Cotton Sari with contrast stitch patchwork

Kunsang is an amazing girl. I was charmed by her from the first time she offered ginger lemon honey at a Buaddha-facing cafe in Kathmandu. I started seeing her almost every day. She was cool, confident and funny! One day, she told me that she was leaving her job for a lifetime of opportunity. She was going to be a female trekking guide in Nepal. I was thrilled to hear this. When I met her next time a few months later, she had completed her course and is now a licensed trekking guide. She lightheartedly expressed to me that in her training, out of 80 people, only 4 were girls. I am so proud of her because she is caring yet strong; she is so confident walking the mountains, yet sees through others’ fears; all of 24 years, her maturity speaks to me of her training growing up in the harsh living conditions of upper Mustang. I call her Loa, the girl from Lo Mustang. 

It is my honour that this treasure of a girl is wearing Mora. I wish her a lifetime of mountains, guiding others’ spirits to adventures, staying cool and bringing joy and trivia every moment of her day! Soon, Loa, we will walk the mountains together. Almost half my age, she is the one who sees through my mountain heart, not only me.

Kunsang is a one-of-a-kind textile designed to highlight a unique coming together of various techniques and creativity of handcraft. This design will not be recreated. Kunsang comes with a blouse fabric designed to encourage Mora fireflies to bring their authentic spirit to the fabrication of blouse fit, usage of borders and edgings. The blouse worn by Loa is not included.

Param did the beadwork

Gurmail, the tailor

Most of the cotton fabrics are woven with Amlawati, Arunachal Pradesh

Mumma, Madhu, patchwork technical eyes and segregating hands

Midtoan.com, the photographer

Designed by Ritika