Why Yak?
BACK TO THE BEGINNING
Whilst studying at Harvard, Shokay co-founder Carol Chyau knew she wanted to find a way to influence social change and sustainability. She figured she would start by exploring one of the more remote places in Asia, the Tibetan plateaus of Western China.
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There, she discovered the fibre that she believed could contribute to a sustainable future for fashion- yak wool.
Despite a United Nations report describing yak wool as “comparable to cashmere,” one question left her stumped.
WHY HASN'T YAK WOOL MADE IT TO THE GLOBAL MARKET?
THUS, SHOKAY WAS BORN
When she founded Shokay (yak wool in Tibetan), Carol knew she had stumbled across something special.
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She was convinced that as soon as the market experienced the incredible qualities first-hand, they, too, would be sold.
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And she was right. Shokay now supplies leading fashion and lifestyle brands with our responsible yak wool.
BUT DON’T JUST TAKE IT FROM US
Worldwide customers who have tried Shokay’s yak sweaters have said
"IT IS MY WARMEST JUMPER IN MY CLOSET AND
MY GO-TO PIECE ON A COLD WINTRY DAY"
"I bought my first yak sweater because I Ioved the sustainability story. To my surprise, it had the touch of cashmere but stays in shape even better. I have now bought multiple sweaters, plus it's more affordable than cashmere!"
"We have traveled with Shokay to see their sourcing sites and are impressed by how Shokay has built a transparent supply chain, and how the local herders are an integral part of it."
"Shokay products last very well. I'm still using the same shawl that I bought 10 years ago. I loved it so much that I bought multiple scarves to gift my family for Christmas. I know they are still wearing their scarves too!"
KNITWEAR THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME
Here at Shokay, we provide yak wool that is sustainable, soft, warm, and incredibly versatile.
Despite the unmatched qualities, most brands still need to familiarise themselves with how to use the fibre.
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That’s why we offer as much involvement as you prefer.
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Whether you would rather a beautifully designed knit collection ready to stock your shelves, or to simply source sustainable yak wool, we do it all.
MEET THE TEAM
THE YAK
Yaks are naturally sustainable, low-carbon emission animals compared to sheep and goats due to their gentler grazing habits.
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Each year, as spring turns to summer, each yak provides 100g of fine wool fibres.
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The yak’s fine wool is carefully hand combed by Tibetan herders from the neck and shoulders and thanks to their fibre naturally moulting, the animals are never harmed during this process.
After all, the happier the yak, the cosier the knitwear.
THE FIBRES OF CHANGE
90% of the world's yak population lives within Western China - 3500 meters high in the Tibetan region.
Yaks are an essential asset to the Tibetan people, but this did not translate into cash income in the past. Shokay made it our mission to bring yak wool to the global market to improve the lives of the herders and offer the fashion industry a new sustainable material.
"TODAY, YAK WOOL REMAINS ONE OF THE RAREST FIBRES USED GLOBALLY DESPITE ITS SUSTAINABLE POTENTIAL, BUTTERY SOFTNESS, AND BEING 30% WARMER THAN WOOL."
-Carol, CEO and co-founder
Shokay purchases raw yak wool from Tibetan herders to produce premium knitwear and accessories. Not only does this enable major brands to connect directly to these local communities, but it also contributes towards real social change.
QUALITY COMES FIRST
We ensure the Shokay quality is maintained through our expert herder training, the best care practices for our animals, and rigorous quality control.
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Most importantly, we continuously strive to make every step in our supply chain as traceable as possible.
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And, of course, collaborating with Shokay also ensures you do your part for the planet. Take a look at our Grassland Conservation Program and find out how your brand can leave a mark.
WHY SHOULD YOU GET AHEAD OF
THE YAK WOOL GAME?
Shokay is the bridge that connects the natural herding process to sustainable supply chains. Since many brands are yet to discover the qualities of yak wool, you have the perfect opportunity to get ahead of the game.
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You will also be offering your customers something unique. Yak wool is far more exclusive than sheep’s wool or goat’s cashmere, giving your brand an element of exclusivity.
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Most importantly, by introducing responsible yak wool into your knitwear collection, you are meeting consumers’ increasing demand for sustainable products.
IN EUROPE, UP TO
60%
OF SHOPPERS
CONSIDER A BRAND’S SUSTAINABILITY
PRACTICES BEFORE PURCHASING.
CONTACT US
Shanghai
Hongqiao Rd Lane 966 No. 161 Building 2 Room 109-112
200060 CN
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Taipei
Chung Hsiao E. Rd. Sec. 2 Lane 134 No. 5 4F
100 TW
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✉ info@shokay.asia
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