FROM THE ABODE OF NATURE KNIT. THE JOYS OF KNITTING, WEAVING & ALL THAT MATTERS. WELCOME NOTE 5

PERSISTENCE THROUGH THE YEARS

Delivering on time while providing our craftsmen with best work environment is our strength

Nature Knit was established in 2004 with the In the past couple years, we introduced a aim to enrich the premium cashmere fashion program empowering women in Nepal. industry in Nepal and take cashmere to Nature Knit trains underprivileged women new heights. Cashmere from the Himalayas in various aspects of cashmere production, has always been famous for its undeniable which enables them to fi nd employment. quality and warmth, but what also needed Now we have a workforce of over 300, and to be looked into was the quality of the 70% of them are women. It’s been a delight fi nal product. to see how the program has brought about a huge change in the society these women Since the founding of Nature Knit, my live in. core focus has been on producing the best quality cashmere and delivering it on time, Good management is Nature Knit’s biggest while providing the craftsmen a calm work strength. To better serve our clients, we’ve environment. This has been our strength. developed a custom ERP system, which Personally, I strive for excellence in work and support on time product delivery. Our have never compromised on quality, and we research and development department works aim to maintain this standard in the future. around the clock to develop and test new techniques to stay ahead of the latest trends. It’s been a year of achievement for us, in which we received the CIP award in We pride ourselves in knowing that Nature the cashmere sector. Our technical and Knit is not only an successful company, but management team has played a key role also a contributor to society. in our production line, and we work with a With this new collection, we hope you get an strong team of individuals with the expertise insight into our persistence in giving you the needed to consistently deliver high quality best products. products to our clients.

Bharat Adhikari Director 6NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 7 Mythic of revival

The journey of healing has begun: life in the crooked alleyways, around centuries-old squares, and around ancient monuments is reviving 8 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 9

MYTHIC OF REVIVAL

16Һ 17

This journey to recovery has been mythical. Almost as if Nepal is being watched, protected and guided by the mystic

The last couple of year have been tough for deep valleys and rising peaks of Nepal, the Himalayan nation of Nepal. But through mythical creatures can be found in temple the devastating earthquake to a national doors, historical monuments, and terraced crisis, the Nepali people have demonstrated stairs, standing guard and protecting the outstanding resilience. Despite the challenges communities among which they reside. on the path to reconstruction, they’ve truly The collection “Mythic of revival” portrays embodied the spirit of the Himalayas – the the Garuda, Naag Kanya, Simha, and spirit to withstand. The journey of healing Mayura – four common mystical creatures has begun: life in the crooked alleyways, among many. They form a foundation for around centuries-old squares, and around the resilience of Nepali people, and when ancient monuments is reviving. The bells shaken, these idols have provided silent have started ringing and the festive drums support to help Nepal rebuild. Nepali artisans can be heard again on the streets. To an have carefully crafted these divine beings unsuspecting eye, it would almost for centuries. And now, from this cultural seem normal. heritage, this collection integrates geometric This journey to normal has been mythical. forms to bring forth new shapes in society. Almost as if we’re being watched, protected History adapting the modern as its own for a and guided by the mystic. Across the better cause. 10 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 11

DESIGNER’S SAY STEPHANIE CHIRSTINE FASHION DESIGNER

Textural surfaces add dimension and richness to the collection and include light weight seed stitches, ribbing, bi-colour tuck stitches and chunky rib and aran handknits

My collaboration with Nature Knit began quite cotton/cashmere, across a comprehensive by chance when a friend introduced me to the range of gauges from the fi nest 16gg ultra owner, Bharat, in 2008. light 100% cashmere and silk/cashmere weights through to heavier 2 ½ gg pieces and I had previously worked with Italian, Scottish handknits. and Chinese cashmere companies, and to be honest, at that time I knew very little about A sumptuous home collection showcases Nepal and its burgeoning cashmere industry, luxury robes and slippers (with dip dye details), so was pleasantly surprised to discover the and voluminous bi-colour woven blankets. high level of craftsmanship and attention Easy cashmere sweat tops and hoodies are to detail involved in the development and updated in pastel tones injected with lurex production of a top quality product. plating, and tonal plating adds surface depth to The hard work, dedication and reliability of oversized wrap around cardigans. the Nature Knit team has led to the company Textural surfaces add dimension and richness becoming one of, if not, the best cashmere to the collection and include light weight seed knitwear producer in Nepal and it has been, stitches, ribbing, bi-colour tuck stitches and and continues to be, a rewarding experience chunky rib and aran handknits. to work and grow with such a supportive and successful company. A diverse range of accessories which includes hats, pashminas, shawls, wrist warmers and Nature Knit presents a range of the softest gloves, plus exquisitely detailed baby clothing 100% cashmere and cashmere blends, complete the collection. including wool/cashmere, silk/cashmere and 12 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 13

