How can we change the world?
Meet design and lifestyle pioneer, Marc Péridis, founder and creative director of 19 greek street. Marc joined the Tengri team in Mongolia’s Khangai Mountains, living with nomadic yak herder families in a bid to better understand how Tengri noble yarns support the country’s land, animals and communities.
Marc is no stranger to travelling to far-flung places. Originally from Canada, and currently dividing his time between Barcelona and London, he lives a jet-setting life for work and pleasure. But even for an experienced globetrotter, Mongolia can be a challenging destination, especially when experiencing first-hand the daily life of nomadic yak herder families in the very remote Khangai Mountains. Up for the challenge, Marc endured long journeys over rough terrain and apparently endless roads, with no running water, and this open-minded vegetarian gracefully lived off the limited daily meal options of meat and dairy, embracing a nomadic and sustainable way of living.
Marc Péridis with Nancy Johnston (Tengri CEO & Founder) wearing Gaiscíoch Scarf and standing among a herd of yaks in the Khangai Mountains, western Mongolia.
Marc travelled with Nancy and photographer and film editor duo, Josh and Luke Exell, to participate in the Mongolian Yak Festival, a celebration of community collaboration. This was an opportunity not to be missed and Marc, being passionate about sustainability, could witness first-hand the trust and partnership that Tengri has very quickly established for the supply of its Mongolian Khangai noble yarns.
The production of these yarns, from yak fibre, offers nomadic herders a sustainable way to preserve their traditional way of life. Yak fibre is an environmentally friendly alternative to cashmere – which is often produced by over-intensive grazing that damages the land – and so the humble yak plays an essential role in protecting Mongolia’s rangelands.
The harsh conditions were soon forgotten amid the beauty of the landscape, the generosity of the people and the amazing celebrations of the world-famous Nadaam festivals.
Yaks are an indigenous wild species in Mongolia. They play an important role in protecting the rangelands in Mongolia, allowing biodiversity and other wild animals to thrive.
Herders milk their animals twice a day in the morning and at dusk. Yak fibres are only available once a year by handcombing when the animals shed their winter coats in the spring.
Nomadic herder families are stewards of the land and go to great lengths for the care of their animals. Their livelihoods and traditional way of life are dependent on the delicate relationship with the land and their animals.
Among Marc’s many memorable experiences, taking part in the Tengri fashion show, which was organised as part of the celebrations, as well as presenting Tengri’s capsule collection, was certainly a surprise. Marc happily joined the cast of models scouted from the local herder community in the steppes and fellow travellers, including American cyclist, Aaron Glick (pictured far right).
Marc Péridis backstage, preparing with Nancy for the Tengri fashion runway in Mongolia
Marc’s passion is exuded through 19 greek street, aimed at showcasing beautiful and unique design, working collaboratively with creative people, and offering people a way to feel and do good through better-informed consumer choices. This approach matches Tengri’s philosophy.
19 greek street has been a hub of creativity and exchange since its inception. A new exhibition, The Art of Progress, coincided with the 2015 London Design Festival, enabling people to share, talk, question and experience the space, objects and creative process. “This exhibition is about showing people different ways they can feel better, live better, and leave a better imprint on the world,” says Marc.
When Nancy and Marc started talking about collaborating for the London Design Festival, it was clear that both founders had a similar ethos in their design approach: a respect for people, craftsmanship, beautifully designed pieces made without harming people, animals or the environment. A decision was quickly reached.
Presented by 19 greek street, Tengri was one of the proud partners associated with Art of Progress, joining forces to form a wider collective movement that kicked off during London Design Festival in September 2015.
Art of Progress installation during London Design Festival, featuring Tengri ‘Rider’ sweater and throw.
Photography by Josh Exell and 19 Greek St. © Tengri Ltd.