Tengri Open Studio (by appointment only)
Friday 11 October 2019, 10am-5pm
Saturday 12 October 2019, 11am-4pm
We’re excited to open our doors for the first time – a limited number of private appointments are available to visit Tengri’s private studio, located in a 200-year-old converted church in a quiet Islington neighbourhood.
Meet Tengri Founder and Creative Director, Nancy Johnston, for a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity to learn about fabric developments, see one-off showpieces, and discover design inspirations, from herder to fabrics and high fashion.
Experience our exquisitely soft, natural fabrics and learn about the inspiration that drives Tengri’s creativity, and the journey from unique fibres to fabrics.
To book your appointment, email hello@tengri.co.uk
When: Friday 11 October & Saturday 12 October 2019 (by appointment only)
Where: St Mark’s Studios, 14 Chillingworth Road, London N7 8SH (map)
London Trunk Show (by appointment only)
07 Aug 2019, Wednesday, 9am – 11am
Appointments are now available for our first London trunk show, marking the launch of Tengri’s Khangai limited-edition tailoring fabrics.
These very rare cloths are woven from Khangai Noble Yarns® – named for their superior qualities and sustainably sourced from the Khangai yak of western Mongolia.
The extremely limited supply of these fabrics means only a few cuts and coats will be available for the creation of bespoke tailored items or made-to-order pieces from our Sky Collection. This contemporary interpretation of classic silhouettes blends eastern and western influences, and features design contributions from the Tengri Innovation Award winners.
Khangai noble fibres have remained unexplored until today. Their journey takes them from the Mongolian steppes to the heritage mills of Yorkshire, and the cutting tables of some of the world’s most prestigious tailors.
To experience these very rare fabrics first hand, please book your appointment here.
London Trunk Show – Cut from a different cloth
When: 7 August 2019, Wednesday, 9am – 11am
Where: The London Edition, Penthouse, 10 Berners Street, London W1T 3NP (map)
London Craft Week
11–12 May 2019
Experience the art of patina and traditionally handcrafted shoes.
Join Tengri and Joseph Cheaney & Sons in celebrating craftsmanship with the world’s first sustainable footwear made with Khangai Noble Fibres. Two-hundred hand-operations are required in the crafting of each shoe in the Khangai Mountain Brogue collection, a new interpretation of the classic brogue.
Natural materials are combined with Tengri’s proprietary Noble Yarn technology to create shoes that combine form and function. Engineered to take on the mountains, yet smart enough for a boardroom meeting.
Artist Parijat Upadhyaya (PJ) invites you to discover shoe colouring with natural pigments in a demonstration of the art of patina, a staining technique dating back to the early 1900s.
We look forward to seeing you there!
London Craft Week – Steppe into Sustainable Style (Demonstration and Open House)
When: 11 May 12:00 – 18:00 / 12 May 11:00 – 17:00
Where: Joseph Cheaney & Sons, 26 Henrietta Street, London WC2E 8NA map
Discover more about the Khangai Mountain Brogues here.
Tengri x Cheaney sustainable collection
11 April – 24 May 2019
We are delighted to invite you to celebrate a collaboration between Tengri and Joseph Cheaney & Sons.
Celebrating the creation of Khangai Mountain Brogues – the world’s first sustainable footwear made with Khangai Noble Fibres. The collection comprises three styles: the Apex brogue shoe, the Vertex brogue boot and Pinnacle Chelsea boot, each crafted in ethically and responsibly sourced, single-origin, undyed leather.
Please note these shoes are made to order and only available until 24 May 2019, for delivery in August 2019.
Fittings and pre-orders will be available from 11 April at:
Joseph Cheaney & Sons
26 Henrietta Street, Covent Garden
London WC2E 8NA
Please call 020 7240 7030 or email coventgarden@cheaney.co.uk for more details.
Sky – Fashion & Fabrics Exhibition
19-24 February 2019
Experience an intimate preview of our latest autumn/winter collection – Sky.
Combining a fashion exhibition, art installation and photography, this event traces the spiritual journey behind the creation of one of the world’s rarest fabrics.
