FASHTALKS WITH TERGEL

What is your earliest design memory for your brand?

My first memory of designing for Tergel was when I first conceived the idea for the brand. I remember being frustrated with the fast fashion industry and the disposable clothing culture it perpetuates. I wanted to create a brand that stood for something different - something minimalist, timeless, and made to last. I have three little girls who are Franco-Mongolian. I also wanted to give them something that connected with their origins. So, I designed a brand that would represent their heritage and reflect the spirit of our brand.

I started designing models that represented the type of clothing that everyone could put on spontaneously while borrowing from each other's wardrobes. I focused on simple and elegant shapes that would never go out of style, using only the highest quality materials, such as YAK down and cashmere.

As I worked on my designs, I realized that the key to creating garments that would stand the test of time was to focus on quality. I sought out the best materials and techniques to create garments that would last a lifetime, and I made sure that every piece I designed met my standards.

We've created a brand that represents the values I hold dear - minimalism, timelessness, and quality of life - and I look forward to continuing to create clothes that embody these principles for years to come.

Where do you find inspiration?

As a Tergel designer, I draw my inspiration from both my Western and Asian cultures. I grew up in Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, so I spent my early childhood there and came to Paris at the age of 19 and have lived there ever since. So, I have inherited a culture that is both nomadic and Parisian. Both countries have a rich history and a unique aesthetic that I try to reflect in my clothes and that inspire many of the designs in the Tergel collection.

In addition to my cultural heritage, I am also inspired by nature and the environment. Mongolia is known for its vast, unspoiled landscapes, and the natural beauty of our country is often reflected in my designs. I also pay close attention to the needs and desires of the Tergel community and am inspired by their comments and requests.

Overall, my goal is to create clothing that is both timeless and contemporary, drawing on the best of Mongolian and Parisian cultural heritage while embracing modern design principles and sustainable practices. Tergel fashion is effortless elegance.

“Tergel is a slow fashion brand that believes in creating high-quality, long-lasting garments that are designed to be worn for years rather than disposable fashion.”

Do you have a favorite piece that you have designed?

The piece I love the most is our cardigan jacket. It's a very bold piece with lots of texture and movement. It's nicely thick and delicately soft. It's designed to bring you comfort and style on a walk in the woods or in the urban jungle during the cooler seasons. It reflects the word "spontaneous." The materials used are 100% “khuuvur” (the most noble and durable fiber for me, yakdown). It is an exceptional piece to wear from season to season, from generation to generation. It has a timeless quality that makes it perfect for everyday wear. The versatile design makes it easy to pair with a variety of looks, from casual to dressy.

Could you share with our readers more about the materials used in your unisex clothing?

The yak is a very important animal for the Mongolian nomads. It is used for travel, transporting goods and livestock, and is also raised for its meat and milk.

Its wool is known for its thermal properties, which makes it perfect for cold and wet climates. Because of its quality and durability, it is highly sought after by artisans, seamstresses, and fashion companies.

Yak wool and yak down are the new trends in clothing, little known in Western countries, yet it is a natural luxury.

Made from the fleece of the yak, yak wool and yak down offer a multitude of benefits.

The lightness and softness of the fibers are perfect for creating stylish and elegant clothing and accessories. Wool is warmer than other wools, making it an excellent choice for freezing weather. It is very breathable and absorbent, which means it is perfect for outdoor activities. Finally, it is exceptionally durable and does not wear out easily, making it an excellent investment.

100% natural and free of chemicals or allergens, the fiber is gentle on sensitive skin with allergic tendencies.

Yak wool is comparable to cashmere in terms of softness but is far superior in terms of durability, even transgenerational with proper care.

What was your previous work experience before launching your brand?

I have been in entrepreneurship for several years. I am also in the import and distribution of wines and champagnes from Europe to Mongolia. I work in close collaboration with European independent winemakers to introduce French culture in my home country. I also make sure that the products are of high quality. I love good wine and tasty food. And finally, I simply love beautiful things.

