Why Ladakhy – The Story Behind the Brand
At Ladakhy, we believe in more than just creating products—we are reviving traditions, supporting artisans, and reshaping the meaning of luxury.
A Journey Rooted in Heritage
Hi, I am Neeraj Gupta, the founder of Ladakhy. Having been raised in Jammu and Kashmir, my affinity to the land and the traditions thereof has always stayed intact. While I built my life in the United States, my heritage and love for the craftsmanship of my homeland never faded.
A trip to Ladakh and Kashmir three years ago transformed all of this. Accidentally, I entered a small village shop in Ladakh, where artisans with centuries-old traditions in their hands were crafting the most beautiful hand-crafted pashmina. Their skill was unmatched, but their life was just the contrary—they hardly earned their living, as their work was undervalued and overshadowed by cheap, mass-produced imitations.
I witnessed firsthand how these craftsmen, with their remarkable skill, were being exploited—getting paid a fraction of the value of what they were producing while middlemen reaped the profits. Their legacy, heritage, and craftsmanship were on the verge of getting lost—not due to a lack of skill, but because the world didn’t know their story.
I couldn’t walk away.
At that moment, a mission took shape: to provide these craftsmen with a global platform, so that they get the appreciation and remuneration they deserve. Ladakhy was created to revive the prestige of true handwoven pashmina and present it to connoisseurs of fine craftsmanship worldwide.
Why the Name Ladakhy?
Ladakhy is a name with profound significance. Ladakh is the home of the rare Changthangi goats, with an undercoat from which the finest cashmere wool in the world is made.
The wool comes from a high-altitude region of Ladakh, and it goes through a process involving manual spinning, weaving, and embroidery before becoming a beautiful pashmina. Thus the pashmina symbolises the journey of the wool, from the undisturbed heights of Ladakh to those in search of the exceptional.
Preserving Tradition in a Modern World
In an era of rapid fashion and industrialized textiles, honest craftsmanship is diminishing. Ladakhy is dedicated to ensuring that the art of handwoven pashmina endures, keeping alive the weavers who have protected this craft over generations.
Every piece is a work of devotion, crafted with methods that have not changed in centuries. From the far-flung villages of Ladakh to the hands of international fans, Ladakhy is a bridge between tradition and modern luxury.
Empowering Artisans, Elevating Craftsmanship
The soul of Ladakhy is its artists, primarily women, whose artistic skills in embroidery and weaving are passed down for generations. Their high skill level notwithstanding, most have experienced economic pressure, hence quitting their craft to pursue other livelihood opportunities.
Ladakhy is committed to elevating these artisans into better lives with fair wages, secure employment, and international credibility. Our method of Direct-to-weaver cooperation avoids exploitative middlemen and ensures that the artisans are compensated fairly for their labour and workmanship.
Every Ladakhy creation is not just a product—it is a testament to resilience, skill, and an enduring legacy.
Luxury with a Purpose
Ladakhy is not just a symbol of elegance. It is a tribute and a connection of centuries-old traditions carried by the artisans who pour their soul into every weave. Thus, a statement of true, timeless luxury
Every wrap, saree, and shawl carries with it the value of heritage, sustainability, and rarity, carefully created with the world’s rare pashmina wool.
Each Ladakhy that you own shows your luxury and empathy for saving an art form, empowering communities, and adopting a tradition that has survived the test of time.
From Ladakh to the World – A Global Vision
Based in New York, Ladakhy brings this unparalleled expertise to the discerning international market, fusing tradition with contemporary elegance.
Whether worn as an expression of personal sophistication or given as a badge of honour, each Ladakhy creation is an heirloom in the process.