The exhibition celebrates Tengri’s global heritage, innovative craftsmanship and uncompromising sustainable style. It showcases our four-year journey in creating a global community and movement that encompasses the development of woven fabrics and material objects such as coats and shoes.
Sneak previews and pre-sales of upcoming limited-edition products and collaborations will also be available.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Where: Herrick Gallery, 93 Piccadilly, London W1J 7NQ, map
When:
Tue 19 Feb: 11am – 5pm
Wed 20 Feb – Sat 23 Feb: 11am – 7pm
Sun 24 Feb: 11am – 5pm
Fashion Trade Mission to Dubai
21-23 May 2017
Join us on our journey from Mongolia to the Middle East, where we will be showcasing our exquisite fabrics and latest ready to wear and bespoke collections in Dubai as part of the Fashion Trade Mission, ‘Made in London’, taking place from 21st-23rd May.
Entering the UAE market for the first time, this trade mission is part of our growth plans to introduce our prestige sustainable fibres and manufacturing to the fashion industry on a global level. Proving that luxury and sustainability don’t have to be mutually exclusive, we’re pioneering a new wave in sustainability.
We’ve partnered with the crème of luxury makers in the UK, entering London’s Savile Row with an exclusive limited-edition collection of rare fabrics with esteemed tailors Huntsman, plus a directional partnership with one of the world’s most luxurious bed makers, Savoir Beds. Our latest collaboration features a sneak preview of our latest developments, including a range of exclusive handcrafted shoes with prestigious shoemakers Joseph Cheaney & Sons, who have been crafting shoes since 1886.
To schedule a meeting or attend the fashion showcase, contact hello@tengri.co.uk
See you in Dubai!
#FashionisGreat #LondonFashioninDubai
FASHION TRADE MISSION SHOWCASE:
22nd May, 2017, 16.30 – 19.00
The Club, Dubai World Trade Centre,
33rd Floor
Breakfast in Bed with Tengri
Thursday 11 May 2017, 8.30 am - 9.45 am
Tengri is delighted to invite you to an informal morning presentation about our revolutionary brand, which is making a significant impact in the fashion and interiors industries.
From Tengri's journey from the steppes of Mongolia to the UK, we will present our journey in creating an award-winning business model and how we've developed partnerships that champion sustainable solutions for exclusive luxury production. We are also excited to share with you our plans for the very near future but we can use your help.
As a Noble Yarn technologist and social business, Tengri is seeking investment to prepare for the next stage of growth: acquiring and processing the next batch of fibres combed this summer; extending the number of nomadic herder families we work with by the end of the year, and expanding our business in new markets.
In collaboration with prestige bedmaker, Savoir Beds, join us for a champagne breakfast taking place at Savoir’s Wigmore Street showroom.
If you or someone you know may be interested in becoming an investor, this is an ideal opportunity for you to join us in shaping the next phase of Tengri's business growth journey to achieve a quadruple bottom line – people, planet, profit, purpose.
To RSVP, please just click the button below, or send us an email to confirm your attendance to hello@tengri.co.uk. If you can't join us this time, do get in touch to arrange a suitable time to find out more.
Thank you again for your support!
When: Thursday 11 May, 8.30am – 9.45am
Where:
Savoir Beds
7 Wigmore Street
London W1U 1AD
United Kingdom
Tengri at Vancouver Fashion Week Fall-Winter 2017
March 20th – 26th, 2017
Tengri will debut in Canada, showing for the first time at Vancouver Fashion Week FALL-WINTER 2017 from March 20th to 26th. We will unveil the first collection in the epic Rider story, launching with Rider 1 Journey.
Inspired by the perception of journeys and underpinned by Tengri’s own incredible story – from its roots on the steppes of Mongolia’s remote Khangai region, to the UK – Rider 1 Journey represents the spirit of travel to distant lands, exploring the unknown, notions of apprehension, resilience, energy and the wonders of travel to remote landscapes.
The Autumn/Winter collection is influenced by stories of legends, epic travels, local customs and heritage, bridging two worlds from east to west with subtle references to these incorporated into the design and making of each piece.
The bespoke pieces of the collection will showcase the capabilities of the Khangai yak’s rare fibres, using new fabrics developed by some of the UK’s leading technical textile designers, pushing technical innovation and methods in yarns.
