Smartphone wrist strap from Tibet · CHARU × Tsoten

A delicate, tightly woven wrist strap in bold highland colors, featuring a geometric pattern that repeats along the entire length of the strap—depending on the design, as a row of diamonds, a zigzag, or a checkered grid, sometimes accented with gold-colored thread. It is woven using the “Brettchen” technique, one of the oldest Tibetan weaving methods, traditionally used for belts, carrying straps, and bridles; in this tradition, the geometric patterns are considered auspicious. The loop is connected via a carabiner to a thin adapter plate, which slides between the phone and the case and can be detached at any time.

The ribbons are made in a weavers' cooperative in the village of Tsoten in the Tibetan highlands. Since 2019, CHARU has been working there with former herders to preserve strip weaving as a source of income. Many members of the cooperative are elderly.

CHARU connects designers with artisan cooperatives in the Tibetan cultural region and uses these connections to develop products that bring traditional techniques into everyday life.

Width: 1.5 cm · Length (including carabiner): 16.5 cm · Cotton with gold-colored metallic thread · Metal alloy hardware · Includes an adapter for a cell phone case · Handwoven in the Tibetan Highlands