Pic story: Tibetan designer reinvigorates costumes with blend of tradition and modernity

Padruk Tendar plays Zhanian, a traditional Tibetan stringed instrument, at home in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. Padruk Tendar has been deeply influenced by traditional Tibetan arts since childhood, including opera and Thangka paintings. Drawing color inspiration from murals and Thangka, he utilizes modern fabrics to reinvigorate Tibetan aesthetics, imbuing the garments with both classical charm and contemporary style. His designs have not only appeared at festive celebrations in Xizang but have also been showcased on international cultural stages. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padruk Tendar (1st R) adjusts Tibetan costume accessories for a model in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Padruk Tendar sews Tibetan costume at home in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padruk Tendar wearing Tibetan costume poses for photos during a studio photoshoot in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padruk Tendar arranges Tibetan-style accessories at home in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padruk Tendar (1st L) discusses with a model on Tibetan costume fabric in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

Padruk Tendar (R) adjusts Tibetan costume accessories for a model in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

Padruk Tendar (R) puts on costumes designed by himself in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Jigme Dorje)

Padruk Tendar (1st R) poses for a group photo with models wearing Tibetan costumes designed by him in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 9, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhang Xiaoyu)

Padruk Tendar designs Tibetan costume at home in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2025. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)