We have chosen Vancouver as it’s the fastest-growing fashion week in the world. Moreover, it’s also the only industry event that actively seeks out and showcases international award-winning designers from over 25 global fashion capitals.
Discover the Tengri Fall/Winter 2017 collection at Vancouver Fashion Week, at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Vancouver.
Tengri runway dates and times: Friday March 24th, at 5:00pm
Tengri showroom days: Friday March 24th and Saturday March 25th
To buy tickets to the Fashion shows click here
Tengri with Savoir Beds at London Design Week 2017
March, 12 to 17 2017
Discover the world’s most luxurious bed and its maker.
Savoir Beds with whom we are collaborating to create a bespoke edition of one of the world’s most coveted beds - the ‘Savoir No1 Khangai’ made of Tengri Noble Fibres®, will be showcasing their world’s finest handcrafted sleep systems at this event.
You’ll have a chance to experience first-hand the ultimate in sustainable luxury.
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour is the largest of its kind in Europe and well-established as a premier design destination. Nowhere else will you find such a high concentration of design’s biggest names shaping luxury interiors today – all at one address
Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour has become a renowned design hub. Creations from some of the world’s most influential brands set the pace, as well as meet the exacting standards demanded by a discerning clientele. Key values of creativity, skilled craftsmanship and technical ability lie at the heart of so much of the offering. Visitors can see products of character, complexity and originality, alongside great workmanship and artistry up close.
Come and meet TJ, Savoir iconic Craftsman demonstrating the technique used to create its globally renowned sleeping system, on Wednesday 15th between, 11am to 1pm.
Where: Savoir Beds Showroom, First Floor, South Dome, Design Centre, Chelsea Harbour
Note: the showroom is opened all year round,
Tengri at Selfridges – Material World
Monday 9th January until end of March 2017
Featured Tengri's Chevron Coat, The Mariner sweater and Emblem Scarf - Selfridges
Tengri has been selected for the 2017 edition of ‘Bright New’ at Selfridges, a showcase for emerging talent, focusing on sustainability and ethical processes, two principles dear to our heart. This year, this is explored through materiality, and the fascinating provenance of the fabrics of fashion.
We are among eight brands and designers selected, each championing a different material. With recent features in Huffington Post and Fashion Network, we are so proud to have our Tengri Noble Yarns® represent Luxury Fibres – a sustainable cashmere alternative.
Come and see Tengri's window at Selfridges launching on the 9th of January as well as our capsule collection in the Menswear department.
Make sure you sign up to our newsletter for upcoming special events and talks over the next three months.
Find out more about ‘Material World’ at Selfridges
Where:
Selfridges & Co
400 Oxford Street
London
W1A 1AB
United Kingdom
Tengri pre-Christmas pop up at Library, in Covent Garden, London,
Saturday 26 November, 11am–4pm
We have teamed up with Library in Covent Garden, London for a pre-Christmas pop up during their Saturday Brunch Club, 26th November, 11.00 to 4pm.
The Saturday Brunch Club is a monthly event aimed at female entrepreneurs and professionals*. Sample their Saturday Brunch Menu, Bardou Blowdrys, invigorating drinks, while having fun networking. Library is a hub for creativity and innovation, drawing inspiration from literature, theatre, local community and sustainable design.
As a friend of Tengri, you’re invited to join the event. Come and discover – or rediscover – Tengri’s sustainable, luxury knitwear and Noble Yarns® – Mongolian yak fibres that are as soft as cashmere, warmer than merino wool, breathable, hypoallergenic, water-resistant. These are the ultimate winter essentials and fabulous Christmas gifts, all made in Britain.
You’ll also have the opportunity to chat to Tengri’s hand knitting specialist, Stephanie Sobey-Jones, about her work. Tengri's sweaters currently range from hand loomed sweaters, customised hand knitted sweaters to individual bespoke garments. The route from "yak to personal wardrobe" is a fascinating story and Stephanie will be working on one of these bespoke pieces on the day.
You will also receive 15% off any Tengri purchase made on the day.
RSVP by 5pm Friday 25 November to secure your place on the guest list.
We’re looking forward to seeing you there!
