Ulaanbaatar is a lively, bustling, youthful city. 50% of the population now lives in the city, and the average age is around 25.
It’s vibrant, like many international cities, offering top education, world-class arts, and universities. Perhaps it’s not the most attractive in terms of architecture, but it’s a city that is, in fact, growing too quickly for its infrastructure to keep up.
It’s also a city where most of the Mongolian cashmere and craft brands are based. What’s important to know about Mongolia from the perspective of craft is that it’s primarily a nomadic country. Therefore, unlike many countries where people were building buildings and developing craft traditions, Mongolians were tending to their herds and making just what they needed to stay light and mobile.
It’s not a country rich in craft as we traditionally think of it, but rather one rich in heritage, with deep ties to the land, animals, music, and many beautiful traditions. When you see craft, it’s often related to their nomadic roots, including instruments, handmade boots, clothing, hats, and other wearable, functional pieces. Nomads would often wear their wealth.
What you’ll primarily find in terms of craft are felted products, such as traditional rugs and felted slippers, as well as cashmere, yak, camel, and sheep’s wool clothing and accessories. The apparel is, of course, a modern adaptation.