Support Sustainable Tibetan Culture - Put Yak on your Back

Every day is Yak Shaving Day at Shokay! The Japanese importer and distributor carries all sorts of stylish, practical, even luxurious clothing and accessories made from incredibly soft yak down and natural bamboo fiber. By going to the source - Tibetan herders and farmers - Shokay encourages traditional lifestyles and sustainable, environmental agriculture.

The Yak is a shaggy bovine native to mountainous regions of western Asia. Though they have been domesticated for thousands of years, there exists a wild yak population that is considered vulnerable. That's why Shokay's efforts to support sustainable yak-based folk industries are so important.

Known for its long, dark brown or black outer hair, yaks also have a much softer downy coat that is regularly shed and can be harvested by brushing. When processed into textiles and clothing, it can take on most any color and is said to be softer than cashmere.

Shokay's strategy is two-pronged: along with providing an outlet for traditional Tibetan crafts and weaving, the company devotes a portion of their profits to assist health, education and community needs in the isolated upland farms and villages where yak-owning crafts-people live.

To quote their mission statement, "At Shokay, we strive to bring forth a fresh and stylish fabric to the market in a socially conscious manner. Our philosophy is to dress timeless elegance with a touch of humanity and warmth." Now that's something worth yakking about!