mayura

The print is inspired form the Peacock

window of Bhaktapur. The window is also

famously called the “Mona Lisa of Nepal”, for

being a rare masterpiece in wood. Dating back

to the early 15th century, the unique latticed

window has an intricately carved peacock in

its center. Its an excellent example of wooden

fretwork one sees around the valley. 14 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 15

garuda

Garuda is the king of birds. He is represented

with a human upper body, big eyes, beak,

short blue horns, yellow hair standing on end,

bird’s claws and wings. However in Hindu

iconography, he is represented in human form

with wings.

Garuda symbolises the space element and

the power of the sun, which can dry up the

waters. He represents the spiritual energy of

which devours the delusions of jealousy, and

brings about the growth of life and wisdom. 16 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 17

singha

In Buddhism Singha (lions) are symbolic

of the bodhisattvas, the “sons of the

Buddha” or “Buddha’s lions”. In Buddhist

iconography we fi nd the lions in their role

of dharma protectors supporting the throne

of the Buddhas. They are also found at the

entrance of the monasteries and shrines. In

the northern areas of Nepal, infl uenced by

Tibetan Buddhism and art, the lions have

become “snow lions”. They roam freely in

the high snow mountains without any fear,

symbolising the wisdom, fearlessness and

divine pride of those dharma practitioners

who are actually able to live freely in the high

snow mountain of the pure mind, without

being contaminated by delusions. The lions

as guardians of the temple are represented in

pairs at the entrance of shrines and

baha compounds. 18 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 19

naga kanya

The Naga Kanya are viewed as fairy-like

demi-goddesses .They may have the forms of

beautiful maidens, but are usually maidens

only from the waist up, serpents from the

waist down. Nagas, or serpents, are the

guardians of water and the ones who give

rain. They also guard the riches of the deep

and carry a precious jewel in their foreheads.

The daughters of nagas are known as naga

kanyas. Naga Kanya is a bringer of treasures

beyond material wealth. She brings the

ultimate treasure, wisdom, represented by

the gem or diamond-pattern on the back

of a cobra’s hood or the jewel imbedded in

Kanya’s forhead. 20 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 21 22 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 NATUREKNIT COLLECTION 2016Һ 17 23 24 NATUREKNIT NATUREKNIT 25 26 NATUREKNIT NATUREKNIT 27

NATUREKNIT

US & OUR WORK

Using the fi nest quality Nepalese wool, our products are a testament to world-class manufacturing processes applied to traditional heritage.

Our products are designed to enhance your a diverse range of products, our quality and style with sophistication; at NatureKnit, craftsmanship evident in each of them: from we are all about cashmere, quality and knitted apparels to sweaters, cardigans to class. Based in Kathmandu, NatureKnit woven rugs, and from scarves to stoles. Using manufactures the fi nest quality cashmere the fi nest quality Nepalese wool, our products and pashmina products and has come a long are a testament to world-class manufacturing way since its journey began in 2004. Today, processes applied to traditional heritage. With our products are exported across the globe a decade-long history of supplying quality to notable multinational brands, its various cashmere products to luxury clothing brands cashmere and blended garments standing across the world, and with its top-of-the-line up to stringent manufacturing tests and manufacturing process, NatureKnit is one of made only from SGS-tested yarns. We have Nepal’s most modern knitting houses. 28 NATUREKNIT NATUREKNIT 29 30 31

