In an unusual and culturally rich pairing, the stalwart of effortless French style, Agnès b., has joined forces with the emerging label Abode of Snow to launch a collaboration that pays profound tribute to traditional Himalayan garments. Abode of Snow, founded in 2020 by Tenzin Wild and Tao Okamoto, exists specifically to celebrate the culture of the Himalayas—its name being the English translation of the Sanskrit word Himalaya—and the collaboration centers on the chuba, a ceremonial, ankle-length Tibetan robe. Far from a mere appropriation, this project is designed as a forward-thinking modernization of the chuba, transforming its historic silhouette into a line of sustainable, functional puffer jackets and vests. By blending Abode of Snow’s cultural mission with Agnès b.’s artistic practice of using clothing as a medium, the collaboration delivers a powerful statement on global heritage, responsible production, and the timeless elegance of tradition.
The Chuba: A Tenet of Himalayan Heritage
The entire collaboration is built upon the silhouette and cultural significance of the chuba, a traditional long-sleeved, ankle-length coat. While often associated with Tibet, the robe-style garment has been similarly adapted and adopted across various Asian cultures, including those of Japan, Bhutan, China, Korea, and Mongolia, underscoring its historical importance as a regional staple.
The traditional chuba is characterized by its voluminous, draped cut and is typically secured at the waist with a sash, which creates a large, distinctive pocket detail. This specific silhouette was developed for practical reasons, offering warmth, ease of movement, and storage in the cold, mountainous climates. Abode of Snow’s work is dedicated to maintaining the integrity of this heritage design while introducing it to a contemporary global audience. The collaboration with Agnès b. preserved the essential drape and shape of Abode of Snow’s initial designs, translating the long, robe-like coat into a functional, modern down coat that retains the sweeping visual drama of its ancestor.
The French Artistic Intervention
While Abode of Snow provided the foundational silhouettes and cultural context, Agnès b. infused the garments with her unmistakable artistic signature, continuing a practice she established when launching her brand in 1975: treating clothing as a blank canvas for art and personal expression. Her contribution to the collaboration focuses primarily on the interiors of the outerwear pieces.
The most notable artistic flourish is found within the lining of the Chuba Down Coat. Agnès b. reimagined the coat’s interior using her favorite, visually striking electric blue color, providing a sudden, vibrant contrast to the coat’s likely neutral exterior. Furthermore, for the Mila down vest and the Mila 2.0 down jacket, she added her own personal touch: a photograph of her garden during the winter. This practice of turning the often-unseen lining into a piece of personal art—whether a vibrant color or an intimate photograph—adds an unexpected layer of depth and intimacy to the functional pieces, symbolizing the hidden personal narrative beneath the practical outerwear.
Commitment to Responsibility and Sustainability
The collection is underpinned by a profound shared commitment to respect and responsibility toward both people and the planet, a foundational principle for the younger Abode of Snow label. The collaboration is not merely about aesthetic exchange; it is rooted in ethical production and sustainable materiality.
All products in the line, including the collaborative pieces, are manufactured in the Nepalese city of Kathmandu. This commitment to in-region production not only supports local craftsmanship but ensures the final products adhere to strict sustainable guidelines. The garments are constructed using entirely recycled and organic materials: 100 percent recycled fabrics, 100 percent recycled down and feathers, and yak wool. This rigorous adherence to sustainability elevates the collection beyond a fashion trend, positioning it as an example of how luxury heritage can successfully intersect with modern ethical responsibilities, ensuring that the tribute to Himalayan culture is honored through its production as well as its design.
Key Products and Their Global Appeal
The collaboration successfully translates the traditional chuba into three key outerwear styles that have immediate global appeal while carrying a deep cultural narrative.
The Chuba Down Coat is the flagship piece, offering the modernized, ankle-length silhouette that is a direct descendant of the traditional garment. It is positioned as the highest-tier item, offering the greatest commitment to the original vision combined with the practical warmth of a modern puffer. The Mila Down Vest and Mila 2.0 Down Jacket offer more contemporary, wearable silhouettes, perfect for layering in varied cold climates. These pieces, which feature Agnès b.’s winter garden photography on the interior lining, act as a beautiful synthesis of the two brands: the functional, sustainable outerwear silhouette from Abode of Snow, elevated by the unexpected, intimate artistic sensibility of the French designer.
The successful blending of French artistic philosophy and Himalayan cultural heritage allows the collaboration to resonate with a diverse global consumer base. It appeals equally to those seeking high-quality, sustainable outerwear and those drawn to pieces with a tangible cultural story, effectively using fashion as a bridge between the elegance of Paris and the enduring heritage of Kathmandu.
