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Inamdar, A. (2025). India Art Fair Spotlight: 2112 Saldon’s Celebration of Ladakhi Heritage . Elle India. Available at: https://elle.in/fashion/india-art-fair-spotlight-2112-saldons-celebration-of-ladakhi-heritage-8696403 Padma Saldon, the visionary designer behind 2112 Saldon and ELLE Graduates 2024 winner, made a remarkable presence at the India Art Fair 2025. Featured in the exhibition ‘Indigenous Fashion Futures: A Living Archive,’ curated by Sreyansi Singh, her work beautifully weaves Ladakhi heritage with contemporary fashion. Sharing the platform with designers from Odisha, Jharkhand, and Manipur, Saldon presented a collection that pays homage to indigenous textiles as a repository of cultural memory and a catalyst for contemporary expression. In an insightful interview with ELLE, Saldon shared her journey, inspirations, and vision for Ladakhi craftsmanship in the global fashion landscape. Here are some compelling excerpts from the conversation: On Showcasing Ladakhi Fashion at India Art Fair: “Being part of the India Art Fair is an incredible opportunity to introduce Ladakhi fashion to a global audience. I’m excited to see how people engage with the intricate craftsmanship, heritage textiles, and contemporary expressions of Ladakhi identity.” On Her Work in the ‘Indigenous Fashion Futures’ Exhibition: “The pieces on exhibition are rooted in the history and heritage of Ladakh. Traditional garments like Lha, Logor dress, and Lamo beautifully showcase the intricacies of Ladakhi textiles and designs.” On Fashion as a Form of Political Power and Social Collectivism: “Fashion is deeply political—it represents identity, resistance, and community. By working with Ladakhi weavers and artisans, I aim to create economic opportunities and ensure that traditional knowledge is valued in a globalized world.” On Being Considered a ‘Record-Keeper’ of Her Ancestral Traditions: “It’s an honor and a responsibility. Our ancestors wove not just fabric but entire narratives of survival, climate consciousness, and cultural expression into their garments. As a designer, I see myself as a bridge—translating these traditions into contemporary forms so they remain relevant and celebrated rather than forgotten.” Padma Saldon's participation in the India Art Fair is a testament to her dedication to preserving indigenous craftsmanship while pushing the boundaries of contemporary fashion. To explore the full interview and gain deeper insights into her journey, read more here

Weaving Heritage into Fashion: A Legacy of Craft and Culture Featured in Harper’s Bazaar, designer Padma Saldon of 2112 Saldon is making waves in the fashion industry with her dedication to authenticity, purpose, and sustainable craftsmanship. Raised in the breathtaking landscapes of Leh, Ladakh, Padma’s creative journey is deeply influenced by her homeland’s traditional attire, artisanal techniques, and the slow, intentional lifestyle of the region. Her approach to fashion transcends trends—it’s about storytelling through textiles, ensuring that the rich heritage of Ladakhi craftsmanship is preserved while seamlessly blending it with modern aesthetics. Crafting a Legacy with 2112 Saldon Padma’s brand, 2112 Saldon, is a tribute to the artisans who have passed down their skills through generations. Working closely with weaving communities in Phyang village and Leh, she integrates their age-old techniques into contemporary silhouettes, creating designs that are not only elegant but also timeless. In her own words, “These early experiences made me realize that fashion could be more than just fabric and fit—it could be a means of storytelling and a reflection of heritage.” Sustainability at the Core In an industry dominated by fast fashion, Padma takes a different path—one that prioritizes ethical production and sustainability. Every piece in her collection is sustainably sourced, thoughtfully crafted, and rooted in purpose, balancing tradition with contemporary innovation. Through her designs, she ensures that Ladakhi craftsmanship not only survives but thrives in today’s global fashion landscape. Her commitment to slow fashion and ethical luxury sets her apart, proving that sustainable fashion can be both culturally rich and globally relevant. Experience the Artistry of 2112 Saldon Discover the beauty of Ladakh’s traditional textiles reimagined for the modern world. Visit our store or explore our collections online and be part of this movement towards mindful, sustainable fashion. Read More This feature was originally published by Harper’s Bazaar . Click here  to read the full article.

In the heart of Leh’s bustling main market, amidst the vibrant hum of daily life, sits a small but lively weaving unit—a space that is much more than just a workshop. It is here that Tashi Lhanzes, our cherished weaver, brings to life the rich textile heritage of Ladakh, crafting the very fabric that forms the essence of 2112 Saldon. Tashi is more than a skilled artisan; she is a storyteller, a keeper of traditions, and the soul of a weaving practice deeply rooted in community and resilience. With hands that move effortlessly over the loom, she transforms raw materials into exquisite textiles, each thread carrying echoes of Ladakh’s cultural legacy. What makes Tashi’s craft truly special is the spirit of collaboration that surrounds it. Her workspace is never a solitary place. Friends, neighbors, tourists—passersby from all walks of life—often find themselves drawn into her world, lending a hand to set up the loom or helping with small tasks. These interactions, filled with laughter and warmth, infuse the space with a unique energy, turning the act of weaving into a shared experience, a celebration of culture and connection. For Tashi, weaving is not just about fabric; it is about preserving an age-old craft while embracing the spontaneity of human connection. Her hands do not merely create; they nurture a tradition, ensuring that the art of Ladakhi weaving thrives in today’s world. At 2112 Saldon, we are honored to be part of this journey—to champion artisans like Tashi and share their incredible craftsmanship with the world. Every piece that emerges from Tashi’s loom is a testament to the beauty of slow fashion, sustainability, and the deeply personal narratives woven into Ladakh’s rich textile heritage. As we continue to celebrate indigenous craftsmanship, we invite you to explore the artistry and stories behind each creation. Stay connected as we bring more stories from Ladakh’s weaving traditions to you.

