I’m Gaymit Sada Lepcha, a fashion entrepreneur, stylist, designer and the proprietor of She Bhutan. Since launching my journey in 2013, I’ve dedicated myself to designing, styling, and curating fashion that is contemporary. With an MBA and no formal training in design, I began as a self-taught designer, a passion I always dreamt of pursuing as a child. This blend of business acumen and creative exploration has allowed me to uniquely position myself at the intersection of creativity and commerce.
While I appreciate a wide range of design aesthetics, my personal style leans towards simplicity and contemporary designs. I don’t have one particular design influence, but I draw inspiration from my surroundings to create designs on the local textiles in a way that they are both beautiful and wearable for anyone. My understanding of Bhutanese culture has strongly shaped my work. I am committed to creating designs that not only celebrate our beautiful textile traditions and heritage but also empower women artisans who play a vital role preserving these traditions.
Creative experiences
My journey in the fashion industry has been dynamic and ever-evolving, deeply intertwined with my passion for design. From creating costumes for film and theatre to working on significant national events like the National Day, I’ve had the opportunity to take on diverse and exclusive projects. These experiences have allowed me to explore various facets of design, with a strong focus on celebrating and preserving Bhutanese craftsmanship.
As one of the pioneering designers to introduce contemporary Yathra jackets to Bhutan in 2015–2016, what sets me apart is my emphasis on merging modern design with traditional Bhutanese textiles to create wearable, meaningful pieces.
My primary source of inspiration comes from the people around me, especially the talented women artisans I collaborate with. Their dedication, skill, and unique perspectives continually fuel my creative process. I’m also inspired by the challenge of translating local textiles into designs that speak to a contemporary audience. Observing how people incorporate style into their daily lives informs the wearability and functionality of my work.
Below are some of the experiences:
Participated in fashion shown on women’s day in Thimphu with the theme “Celebrating women of all shapes and sizes”.
Worked extensively for three of the National Day programs, designed costumes for many performing arts shows as well as special shows for foreign delegates. Also created costumes for the Ministry of Education’s Shakespeare relaunch play, and television shows like BBS’s ‘Pinda Magic Bowl.
Stylist of the play “The Grease” presented by RTA in Thimphu
Stylist and costume designer for Bhutanese movies such as “Thimphu”, “Gangnam Girls”, “Buelwa” and “With Love from Bhutan”.
Created tote bags for international market under “Bhutan textile” which is a collective collection founded under EU trade support Project in Bhutan and also represented Bhutan textile in Maison & Objet Trade Fair in Paris for the
Fashion vision BFW 2025
“She – The Woven Self” is more than just a collection; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the strong spirit of women who inspire me and everyone daily with their strength and resilience amid life’s countless challenges. Through the artful metaphor of weaving, this collection will celebrate the multifaceted essence of womanhood. Each garment in “She – The Woven Self” is a testament to the complex and powerful journey of womanhood.
I anticipate that BFW 2025 will provide a vital platform to elevate the profile of local designers and craftsmanship within Bhutan. BFW 2025 will also be an invaluable space to connect with other creatives, designers, artisans, and industry stakeholders, both within Bhutan and potentially internationally. Ultimately, I hope that this first ever event will inspire young Bhutanese creatives, particularly young women, to pursue their passions in fashion and design, knowing that their voices and stories can be beautifully and powerfully expressed through this medium.
With platforms like Bhutan Fashion Week and increasing exposure, we can expect to see a rise in talented local designers in the future. I believe the future of fashion in Bhutan holds immense potential to be a unique blend of tradition, sustainability, and contemporary design, making a distinctive mark on the global fashion landscape.