I am passionate about developing entrepreneurship and love being an innovative and creative entrepreneur. I am always looking for new opportunities and seek to work with people who share my values and goals. Today, I have become a consultant for my winery. My team continues to ship this beautiful French culture to Mongolian consumers.

How would you describe the style you aim for your brand?

At Tergel, our goal is to create an authentic, elegant, and timeless style. We believe that less is better, and we strive to design clothing that is both elegant and understated.

Our designs are characterized by clean lines, simple shapes, and an understated color palette. We believe these elements combine to create a sense of quiet confidence and understated luxury, allowing the wearer to be noticed without being too flashy.

In addition to minimalism, we place a high value on timelessness. We want our clothes to be as relevant and stylish in ten years as they are today. To achieve this, we use only the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, so that each piece is built to last.

Overall, Tergel's style combines simplicity, elegance, and durability. We believe these values are more important than ever in a world increasingly focused on fast fashion and disposable clothing. By creating clothes made with “khuuvur” (yak down) that are designed to last, we hope to promote a more sustainable and conscious approach to fashion that values quality over quantity.

What brand values are the most important for TERGEL?

Tergel is a slow fashion brand that believes in creating high-quality, long-lasting garments that are designed to be worn for years rather than disposable fashion. This value aligns with the belief that "being is better than having," and promotes sustainability and conscious consumption.

What sets your brand apart from the rest?

There are several factors that set Tergel apart from other fashion brands.

The first is slow fashion. Tergel is a slow fashion brand that values quality over quantity. In any case, producing pollutes, so we might as well produce with a limited quantity. We design and produce our clothing with the intention of creating pieces that will last for years, rather than contributing to the fast fashion culture of disposable clothing.

The second is our minimalist and timeless style. We place a strong emphasis on timelessness, creating clothing that is designed to be as relevant and stylish more than ten years from now as it is today.

Another factor is our unique Mongolian-Parisian heritage. As a mixed brand, Tergel draws inspiration from both countries’ rich cultural heritages. We incorporate traditional Mongolian elements into our Parisian designs, giving them a unique and distinctive flavor that sets us apart from other brands.

Also, our personal connection is unique. Tergel is a small, family-owned business, and we take pride in the personal connections we have with our community. We believe that fashion should be a collaborative process, and we welcome feedback and ideas from our community as we continue to grow and evolve as a brand.

Overall, Tergel stands apart from other fashion brands by prioritizing sustainability, minimalism, timeless style, and our mixed culture. We believe that these values resonate with our community and set us apart in an increasingly crowded and competitive fashion landscape.

“From our choice of materials to our production process, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.”

What were some hurdles you had to overcome in your business?

As a slow fashion brand, Tergel faces several hurdles that are unique to our approach to clothing production. One of the biggest challenges we face is the limited availability of yak down. Yak down is an incredibly luxurious and sustainable material that we use in many of our designs. However, the production of yak down is limited. In addition, we prefer to create garment lines in the most natural color possible without chemical additives, so we are limited in our color choices, which can make it difficult to create a variety of designs.

Another hurdle we have faced is the high cost of producing high-quality, sustainable clothing. Our commitment to slow fashion means that we prioritize quality and durability over quantity, which can result in higher production costs. Additionally, because we use only the highest quality materials and craftsmanship, we must charge a premium for our products, which can be a barrier for some customers.

Despite these challenges, we remain committed to our values of sustainability, minimalism, and quality for life. We believe that the hurdles we have faced have made us a stronger and more resilient brand, and we are always looking for new ways to innovate and improve as we continue to grow.

What is the one piece of advice you would give to a new designer?

Find your “ikigai” (Ikigai is a Japanese concept that means "a reason for being"). It is based on the idea that everyone has something that they are passionate about and that brings meaning and purpose to their lives. The concept is often used to help people find a balance between work and personal life and to find joy in the everyday.

