About the designer
A designer without formal training, guided instead by instinct, passion and intension.
Chandrika Tamang is a Bhutanese designer and social entrepreneur whose work sits at the intersection of environmental and culture sustainability and craftsmanship through empowerment of women.
Working with 45 weavers from rural eastern Bhutan, Chandrika is nurturing a new generation of artisans who recognize their role in preserving traditions as professional weavers.By using simple motifs and weaves, she enables new weavers to learn and earn, inspiring many rural women to weave, generate income, and become cultural ambassadors.
Her work has traveled from Bhutan to Melbourne, Milan,Spain and beyond, featured in global publications including Vogue ,World Intellectual Property Organization Magazine and Selvedge Magazine.
Her philosophy is simple:
Make slowly. Make with good intention. Make with meaning.
About CDK GYENCHA
CDK GYENCHA born on 2014 is a Bhutanese conscious fashion and textile brand built on the values of heritage, circular design, and community empowerment. Rooted in Bhutan’s weaving traditions, the brand collaborates closely with rural women weavers and home-based artisans to create meaningful clothing, accessories, and home textiles.
Every piece is designed with intention — using natural fibres, recycled materials, and zero-waste techniques. The brand follows the philosophy that less is more, honoring slow processes, longevity, and emotional connection to craft.
CDK GYENCHA exists to preserve Bhutan’s textile traditions, support artisan livelihoods, and reimagine culture through contemporary, mindful design.
Community
We are deeply committed to nurturing creative communities, fostering thought, and enriching the lives of others. We work with home-based artisans, weavers, and seamstresses from across the country, with a special focus on supporting single mothers. Respecting their livelihood and daily schedules, we distribute work in a way that allows them to focus on quality.
Since we plan to create limited collections, it becomes easier for our community—especially the weavers who may work on our fabrics for a year or two—to understand and connect with our brand style.
Contribute through collaboration
We believe everyone in our community deserves fairness and thoughtfulness. We strive to work collaboratively to ensure fair wages, equality, and a culture of support.
TODAY
• We have built long-standing relationships with our makers, suppliers, and artisans, working closely with many of them for the past seven years.
• We ensure our suppliers follow our ethical policy and collaborate with them to address challenges, always seeking sustainable, long-term solutions.
• We support emerging artists and makers by providing a platform to showcase their work and, where possible, commissioning them for future projects.
TOMORROW
• By 2025, we will ensure all suppliers provide wages that not only meet national legal or industry benchmark standards (whichever is higher) but also cover essential living costs and allow for some discretionary income.
• We will sponsor one child’s education program for every artisan we work with.
Work with us
At CDK, we encourage a mindful approach in everything we do. We invest in building a talented, passionate, and high-performing team, nurturing growth and encouraging creativity within every role.
When we recruit, we look for intelligence, imagination, and a collaborative spirit. We value creativity and welcome fresh ideas, while ensuring equal opportunities for all.
OUR COMMITMENT
• 100% cruelty-free: no fur or leather.
• Ethically sourced wool, organic cotton, and recycled textiles.
• Partnerships with environmental conservation initiatives.
• Support for artisans and empowerment of women.
Social Conscience
We are deeply aware of our impact on both people and the planet. At CDK, we create clothing and home products that are durable and ethical—designed to last not just for years, but for decades. We carefully consider the suppliers we work with and the materials we choose, sourcing high-quality natural fibers that are biodegradable and ethically produced.
Our commitment is to continue this journey through a multifaceted approach, introducing new initiatives across the business—from materials and product development to artisan collaborations and product life cycles. It is no longer enough to simply reduce our impact; we aim to go a step further, leaving the environment and the communities we touch better through conscious actions.
By focusing on our impact areas, we have set a roadmap to enrich and educate, to contribute through collaboration, to value our materials, and to minimize waste. We weave only what is needed, adopt zero-waste design, and embrace the principles of a circular economy. Our handspun, handwoven, and hand-stitched products not only reduce electricity use and greenhouse gas emissions, but also carry the love and care of each artisan who creates them.
Community lies at the heart of everything we do. We believe the best path forward is not as a singular voice, but a collaborative one—working hand in hand with our customers, suppliers, and makers. Together, we hope to create long-lasting, low-impact products to be cherished today and tomorrow, always ensuring no harm is done in the process.
Beginning next year, we will publish our social report twice a year, offering transparent updates on our sustainable practices and progress.