WHAT WE DO

KNITTING STITCHING

We make our products from the best capable of large production on short time Nepal’s textile work is famous across the stitches and basted stitches – all of which are SGS-tested yarns. We have a diverse range limits without compromising on quality world, and at NatureKnit, we use the best done by hand by our master weavers. of knitted cashmere products for both men and creation accuracy. At NatureKnit, the of traditional hand-stitching techniques At NatureKnit, we also strive to deliver a and women, as well as for children; our manufacturing process begins with the in our products. From rugged stitching to product whose stitching is smooth, less sweaters, pullovers, cardigans and other knitting of various sub-parts such as the neat decorative work, we rely on traditional visible and does not pucker the fabric’s cashmere accessories are available across the sleeves, the necks and the torsos, which are methods to give our products a classical texture – thus ensuring the product is of world under the branding of leading clothing then linked together by hand on advanced hand-stitched fi nish, unlike machine-tailored the highest quality and classiest fi nish. companies. linking machines. The knitting process garments of our competitors. At NatureKnit, We specialize in fringe-fi nishing, hand is auto-systemized by ERP software, thus we pride ourselves not just on the quality Adhering to global standard production seam work, pick stitching and endless ensuring fl awless garments that highlight the of our garments, but also on our range of processes, at NatureKnit, we utilize stitching artwork. These fi nishes all echo the best of modern and traditional techniques. stitching processes, such as top-stitches, traditional Nepalese hand-knitting craftsmanship that NatureKnit puts Further, our department-specifi c Quality running stitches, buttonhole stitches, back techniques in fl at knitting machines in its products. Control Desk inspects all garment pieces for during the working. At the same time, holistic fl aws and any other errors during our manufacturing processes are auto- the manufacturing process. It is only after systemized using advanced software, the products are quality-guaranteed that we merging the best of both works to create label the cashmere, before packing them for luxury knitwear that has a vintage feel. HAND EMBELLISHMENTS dispatch. Our multiple hand-knitting machines are

We believe in the beauty of handicraft. This complement the chicness of international belief makes all of our products, and their products. Our artists have long years of WEAVING handmade designs and embroidery, superior experience that has been handed down from in quality and design than our competitors. generation to generation, and we utilize Our embellishments are neat, fi nished and their techniques to the best. We put in extra detailed, despite being done manually using eff ort and care in our embroidery practices, Nepal, home to some of the world’s highest deteriorate on an automatic high-vibrating traditional Nepalese methods, adding a rare using gold and silver wires, while our sequin mountains, is also famous for the quality weaving loom. Our yarns are warped on vintage touch to an already-elegant garment work, beading and quilting is made to the of its pashmina, which comes from the wooden frames by traditional methods. The product. design order. Using the best techniques, we fi nest quality cashmere wool from the high hand loom is a painstaking process that deliver a product that is a class apart from our Despite our reliance on hand-crafted mountain. Nepalese textiles have had a requires uniformity and utmost precision. We competitors. long and illustrious history, with Nepalese further hand-massage all our woven products products, our embellished fabrics pashmina being renowned as one of the to release the stiff ness in the wool, before world’s best. quality-checking them under the highest international standards for packing and Continuing in that fi ne tradition, we use the delivery. fi nest quality of cashmere wool to weave pashmina shawls, muffl ers, scarves, warmers, Despite our focus on traditional Nepalese STENCIL PRINTING blankets and other products. Further, using methods, we believe in utilizing modern the best of traditional Nepalese techniques, technological innovations to deliver the fi nest international designs are embellished into product to our customers. For our yarns, the NatureKnit’s printing department specializes mesh; the squeegee is manually used over the garments, bringing out a product that can scouring, carding, warping, shedding and in creating vibrant patterns that suit the mesh to print the patterns on the fabric be held up to the highest of standards. opening processes all use these technological contemporary international designs as well base. We create designs according to orders innovations to make both tight-spun and as traditional ones. Our printing is done meticulously, and maintain a high level of Our pure cashmere shawls are hand-loomed light-spun varieties of yarn. using stencils in screens with a coated quality during the imprinting process. to preserve the softness that would otherwise 32 33

WE CARE

GIVING BACK TO OUR COMMUNITY

We believe in a corporate culture that grows along with the society the company is based in

One of the challenging aspects of building we upgrade the skill-set of our manpower, a corporate culture is to nurture a sense of which subsequently increases the quality social responsibility within a company’s and competence of textile production & core values. We strive to focus on solving encourages entrepreneurship. multidisciplinary social challenges that exist Employees at Nature Knit get life insurance in Nepalese society. and a retirement plan. Their medical A simple transfer of funds is not enough for expenses are covered. Our in-house CSR economic and human development. Our CSR fund operates employee facilities and activities are planned around this. healthcare supports. We provide periodic incentives along with a bonus facility, as One of the major issues in primary education well as performance pay and annual salary in Nepal today is the dropout rate of children upgrades. These initiatives resulted in lower – students drop out of school for several rates of absenteeism and lower turnovers as reasons, despite their education being funded compared to the industry. by external sources. To this end, Nature Knit invests in increasing access to education for One of our ideals has been to give back to the children of marginalized and underprivileged society the company operates in, and towards employees by sponsoring their education this end, we have been supporting various at private schools and ensuring quality community schools. Gyanjyoti Community education up to the higher secondary level. School from Palpa received library materials along with computers from Natureknit, and Today the major issue faced by Nepalese an ‘Akshaya Trust’ was established with the society is the patriarchy and the resulting school committee to provide scholarships inequality between men and women. to marginalized and underprivileged Viewing this, we conduct skill development children. We also invested in upgrading the trainings for women and deprived infrastructure of Sansaridevi High School in community members to help them earn their Kavre, and provided students with uniforms living. Further, to promote women’s active and bags. NatureKnit has also supported participation, we provide transportation the BoudhaGramin Multipurpose Co- facilities to our employees. 80 percent of our operative Ltd in Surkhet by providing medical workforce constitutes of women. stretchers, and assisted the cooperative in As a skill-based industry, we are buying an ambulance to improve health committed to uplifting Nepal’s micro-level facilities for locals. entrepreneurship by organizing skill We believe in a corporate culture that grows workshops. These trainings emphasize on along with the society the company is based modern techniques for embellishments, in, and we are continuously working garment-making and textile production towards this. to update workers’ skills. By doing this, 34 35