When: Saturday 26 November, 11am–4pm
Where:
The Library
112 St. Martin's Lane
London, WC2N 4BD
United Kingdom
*though it says female members, men are also welcomed!
Tengri at #INSPIREmeFestival in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia - 11-12 November 2016
Tengri is delighted to be a partner at #INSPIREmeFestival, which will be held on 11-12 November 2016 in Ulaanbaatar in Mongolia.
Following last year’s British Fair, and with the strong support of the UK Government’s Britain is GREAT campaign, the festival is expected to welcome over 5,000 people.
Visitors from all walks of life, encompassing Mongolian business people, the wider general public, consumers, tourists, and students, will have a chance to discover, exchange and talk with British businesses.
The event is showcasing British companies and organisations that are making substantial long-term investments that are benefiting the Mongolian people. Britain has a highly distinctive, world-class offer of goods and services, in fields ranging from tourism, education to creative industries, consumer goods and many more.
Nancy Johnston, CEO & Founder of Tengri, will be present at this event: «Our collaborative with the herder families has been growing fast, offering trade through fashion as well as interiors and the application of innovation for Khangai Noble Yarns. We are excited to be making a notable difference to the herding community in Mongolia and look forward to showcasing the fruits of the herders’ labours and British craftmanship.»
#INSPIREme Festival is on 11-12 November 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
Best of Britannia: 30 Sep - 2 Oct 2016
Victoria House, Southampton Row, London WC1B 4DA, UK
Tengri is taking part again at this year's Best of Britannia event. We'll be joining over 150 brands showcasing the finest British-made products.
You will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the unique qualities of Tengri Noble Yarns®, through classic and new products spanning interiors to fashion, from exquisite throws and wovens to bespoke knitwear collections.
You'll also hear more about Tengri’s upcoming Winter collaborations with a number of prestigious British brands, celebrating design, heritage, craftsmanship and sustainability.
Friday is exclusive for trade buyers and then the next 2 days are both for public and trade visitors.
Come and meet us on Stand No. 30 (Home section) at Victoria House, Bloomsbury, from Friday 30th September to Sunday 2nd October.
Come and see us at Milk & Sugar – 7 - 10 April, Old Truman Brewery, Shoreditch, London
Kamil is wearing the Tengri Schynbald sweater
We are really pleased to be participating at Milk & Sugar, the fashion and design district of The London Coffee Festival.
Join us at this vibrant showcase for emerging fashion labels, cutting-edge designers and contemporary artists at the Old Truman Brewery in Shoreditch, London from 7th-10th April.
This is a perfect fit for Tengri as we celebrate British craftsmanship with our products designed and made in the UK, immersed in a global heritage.
Our collective movement combines conservation, innovation, technology and ethical business. At Milk & Sugar, we will be showcasing a selection from our latest collection, ‘Rider’ – inspired by and for journeys by bike, horse, motorbike and even on foot.
Using the latest innovative textile technology and the skills and craftsmanship of Britain’s heritage mills and manufacturers, experience Tengri products made with our Khangai Noble Yarns, the first set of UK-manufactured Mongolian yak yarns. With properties akin to vicuna and rivalling cashmere-softness, our all-natural and undyed products are warmer than merino wool, light, breathable and hypoallergenic.
You will have a chance to preview new staple Tengri accessories, including ties, socks and beanies – all designed in London and made in the UK with our premium noble yarns,
Experience prestige fashion and sustainable luxury at its best.
Come and visit us on stand M11. We’re looking forward to seeing you during these four days!
Book your tickets now
Search for Tengri Men – Model Casting Call (25 February 2015)
Search for Tengri Men
Tengri is looking for a diverse group of gentlemen aged 25-60 with a distinguished and rugged look to reflect our sense of adventure. We want to capture the authentic you. We welcome all people, no modelling experience required. Whether you are an established model or looking to break into the business, this is a great opportunity to represent an exciting new brand.
About Tengri
Tengri is an upcoming menswear fashion brand; we create directional, design-led clothing for the conscientious and discerning. More than just a label, we are a brand built by people pioneering a new heritage. We work as a collective movement where design, fashion, ethics, technology, business, environmental activism and individual consumer choice come together to do good.
