FROM THE HEART OF THE HIMALAYAS, MUSKHANE
It was on a mission to Kathmandu for Handicap International that Thierry and Valérie discovered Nepal and the Himalayan region . When they completed their contract, the couple decided to suggest a project to the association: they would carry out a study of equitable commerce in the Himalayan region. This led them into contact and dialogue with the artisans of the valley of Kathmandu — some of whom were to become their suppliers.
Little by little, the pull to create something new and to live a meaningful adventure called them to Nepal, together with their desire to develop a stronger local economy and to celebrate the exceptional artisanal craftwork of the region.
They created MUSKHANE in 2003 and put down roots in Kathmandu. Today, a small team coordinates the production and the preparation of orders, while the finishing of the products is assured by a precious team of couturiers with magic fingers.
After 15 years in Nepal, Valérie, Thierry, and their children have come back to France, where they now pilot operations from the heart of the French Alps, in Annecy.
Once upon a time Muskhane
NOBILITY OF MATERIALS CRAFT BY HAND
MUSKHANE’s products are hand-made in the workshops of the Kathmandu Valley. They are composed entirely of natural, renewable materials.
The working of these natural fibres is the special expertise of Nepalese artisans. Their handicraft continues to evolve technically, thanks to creative innovations and quality controls introduced by the brand.
Valérie trained in the working of felted wool in these ateliers, and makes regular trips to the workshops in order to create prototypes and to test the functionality of the objects that she designs, alongside Emma Nivet.
The quality of the wools, the strict attention to detail, and the care that goes into each of MUSKHANE’s products bring forth our line of unique objects, infused with softness and harmony.
OUR INSPIRATIONS
Beauty is everywhere for those who know how to see it.
At MUSKHANE, it radiates from Nepal, where our story started. Everything inspires us in this country with its fascinating harmony: the materials, the colours, the smiles, and especially, an ancient craftsmanship that we had our heart set on highlighting.
Since 2003, we've been joyfully creating with woollen felt. First, we concentrate on colour, the selection of shades of the season. Then the idea and words take shape as a rough sketch, progressively becoming a prototype, and finally realising a beautiful and useful object.
Each new collection is told through the choice of a unique shooting location. That's what gives the tone to a season, bringing magic to the material. Here, there's something to see and to touch, to feel and to explore.
CREATIVE ALCHEMY
Each of our creations is the result of a collective exchange. In Nepal as in France, Thierry and Valérie, founders of MUSKHANE, have always been careful to surround themselves with people whose know-how is invaluable.
Over the course of two decades, the brand’s creative identity has been shaped by Valérie’s sensitivity and artistic direction, supported by the many talents of Emma Nivet. Season after season, together with the skilled hands of Nepalese craftswomen, they brought unique collections to life, enhanced and revealed through the sensitive eye of photographer Maeva Delacroix.
In 2022, Emma took over the artistic direction. Guided by her love of craftsmanship, beautiful objects and poetry, she continues to weave a living connection between the craftswomen, the workshops and the creative team. With each collection, she draws, among others, on the inspired perspective of Jeanne Lozay, on the poetic vision of the Entre les Murs duo for distinctive staging, and always on the sensitive imagery of Maeva Delacroix, along with Valérie’s discreet and attentive presence.
At MUSKHANE, alchemy is born from the sum of these invaluable exchanges.