US ERP MANAGED

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT WE GO AN EXTRA MILE

We understand the unique needs of our diverse clients, which is why we Enterprise Resource Planning ensures a smooth and reliable production off er customized catalogue services. process by integrating the production with a digital supervision system.

QUALITY CUSTOM EXPERT TEXTILE ASSURANCE ORDERS TEAM Approved sample and technical details entered

Our customers come back We understand the unique While out team of skilled 1 Order received and enterede on ERP system to us because we take pride needs of our diverse clients, designers create designs in using SGS-certifi ed yar which is why we off er of the highest order, our 2 ; we choose the best yarn customized catalogue textile engineers give a from suppliers who produce services. This way, customers unique technical insight 2(381!ধ3232!££ requirementr of raw material the best cashmere, and our can pick their requirements into our manufacturing 3 anda accessories provided in-house fabric tests are done from our elaborated range of processes. At NatureKnit, our via optical fi bre analyzing knitted and woven cashmere research laboratory adopts software, ensuring perfect with embellishment decor modern methods to boost -&;'81'=!£

2ধ1'&'£-='8@

RISK PRIVATE ON TIME MANAGEMENT LABELLING DELIVERY

We have created an eff ective As an established brand, At, Nature knit, we ensure We run effi cient Enterprise Resource is synced with human inspection of the risk management team that NatureKnit provides private the orders are delivered on Planning software to fully integrate our products. Furthermore, all our clients are will handle any diffi culty labelling for all our customers time anywhere in the world. production house with the software tracking provided with a user ID to access the BOM during the manufacturing – all of them top clothing Our production is planned system to generate a Bill of Materials (BOM), and the database, and to follow up on the and product-delivery process, brands in Europe, the US and according to the availability digital profi le matching and a customer- production process and communication with from power outages to other international markets. of resources, manpower, and specifi c user login. The ERP, with advanced company. Our implementation of ERP allows manpower issues. the time frame generates the textile manufacturing abilities, ensures a NatureKnit to satisfy all our intercontinental needed lead time for received smooth and reliable production process by clients with a timely order completion – the orders. Once the lead time is integrating the production with a digital end goal of our manufacturing process. generated, manufacturing supervision system. The digital supervision is expedited as per the schedule to allow for on-time production and on-time delivery. Meanwhile, clients receive timely updates on production progress via ERP login service till delivery. 36 NATUREKNIT NATUREKNIT 37 PUBLICATION TEAM

Art Director/ Collecti on print designer SWORUP NHASIJU

Fashion Designer STEPHANIE CHIRSTINE

Photographer KISHOR KAYASTHA

Models PRIYANKA RANI JOSHI ARPANA UPADHYAY

Make up & Hair MEENA KAYASTHA

NATURE KNIT TEAM

CEO BHARAT ADHIKARI

MANAGEMENT TECHNICAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

RANJU KAFLE RISHI BHAKTA KHATRI MIJU MAHARJAN Head, Sampling & Design Head, Knitti ng Dept. Team, Research

BHIM PD. ACHARYA SUNITA THAPA JYOTI KHAREL Head, Producti on Head, Linking Dept. Team, Research

DIPAK RAJ DUMRE MOHAN K. SHAHI Head, Admin Head, Press Dept.

BISHNU GHIMIRE SUBHADRA PANDEY Head, Logisti c Head, Quality Control Dept.

RAM PD. GURAGAIN RASHMINA UPRETI Head, Finance Head, Mending Dept. REACH US:

INFOӎ NATUREKNIT.COM

P.O. BOX: 413

BOUDHA, MAHANKAL Һ 6

KATHMANDU, NEPAL

+977Һ 1 Һ 4483178