The collective’s goal is to draw on the talents of creatives that span many different disciplines, with celebrated designers, photographers and a range of other professionals in a variety of media. We’re looking to enlist a group of models to become the face of Tengri as we create content for the coming winter season: these Tengri Men will work with our photographic and videographic team to generate a variety of content.
Recruitment details
We are seeking 2-3 men to be themselves and represent Tengri in two upcoming shoots, with possible future work as part of our collective. The projects will require the models to work with each other as part of the Tengri Men and so our aim is to hold an informal open casting to get to know you and see how well potential candidates gel as a group. Selected models must be available for our studio shoot on 15 March for our lookbook and a fashion film to promote our upcoming Rider collection. Screen experience will be welcomed. Please plan to wear or bring all black clothing including shoes. Head shots will be taken upon arrival.
Where: The Star of Kings, 126 York Way, London N1 0AX
When: Thursday, February 25, 5:30p.m.–8:30p.m. Please allow for being at the casting for at least 2 hours.
No advanced booking or emails required. Just show up!
From Herder to High Fashion – Wednesday 25 November 2015, 6.00-9.00pm
Interchange Triangle, 3rd Floor, Triangle Building Stables Market, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AB
What if consumers were offered beautifully made products, crafted with integrity, while simultaneously helping to protect biodiversity, wild animals and marginalised people living in rural and remote places?
Addressing the vital issue of sustainability, ‘From Herder to High Fashion’ features talks by pioneers and fashion revolutionaries, championing innovative solutions for sustainable and ethical fashion.
Nancy Johnston, founder of Tengri, will explain how Tengri launched a movement to change the wider fashion industry for the better. Tengri specialises in natural materials with a 100% ethical, sustainable, eco-friendly and transparent supply chain. The company operates as a premium fashion brand and social business, trading fairly with nomadic herders.
Joining the collective movement are Bertie Bertinez, Katie Jones, Alex Noble and Diane Goldie, designers with an inspirational and directional design aesthetic. The evening panel discussions will include avant-garde knitwear designer, Bertie Bertinez, Katie Jones, whose work celebrates artisanal hand-craftsmanship and Diane Goldie, artist and handmaker of wearable art. Joining the panel will be Tengri brand ambassador and bookabeat-featured artist, Miss Baby Sol, a singer and songwriter celebrated for her powerful lyrics tackling global problems related to mass-consumerism.
The evening will also showcase directional pieces from Tengri's collection and the Tengri Noble Yarn exhibition.
‘From Herder to High Fashion’ is a must-attend event for anyone interested in sustainability and design, from fashion-conscious consumers to journalists and students, as well as people involved in the fashion and textile industries.
The event forms part of a wider partnership with Responsible Ecosystems Sourcing Platform, Impact Hub King's Cross, Ashoka, Central Saint Martins and Interchange. This event launches a series of activities by the larger global collective movement exploring sustainability, social impact and geo-relational fashion.
Please join us for what promises to be a very exciting and informative evening.
Book your place here
Dichotomous Design – 24 September 2015
UKFT, 3 Queen Square, Bloomsbury, WC1N 3AR London, UK. 18:00-20.30 GMT
Coinciding with London Design Festival and the closing of London Fashion Week, ‘Dichotomous Design’ is an evening event featuring sustainable design, traditional making and contemporary living. As part of an ongoing global dialogue exploring sustainability, social impact and geo-relational fashion, the evening will inform and inspire us to make everyday choices that can improve and support bio-diversity, protect and support wild animals and people living in rural and remote places.
Delivered in partnership and hosted by UKFT, the evening will include talks by Laurian Davies of UKFT, Orsola de Castro, sustainable fashion pioneer, co-founder of Estethica and the creative force behind Fashion Revolution Day, and Rosemary Wallin, designer and BA pathway leader for sustainable fashion practice in design and marketing at Central Saint Martins, University of Arts London. The evening will highlight successful examples from designers and fashion brands that have used their craft to design and make products with a harm-free ethos through careful selection of fabrics and fibres. The event is also endorsed by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
Join us for an exciting evening not to be missed. Food and drinks reception provided. Please RSVP.
