Crafting Beauty between two worlds…
While Lehvallée foundation lies in the Ladakh Mountains, its vision is shaped by western influence introduced by one of the two co-founders through her experience of living and working in France.
Sonam, who lives in France, set out on a journey to create a project that would keep her connected to her cultural roots while also bring value and serve the local community in Ladakh. On this adventure she brought along her younger sister, Kunzes, who had completed her studies in chemistry and quickly developed a passion for this young enterprise.
Together, they brought this vision to life. They created their own weaving studio in Leh, sourcing raw material directly from nomadic herders and having the precious fibres handspun by skilled women from nearby villages. The fibres are then hand woven on traditional looms. By overseeing every stage of production, they ensure the quality and authenticity of their products and the raw material.
The designs are conceived by Sonam in collaboration with European Designers, while Kunzes manages the daily operations of the workshop and oversees natural dyeing. Every action and decision is carefully considered to allign with the values they share and wish to convey through their products.
Authenticity, respect for the environment, respect for people and respect for animals are values that resonate deeply with them and are reflected in every aspect of their work.
At the core of our values there’s one word: Respect
Respect for the environment: the earth is our most precious asset, protecting it is at the heart of our approach. We only use natural materials, and choose not to dye our fibers with chemical pigments. Thus, all the colors you have the pleasure of finding on our products are organic dyes obtained from local, medicinal or aromatic plants from our Himalayan soil.
Respect for our employees and partners: it is not only a question of making money but also of revitalizing the economy of Ladakh. Our project is vast and aims to improve the living conditions of nomadic herders, so that their children can in turn perpetuate this activity. It is also about ensuring a stable income for ladakhi women, spinners or weavers who work with us.
Last but not the least, respect for you, our dear customers, by ensuring you a product of incomparable quality. Our cashmere pieces are produced in very small numbers because our raw material, Changra cashmere, at this level of purity, is rare and available in very limited quantities.