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Children models from Losang Drolma' training institution pose for photo during the Oriental Fashion Week. Photo: Courtesy of Losang Drolma
In August 2024, at a fashion show in Qingdao, a coastal city in East China's Shandong Province, a group of young models confidently strutted down the runway, clad in exquisite Tibetan attire. Their poised presence and striking outfits captivated the audience, filling Losang Drolma with immense pride.
For years, Losang Drolma has been dedicated to introducing more young people in Southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region to the world of fashion. Her efforts have not only helped children from Xizang gain confidence, but have also challenged stereotypes about the plateau region.
Losang Drolma, now 32, was born in Lhasa, capital city of Xizang.
Her journey into modeling began during her university years in Southwest China's Sichuan Province, where she first encountered the industry and was instantly drawn to it.
"I was fueled purely by passion at the time," she recalled. "I even had to borrow money for my training fees."
Losang Drolma Photo: Courtesy of Losang Drolma
Although she majored in law, she spent her spare time attending modeling classes and runway shows. Her dedication paid off when she secured fourth place in the China division of the 25th Miss Global Pageant in 2011.
After graduation, like many young people from Xizang, Losang Drolma returned to Lhasa and took on a stable government job, much to her parents' satisfaction.
Yet, her dream of modeling never faded.
In 2016, she decided to venture into children's modeling training. "Back then, even adult modeling was virtually nonexistent in Xizang, let alone children's modeling," she said.
She founded her training institution, naming it Tayemedo, which means "infinite beauty" in Tibetan language, a reflection of her aspiration for the children.
Losang Drolma was initially uncertain about whether parents would enroll their children. To her surprise, many showed up. "One little girl from a pastoral area couldn't even lift her head at first," she recalled. "But after three months, she could walk the entire runway with confidence."
In 2019, she took 30 children from Xizang and 60 sets of Tibetan costumes to an international children's fashion week event in Southwest China's Chongqing Municipality. Behind the scenes, she overheard a local parent refusing to let their child wear traditional attire, saying it was not the "fashion" they had imagined. "That moment was heartbreaking," Losang Drolma admitted. "But when our outfits hit the runway, many in the audience were stunned."
"People didn't know much about Xizang before, and there were many stereotypes. I was once asked if I rode a yak to school. When I appeared on the catwalk, some were marveled at the fact that there was a model from Xizang," Losang Drolma said.
This experience strengthened her resolve to promote Tibetan culture. Since then, she has led her students to national fashion events every year, bringing Tibetan attire into the spotlight.
"Tibetan culture is gradually gaining popularity in the fashion world. Now, event organizers often reach out to us to borrow our costumes," she said with a bright smile.
A child model from Losang Drolma' training institution walk the runway. Photo: Courtesy of Losang Drolma
In her training, Losang Drolma emphasizes building confidence. "In Xizang, many children are shy and reserved," she explained. "Through modeling, they learn to stand tall and face an audience with poise."
One parent shared that after joining the program, their child, once timid, had the courage to sign up for a speech competition at school - something that was unimaginable before.
As her institution grew, Losang Drolma sought ways to blend Tibetan culture with modern fashion education. In 2024, she introduced courses in Tibetan opera and Reba dance, both recognized as part of China's intangible cultural heritage. "I want children to appreciate their cultural roots while embracing contemporary fashion," she said.
Beyond education, Losang Drolma is working to develop Xizang's fashion industry. In 2022, she organized Xizang's first-ever "Fashion Night" show, which attracted many local fashion enthusiasts.
To date, her training center has nurtured thousands of students. Among them, Padma Yangjen, once a 15-year-old girl from a pastoral area, has now become an international model. She signed with IMG Model, the same agency as Chinese-American athlete Gu Ailing (Eileen Gu) and has even walked the runway at Paris Fashion Week, showcasing the talent of Tibetan youth on a global stage.
"Compared to old days, it is now common to see young Tibetans blending traditional attire with modern styles on the streets," Losang Drolma observed.
Her mother, who once opposed her modeling career, now proudly displays her awards at home. This small but significant gesture brings Losang Drolma great comfort.
"Beauty has no single definition," she said. "It is about inclusivity, respect, and self-acceptance."
From plateau to runway
