Meet We are KAL that offers Handwoven Organic Textiles by Nomads & Artisans from Ladakh & Assam

artisans of Ladakhartisans of Ladakhartisans of LadakhIn a world full of mass production, what could be more refreshing than a brand that brings back the beauty of handmade textiles? Well, meet We are KAL – a textile label that’s changing the game by blending traditional craftsmanship with sustainable practices. Imagine walking through the serene landscapes of Ladakh or Assam, feeling the softness of yak wool and organic Eri silk, and watching artisans craft masterpieces with their hands. Curious? Let’s dive deeper into the story behind this unique brand.

The Heart of We are KAL

We are KAL is more than just a textile brand. It’s a community – a collective of nomads, weavers, spinners, and designers who come together to create organic, handspun, and handwoven textiles using materials like Eri silk, yak wool, sheep wool, and lambswool. Sourced from the pristine regions of Assam and Ladakh, these materials are woven into scarves, garments, home textiles, and even yarns and cocoons. The process behind each product is not just about crafting high-quality goods, it's a journey – one that involves a deep respect for tradition and the environment.

What makes We are KAL truly stand out is its commitment to sustainability and ethics. Each piece tells a story of its origins, from the sheep and yak grazing in the high altitudes of Ladakh to the weavers in Assam spinning the fibres into thread. They reject the use of synthetic additives, ensuring that every piece of fabric stays as close to nature as possible. This dedication to authenticity isn’t just about creating beautiful products; it’s about preserving heritage and empowering communities.

But it’s not all about the finished products – We Are KAL also offers a unique internship opportunity that allows passionate individuals to travel to the Changthang Plateau during the wool harvest season. Interns get hands-on experience in the production process—from sourcing the wool to spinning, washing, and weaving, all while immersing themselves in the local culture. Imagine being part of a project that combines adventure, learning, and deep cultural immersion. Sounds like the ultimate internship, doesn’t it?

The Visionaries Behind We Are KAL 

Behind the scenes of We Are KAL are two remarkable individuals—Catherine Allié and Tsering Angtak. Catherine, a business graduate from Paris, moved to India in 2012, seeking to create something impactful. Her research led her to the nomadic shepherds and weavers of Ladakh, and it was during this search that she met Angtak—a native Ladakhi who grew up in the nomadic region of Kharnak.

Together, they laid the foundation for We Are KAL, starting from scratch with a humble rooftop studio in New Delhi. Catherine's expertise in business and Angtak’s deep connection to the Ladakhi culture formed the perfect blend of passion and knowledge. Their goal was clear, to create a sustainable fashion brand that celebrated traditional craftsmanship while improving the livelihood of the artisans.

The vision for We Are KAL has always been to empower these artisans—many of whom are women—by offering them financial independence and a voice in a world that often overlooks their contributions. From Assam to Ladakh, We Are KAL provides these artisans with the resources to preserve their craft, allowing them to build a future rooted in their culture. As the brand grows, Catherine and Angtak continue to focus on creating opportunities for these communities, ensuring that every piece they create is not just fashion, but a means of sustainable living.

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Their venture is all about making the lives of local artisans better while sharing the beauty of their crafts with the world. The vision behind We are KAL is to provide fair wages, ethical working conditions, and a platform for these artists to showcase their skills. The founders didn’t just want to create a brand; they wanted to make a meaningful impact on the community, and that’s evident in the way they work directly with the nomads and artisans, ensuring they’re not just suppliers but part of a collaborative effort.

Today, We are KAL is thriving, and its products are sought after by those who appreciate craftsmanship, sustainability, and timeless beauty. The brand’s commitment to transparency, ethics, and preserving the heritage of traditional textile arts has built a loyal following, both locally and globally.

Empowering Artisans in Ladakh

At the heart of We Are KAL is a deep commitment to empowering the artisans of Ladakh, including the nomads of Changthang and the women weavers of Leh. These artisans, such as Jigmet Stanzin, a shepherd from Changthang, and Tsering Angmo, one of the oldest weavers in Ladakh, form the backbone of the brand’s production process. Jigmet, a skilled herder, spends long hours walking with his animals through the rugged terrains, shearing sheep, plucking yak wool, and combing pashmina. His life, shaped by the rhythms of nature, is rooted in a philosophy of hard work, imagination, and connection to the land.

We Are KAL’s relationship with these artisans is built on mutual respect, transparency, and fair compensation. Tsering Angmo, a seasoned weaver, continues to weave with passion and offers invaluable advice on loom troubleshooting, drawing on decades of experience. She finds joy in sharing stories with fellow weavers while sorting wool, helping to pass down age-old techniques that have been part of Ladakhi culture for generations.

The impact of We Are KAL on these artisans is evident in the way the brand nurtures their craft. Tsering Yangzom, a weaver and spinner from Ladakh, cherishes her time weaving with the other women and taking care of her grandchildren, embodying the timeless, nomadic spirit that still lives within her. Similarly, Padma Angmo, who recently left her nomadic lifestyle, finds connection and fulfilment in her work with the wool, keeping the traditions alive while managing finances for the team.

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The collaborative efforts extend beyond Ladakh, with Latika Kalita, a manager and dyeing expert from Assam, ensuring the proper distribution of yarn and continuously experimenting with new natural dyes. Along with her husband Chandan, who handles the dyeing process and collects materials like onion skins and teak leaves, they contribute to the vibrant colour palette that defines We Are KAL’s textiles. Bharathi Kalita and Khiroda Kalita, both skilled weavers from Assam, also play an essential role in crafting beautiful scarves, fabrics, and textiles. Khiroda, in particular, cherishes weaving alongside her daughter-in-law, Nitu, and maintains her loom tools with great care, continuing to work with passion even after many years.

Through creative collaboration and fair compensation, We Are KAL empowers artisans like Tsering Yangdol and Tashi Yangchen, who are dedicated to learning and perfecting their craft while maintaining strong ties to their heritage. The brand offers a platform where artisans from both Ladakh and Assam can thrive, creatively and economically, helping to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. By fostering this supportive community, We Are KAL ensures that these centuries-old techniques are preserved, celebrated, and passed down to future generations.

Why You Should Be Paying Attention to We Are KAL

At its core, We are KAL is more than just creating organic textiles; it's about building a relationship between the maker, the product, and the consumer. The brand empowers female artisans in rural India by offering them independence and preserving cultural heritage through their craft. We are KAL create sustainable, high-quality textiles that reflect a deep connection to the land and people of Ladakh and Assam. By focusing on transparency, ethical production, and environmental stewardship, the brand fosters a movement of slow fashion that celebrates craftsmanship, culture, and community – a story that’s as beautiful as the products themselves.