ROYAL VEST
This coat fabric is woven entirely from 100% yak down fiber, sourced from herders in the high mountains of Haa and processed at the National Yak Farm. The yarn, spun by women artisans in Bumthang, was woven on a traditional horizontal frame loom (ThrueTha) by weavers from Dorjibi Weaving Center. Designed by Ms. Chandrika Tamang, founder of CDK, in close collaboration with FAO Bhutan and the Department of Livestock, the coat’s base tone retains the natural shade of yak wool, undyed and chemical-free, to preserve the authentic character of the fiber. The Dorji motif, shaped in a timeless diamond form, represents strength, clarity, and balance. It was created in tribute to His Majesty The King, reflecting the essence of his visionary leadership and the mindful harmony at the heart of the Gelephu Mindfulness City.
- Composition: 100% Yak Down Fiber (1-year-old baby yak)
- Base colour: Natural yak brown
- Care: Eco dry clean/ Cold Hand Wash only. Flat Iron low heat.
The Dorji motif Vest embodies the resilience and strength of Bhutan’s mountains and its people. Its journey began in the high pastures of Haa, where 12 yak herders from Bji, Katsho, and Eusu Gewogs collected 15.61 kilograms of yak hair from more than 120 yaks during the annual shedding season.
In order to empower and build local capacities to collect high-quality fiber, a team, comprising officials from the Department of Livestock and the FAO Project Manager, traveled to Nobtshonapata and nearby highland areas of Eusu Gewog, conducting yak hair combing training and assisting herders in collecting fine down fiber. The collected wool was processed at the Haa Yak Farm, yielding 7 kilograms of wool top which gave 6 kilograms of yarn. From this, the softest Yak down fiber sourced from one year-old baby yaks , prized for their warmth and texture ,was selected to create the Royal vest.
The processed wooltop was spun by women artisans from Lusibee, Zhuri, and National Sheep Breeding Center and woven by the Dorjibi Weaving Center on traditional Thrue Tha looms in Bumthang, combining heritage technique with refined craftsmanship.
Designed by Ms Chandrika Tamang, founder of CDK, in collaboration with FAO Bhutan and the Department of Livestock, the coat exemplifies Bhutan’s ability to merge traditional artistry with sustainable innovation, crafted from a fiber globally valued for its warmth, durability, and eco-friendliness.
Every individual who contributed to its creation took pride in crafting a piece dedicated to His Majesty The King, symbolizing the resilience and purity of Bhutan’s highlands.