Focus on understanding the fundamentals of design and its value. Build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills before jumping into design projects. Develop a process to help you consistently produce great work.

And don’t forget to have fun!

How has the fashion industry changed since you first started out?

The fashion industry has changed significantly since I first started out. I decided to create this brand just after the COVID crisis.

The COVID crisis changed the fashion industry and the agility of the brands, consumers were forced to adapt to this new normal. The fashion industry has been forced to rethink its business models and adjust to the new normal. The most obvious changes have been in the way fashion brands create, manufacture, and sell their products.

At the same time, fashion brands are also looking to reduce their environmental footprint by focusing on sustainable practices like recycling, upcycling, and using eco-friendly materials. This is a positive step towards creating a greener and cleaner fashion industry. Another way in which the fashion industry is adapting to the new normal is by increasing the speed at which they produce their products. With the rise of fast fashion brands, fashion companies are now able to produce their products quickly and efficiently. This allows them to respond to the ever-changing.

That’s why my brand has been well thought out from the beginning to adapt to the new world.

Social media has become an integral part of the fashion industry, with many designers and brands using platforms like Instagram to reach a wider audience and create a more engaging customer experience.

How does sustainability play a role in your brand?

Sustainability is a core value at Tergel, and it plays a critical role in every aspect of our brand. From our choice of materials to our production process, we are committed to minimizing our environmental impact and promoting a more sustainable approach to fashion.

One way we promote sustainability is through our use of natural fibers. We believe that natural fibers, such as yak down, cashmere, and pure wool are not only more luxurious but also more sustainable than synthetic alternatives. Natural fibers are biodegradable and renewable, and they have a smaller carbon footprint than synthetic fibers, which often require the use of fossil fuels in their production.

In addition to our choice of materials, we also prioritize sustainability in our production process. We use a limited production approach, only creating a certain number of pieces for each collection to avoid waste. We work with local artisans who use traditional techniques, which not only ensures the quality of our products but also supports the local economy and preserves traditional craftsmanship.

What are some other sustainable measures that TERGEL has taken to better the environment?

Transparency of the supply chain, controlling and managing from the raw material to the garment. Only two countries are involved in the production process.

We also avoid the use of harmful chemicals in our production process and prioritize ethical labor practices, ensuring that everyone involved in the creation of our clothing is treated fairly and with respect.

Overall, sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the Tergel brand. We believe that fashion should not come at the cost of the environment, or the people involved in its production, and we strive to promote a more conscious and sustainable approach to fashion through every aspect of our brand.

What should consumers expect to see next from TERGEL?

We will continue to focus on creating products that make people's lives easier, cozy, and more enjoyable. Not feeling guilty wearing the luxury clothes. Everyone should be able to dress in whatever makes them feel comfortable and confident. As long as the items are purchased responsibly and ethically, there is no need to feel guilty about enjoying luxury fashion.

If you could go back and tell yourself one thing before beginning your career, what would it be?

Being a Taurus and pragmatic, I would say “Hey Tergel, take more risks!”

Taking more risks can be a great way to push yourself out of your comfort zone and try new things. When you take more risks, you create opportunities for yourself to learn and grow. You also become more confident and resilient as you tackle challenges and obstacles. Taking risks can be scary, but the rewards are often worth the effort. Start by setting small goals and taking manageable risks.

What is the most important thing you would like your brand to be recognized for?

We want to be seen as a brand that respects and is connected to nature, as well as to its community.

We would like our brand to be recognized for its exceptionally rare sustainable materials, yak down. Yak down is a relatively new material to the market.

We also strive to put our community first and ensure their satisfaction with every purchase.

We want to be known for our commitment to sustainability, as well as our innovative and unique use of rare materials. We want to be seen as a reliable brand that produces high-quality products.

We want to be seen as a pioneer in the industry that is passionate about creating sustainable products that are both stylish and functional.