Weaving Culture into Contemporary Fashion “If Lucknow is known for its chikankari and Banaras for its silk weaves, I wish to represent Ladakh and shine light on our nambu (sheep) wool,” says designer Padma Saldon, founder of 2112 Saldon. With a deep-rooted passion for her homeland’s textile heritage, she is reimagining traditional Ladakhi wool techniques to create sustainable, high-fashion pieces for a global audience. A Lakmé Fashion Week Debut Rooted in Heritage In October 2024, 2112 Saldon made its runway debut at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, as part of the prestigious GenNext talent incubation program. Her collection, Memoirs of Ri-Yul , transformed Ladakhi silhouettes into contemporary fashion, featuring deconstructed bok-inspired wrap dresses and patchworked Changthang jackets layered over hand-pleated joggers. With a color palette inspired by the jewel tones worn by her grandmother, Padma’s designs honor nostalgia while looking towards the future of sustainable fashion. The Legacy of Ladakhi Wool and Artisanal Craftsmanship At the heart of 2112 Saldon is Ladakh’s nambu wool, a durable, handspun fabric dyed naturally with walnut shells and lachu (a mountain plant). Padma works closely with female-led weaving clusters in Phyang village and Nubra Valley, collaborating with local artisans to revive and innovate handwoven textiles. From thigma tie-dye techniques to custom Ajrakh block prints, every piece in her collection tells a story of craftsmanship and cultural preservation. A Fashion Business Shaped by Ladakh’s Climate Unlike mainstream fashion brands, 2112 Saldon’s production model is deeply influenced by Ladakh’s extreme climate. “Weaving takes place in the summer, while the bitter winter can only support yarn spinning,” Padma explains. The textiles are crafted in Leh, with stitching and finishing completed in Delhi at her studio in Lado Sarai. This hybrid approach ensures both authenticity and adaptability in production. Snippet From Delhi Studio, Lado Sarai Market Expansion: Bridging Tradition with Contemporary Demand The demand for Ladakhi wool is growing, with brands like Looms of Ladakh, Zilzom Couture, and Lehvallée contributing to the region’s textile resurgence. 2112 Saldon’s signature wool jackets and dresses, priced from ₹20,000 upwards, cater to a niche clientele across India and internationally. The brand currently sells from a flagship store in Skara Road, Leh, attracting tourists from Europe, Russia, and NRIs, and also participates in Dastkar crafts bazaars in Delhi, fostering direct engagement with consumers. 2112Saldon Studio,Skara Road, Leh The Future: Ladakhi Wool for Festive and Bridal Wear Breaking stereotypes about wool being solely for winter wear, Padma Saldon envisions a new era of Ladakhi festive fashion. She is working on incorporating luxurious brocades with indigenous wool, bringing warmth and elegance to special occasion wear. “Who says wool can’t be festive?” she asks, paving the way for a sustainable yet opulent fashion revolution. Experience 2112 Saldon Immerse yourself in the essence of Ladakhi craftsmanship with 2112 Saldon’s latest collections. Explore our handwoven, sustainable designs that redefine traditional textiles for the modern wardrobe. Visit our store or connect with us online to witness the future of slow, luxury fashion. Read More This article was originally published on The Voice of Fashion . Click here   to read the full feature.

Bringing Ladakhi Heritage to the Global RunwayPadma Saldon, the creative force behind 2112 Saldon, has been recognized as one of the GenNext winners at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI 2024, an accolade presented by NIFD Global in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). This recognition cements her position as a rising star in sustainable and culturally-rooted fashion, blending traditional Ladakhi craftsmanship with contemporary design. Honouring Tradition Through Design. Hailing from Leh, Ladakh, Padma Saldon’s work is a tribute to her homeland. Her Lakmē Fashion Week collection is deeply inspired by authentic Ladakhi attire, incorporating every element—from the dress to the inner layers—with meticulous attention to detail. Her color palette, featuring fuchsia pink, ochre yellow, and emerald green, echoes the hues worn by Ladakh’s elders, keeping the region’s sartorial legacy alive. Pioneering Sustainable Wool Textiles. With an innate passion for textiles, Padma initially explored pashmina, yak, and camel wool before identifying an underutilized resource—sheep wool. "Sheep wool is probably one segment where nobody was really doing anything," she explains, emphasizing her commitment to elevating overlooked indigenous materials. Through 2112 Saldon, she transforms this raw, natural fiber into contemporary silhouettes, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity. From Childhood Dreams to Fashion’s Biggest Stage. Padma’s journey into fashion began at an early age. "Since the fifth standard, I knew I wanted to pursue fashion," she recalls, reflecting on her childhood love for craft and design. After refining her skills at NIFT, she launched 2112 Saldon on a date with personal significance—"21st December is my birthday, so that’s why my label is called 2112 Saldon." Redefining Ladakhi Fashion for the Future. With her showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, Padma Saldon is not only making waves in Indian fashion but also establishing 2112 Saldon as a global voice for sustainable luxury. Her work serves as an inspiration for emerging designers, proving that cultural heritage and sustainability can be seamlessly woven into contemporary fashion. Experience the 2112 Saldon Collection. Explore the essence of Ladakh through Padma Saldon’s visionary designs. Visit 2112 Saldon’s website to discover the latest collection and witness the timeless beauty of handcrafted sustainable fashion. This article was originally published by NIFD Global  at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI. Click here   to read the full feature.