Dressing for success

Traditional Tibetan costume is finding a whole new audience and creating new revenue streams for ethnic communities thanks to homegrown contemporary fashion companies

Tibetan traditional costume, with its uniquely bright colors, robe-like design and use of yak's wool, is carving a path to the wider world by adopting modern, fashionable elements.

The jeans and nipped waist-designs are in; the baggy robe is out, while the cross collar, raglan sleeve and old colorful patterns are reserved - all to make the clothes more appealing to style-savvy customers while at the same time preserving the key cultural elements.