Sponsored and supported by
Join us at the London Design Festival 2015 – Khangai yarn exhibition
Join us for the Khangai Yarn Exhibition, an innovative and immersive exhibition taking place during the London Design Festival, 19-27 September. Exclusive pieces will make their debut – designed and created from all-natural noble yarns, hand-sourced and only available once a year from Mongolia’s mountainous Khangai region.
The works of Tengri Collective designers and artisanal makers including Carlo Volpi, Catarina Riccabona, Bertie Bertinez and Studio 180° will be featured. Come and discover lush interior furniture, furnishings and fashion, all designed in London and made with Tengri’s Khangai noble yarns. This immersive and experiential journey enables visitors to experience the interconnected relationship between the fragile landscapes, wild animals and people of Mongolia.
The Khangai Yarn collection forms part of a wider movement called The Art of Progress. Organised by 19 Greek Street, this is an event not to be missed. Sign up for our newsletter or connect with us on Twitter or Facebook for more details and exclusive invites to events to be curated and announced as part of London Design Festival."
Tengri unveils capsule collection at the Mongolian Yak Festival
Arkhangai region, Mongolia, 18th July 2015
On 18th July we will host a runway show like no other in the heart of the Arkhangai Mountains, Mongolia. Set on the shore of Terkhiin Tsagaan lake in the awe-inspiring region of Tariat Sum, the showcase will form part of the Mongolia Yak Festival, celebrating the delicate and interwoven relationship between nomadic herders, animals and the land.
Read the full story here
From Steppes to streets:
Tengri Yak wool exhibit & pre-sale
Pratt Institute | Brooklyn fashion + Design Accelerator
630 Flushing Ave, Suite 704, Brooklyn, NY 11206
3 March 2015
Join us for a Mongolian yak wool exhibition and presentation taking place on Tuesday, March 3rd from 6-8 pm at the Brooklyn Fashion+Design Accelerator, part of a monthly Textile Tuesdays event.
Nancy Johnston, CEO and Founder of Tengri, will be on hand to discuss the various stages and special qualities of this unique fibre, from down to yarns and fabrics and, of course, the end result – clothing. The best way to understand yak wool is to feel it, so come and enjoy a hands-on experience of a very special fibre! The Tengri debut ‘Warrior’ Collection will be on display, along with visuals of iconic Mongolian landscapes.
Designers and textile afficionados attending the event will have a chance to see the garments and textiles in advance of the presentation, entitled ‘From Steppes to Streets.’ The video presentation provides an overview of Nancy’s journey in Mongolia for Tengri, how the company started, as well as specific aspects of yak wool as a fibre, plus a special pre-sale and sneak preview of new items in the collection, exclusively available to those who attend.
For more details or to attend, click here.
Tengri Trunk Sale
Saturday 21 March 2015, 1pm-4pm
Wolf & Badger, 32 Dover Street, London W1S 4NE
Join us at an exclusive opportunity to discover an extended range of the Tengri ‘Warrior’ collection – including new pieces not yet available online.
Nancy Johnston, Tengri founder, will be on hand to help you select your garment and answer any questions you may have about yak wool. This very special fibre is as soft as cashmere, warmer than merino wool and hypoallergenic.
Handspun yak yarns and fabrics for knitting, crocheting and making Tengri yakwear clothing will also be available.
A special 10% discount is offered at this event.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Best of Britannia
The Familoe Building, 34 St John Street, Clerkenwell, London, United Kingdom
2-4 October 2014
Best of Britannia exhibitors range from long-established heritage brands to more recent start-ups such as Tengri. All the exhibitors have one thing in common: a strong belief in supporting UK manufacturing. Every Tengri garment is designed and made in Britain, so we feel at home at this event.
Tengri Festival 2014
Corbet Place Bar & Lounge, London
Saturday, 20 September 2014
A collision of fashion, contemporary British and Mongolian music, dance, art and culture.
This celebration of the modern-day ‘Warrior' introduced our debut collection of yak knitwear to the world, along with women's shoes designed and created by Shoes by Bryan.
