Bhutan made a historic debut at the Milan Fashion Week 2025, unveiling its first capsule collection yesterday in Italy. Bhutanese women artisans from Lhuentse, local designers and international designer Stella Jean co-created the clothing pieces.
These pieces, blending traditional Bhutanese motifs with modern design, lit up the runway in Milan, Italy—at the world-famous Milan Fashion Week.
The collection, titled “Made in Italy Meets the Kingdom of Bhutan,” celebrated Bhutan’s rich textile heritage—especially the iconic Küshuthara from Lhuentse.
One model walked the runway in a skirt inspired by the intricate handwoven Küshuthara, its timeless patterns reimagined with a contemporary twist.
Another turned heads in an ensemble styled with Bhutanese belts and tegos, each piece woven with delicate, intricate designs that carried the story of tradition into the spotlight.
It marked Bhutan’s debut on one of the world’s most prestigious fashion stages.
International designer, Stella Jean, renowned for blending artisanship with cultural identity led the collaboration co-created by Bhutanese women from Goenpa Kabab in Lhuentse.
Alongside the joint capsule collection, Bhutanese designers Chadrika Tamang, founder of CDK Gyencha and Tashi Zangmo from Wangpee Couture showcased their own lines.
“We are very skilled on putting our culture and transforming it in fashion. And I think that we are completely aligned, since you wear your culture every day, and it is amazing, because we, from my point of view, have so much to learn, and we also have some to give. So, it’s about an exchange of know-how, an exchange of skills. So, only on this base, we can build something reliable, relatable, and durable,” said Stella Jean, an International Designer.
“My inspiration was drawn from Bhutan’s heritage textile. Since I am more into Kushuthara, the intricate pattern which embodies wisdom and the artistry from the generations of Bhutanese women. So this collection is not only for showcasing, but also I believe it is also honouring traditions while also embracing the modern space,” said Tashi Zangmo, the founder of Wangpee Couture.
Chandrika Tamang, the founder of CDK Gyencha said, “Working with Stella and team was an amazing experience for me and for Bhutan and then Stella really respect the authenticity and the ethic is her core value. She encouraged me to stay true to the Bhutanese technique while staying true to experimenting new shapes.”
The Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property implemented the project with support from FAO Bhutan.
“Taking rural women artisans to Milan is equally significant. For example, Ms. Sangay Choden, who has hearing and speech disability, but she expresses herself through the intricate weaving of Kushuthara, is now traveling outside Bhutan for the first time in her life. These moments show how traditional knowledge, when connected to global platforms, creates better lives by opening opportunities far beyond local boundaries,” said Ken Shimizu, the FAO Representative for Bhutan and Nepal.
DOMCIIP Director Sonam Penjor said, “It’s probably a historic moment for us because we have been wearing our designs, motifs all of our lives. And if we go to the grassroots level, we have weavers everywhere in the country. Now finally getting this platform at one of the biggest events when it comes to design and fashion and our weavers product being showcased there, it is proud and historic moment.”
The debut not only places Bhutan on the global fashion map but also highlighted how tradition and modernity can weave together to empower communities and tell Bhutan’s story to the world.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Tandin Phuntsho
