SPIRIT OF THE MOUNTAINS
Rooted in nature, led by women, born in the mountains.
The story behind the Devi Coat & the Saira Coat.
Behind every ZAZI coat lies a journey, one that begins with a single thread, hand-spun by women and transformed into a garment that reflects their craft.
In the high‑altitude villages of Himachal Pradesh, a timeless tradition thrives — where craft, culture, and community are inseparable. This is the spirit that lives in the mountains, shaping every fiber, color, and garment created by the women who call these peaks home.
The story behind our Devi Coat and Saira Coat begins with the soft wool gathered from mountain sheep grazing on steep pastures and misty slopes. The raw wool is carefully hand‑sorted and carded by local women using age‑old techniques. This process prepares the fibers for spinning and ensures that each thread reflects the mountain’s unique textures.
Natural dyeing is an art in itself. Plant powders from walnut shells, onion skins, and wild berries are gently simmered to release rich shades of earthy greens, deep browns, and muted pinks. The wool absorbs these colors slowly and intentionally, allowing nature’s palette to infuse every strand with hues drawn directly from the environment.
Our craft partner in this journey is Kullvi Whims, a women‑led artisan collective based in the Himalayan village of Naggar. Here, traditional skills — spinning, weaving, and knitting — continue to flourish across generations. The cooperative began with just 15 women and has since grown to include more than 300 artisans working within a locally rooted supply chain.
Every step, from raw wool to finished coat, takes place within this community. Pre‑order models give space and time for dyeing, weaving, and creation — honoring the process rather than rushing it. The result is a collection where no two coats are the same; each piece carries subtle differences in color, texture, and shape — a testament to its handcrafted origin.
These mountain traditions are not simply production techniques; they are the spirit of the mountains manifested in craft. They reflect cultural heritage, sustainable practices, and the leadership of women whose creativity lives in every stitch.
the coats
Co-created with Kullvi Whims
