari. We, too, have centuries of artistry and cultural knowledge woven into our garments, waiting to be shared with the world."

Looking ahead, the founder envisions collaboration: "My vision is to interweave Ladakhi handloom and craft with those from other states, creating meaningful, collaborative designs that honour the roots and stories behind them. These are the kinds of creations I hope will be cherished, celebrated, and remembered."