The evening also featured exclusive one-time collaborations and performances by:
- Miss Baby Sol
- Pianist Manda (Mandakhtuya Dorj)
- Faye Tan
- Funk da Cirque
- DJ duo, ADDLED
The music was powered by bookabeat.
Delicious food and drink was provided by Mongolian Kitchen, including vodka, cocktails, huushuur (fried meat and vegetable pies) and dumplings.
Check out the Tengri Festival photos here.
RockCorps Tamir River Clean-Up
Tsetserleg, Arkhanghai region, Mongolia
15 August 2014
On 15th August, young RockCorps volunteers gave four hours of their time to help clean up the Tamir River in the Mongolian province of Arkhangai, as a curtain-raiser to the first ever Tsetserleg Festival.
Members of the Tengri collective were among the volunteers, who enjoyed a live performance by Quiza, hip-hop artist and star of the movie Mongolian Bling, at the Tsetserleg Festival, in exchange for their time.
“To inspire young Mongolians to promote our cultural and natural heritage to the world and support the development of our beautiful country is extremely important to me,” said Quiza. “I am delighted to be able to show my support and perform at the festival.”
The festival worked in partnership with RockCorps, whose ethos is “Give, Get Given”. As RockCorps co-founder and CEO Stephen Greene explained: “The Tamir River has a 16km stretch of water that is full of debris. It is such an important source and gateway to the town of Tsetserleg, yet the issue hasn’t been tackled. By using the festival to engage youth in the project, we helped preserve the beautiful environment.”
The Tamir River Clean-Up Project and the Tsetserleg Festival brought together fashion and the preservation of land, animals and nomadic herders’ culture. L. Jambaldorj, Leader of the Arkhanghai Association and Federation of Pasture User Groups, and Nancy Johnston, CEO and Founder of Tengri, jointly conceived the idea.
“By putting volunteering and music at the heart of the platform from the start, Nancy not only created a successful design business in partnership with the yak herders, but also celebrated their work and culture,” added Stephen Greene.
The Tsetserleg Festival and the Tamir River Clean-Up Project, both sponsored by Tengri, will become an annual event, working with local municipal authorities to preserve and protect the river and landscapes from pollution and debris by engaging young volunteers motivated by music.
Tsetserleg Festival 2014: A triumph of community, culture and fashion
Arkhangai region, Mongolia
16 August 2014
The Arkhangai Aimag mountains in Mongolia provided the scenic backdrop for the first ever Tsetserleg Festival on the weekend of August 17-19. Conceived and staged by Tengri, the festival was a celebration of culture and community spirit. The town of Tsetserleg was transformed by decorations, live music, art, food and high-end fashion.
The weekend commenced with a volunteer incentive which saw Tengri join forces with RockCorps, the global volunteer organisation. Festival volunteers travelled to the nearby Tamir River, which has suffered badly from pollution, to begin a clean-up operation. Inspired by the opportunity to see performances by some of Mongolia’s most famous live acts, the volunteers selflessly dedicated eight hours to cleaning up the river.
The following day was a fun-filled day for families, with children's activity workshops, exhibitions and Mongolian musicians, whose performances included combinations of traditional and modern sounds. As the sun set, the steps of the magnificent Buddhist temple at Bulgan-Uul became a catwalk for a spectacular fashion show to showcase the first ever Tengri knitwear collection.
To close the festival, Mongolia’s award-winning hip-hop star Quiza took to the stage. More than 1,500 people, old and young, gathered to see one of the country’s most famous faces light up the evening with a performance that was truly electrifying.
After his performance, Quiza said: “This weekend we made history in Mongolia. Bringing together different people from different backgrounds through music, culture and volunteering, collectively through the festival we were able to put the spotlight on Mongolia and promote its many cultural and natural characteristics to the world.”
Nancy Johnston, founder of the Tsetserleg Festival and the Tengri label, said: “The purpose of the festival was to give support to nomadic herder families in the region by creating an event so inspiring and fun that people not only want to travel there and experience it, but also tell their friends. Actually we went beyond that. Through fashion, music and so much more we connected with people in the local community and touched people interested in social responsibility and environmental activism. Knowing how the Tsetserleg Festival has made such a difference, together with RockCorps, ensures we’ll return next year – and it will be even bigger!”
Check out our photos here.
