Introducing: Tercette
Luxe knits that look out for the planet? We can't stop yakking about Tercette. Founded by best friends Jenny Nieh and Alice Wang, the Portland-based brand is making waves in the world of sustainable Tibetan yak-wool knitwear. Their moniker is derived from the word tercet, meaning “a poem with three lines,” and the collection pays homage to the different roles of women through the three different silhouettes of their sweaters. We had a chance to chat with the duo about the heart of the brand, its foundations, and its future. We're thrilled to welcome them to Garmentory. Let’s get into it!
What made you want to start something together?
Alice: We started off as very very good friends. We actually met at a playground where our children were playing, our families approached each other and an immediate friendship was born. We have found that we have very complementary skill sets and both consider ourselves perfectionists. Every detail must be right, from our branding to product design to the packaging. It truly is amazing to work with your best friend.
Jenny: It has been amazing to work with someone you are inspired by, and someone you can make and draw clear boundaries with.
Where do you find inspiration?
Alice: I would say that my source of inspiration is more pragmatic, that it comes from an inner sense of balance. Work for me has always looked like constant movement and high pressure, I was always on the road working in tech. Now, in Portland, it has been easier to live a slower-paced life. My day-to-day means laundry and picking up kids from school. I want there to be harmony in wearing clothes that feel good but aren’t too precious to wear.
Jenny: Before Covid, I would plan my travel around shops that had a great brand story. It was (and is) something that is super important to me. Now that I live in Oregon, I am able to find a lot of inspiration in the moss and beige tones around the coast. Tercette, for me, perfectly combines my passion for brand story and nature.
Why yak wool?
Alice: I have always loved knitwear but usually find wool, alpaca, and mohair too itchy. Cashmere is lovely but can be tricky to shop for—to find something that feels luxurious but still functional and not too precious to wear. Additionally, with the high demand for cashmere, desertification caused by overgrazing from cashmere goats is a real issue. Everything about yak wool—from the traditional herding communities to how the wool is collected to their grazing habits—is far more sustainable. It is a pleasure to introduce more people to yak wool as the primary material of our products, instead of hidden within a blended sweater.
Jenny: There is an immense amount of respect around the yak animal, and it aligns so well with our inherent desire to do the same. Through yak wool, we are able to design something that is for everyday wear but can last a long time. You can expect something very comfortable and luxurious while knowing you are supporting a people that cares so deeply about the yak.
What does your supply chain look like?
Alice: I have a dear friend who has been working with local communities in Tibet for 17 years. We haven’t had the honor of visiting yet, but Tibet is known for its nomadic communities of herders and knitters. My friend built an entire supply chain by working directly with herders who hand-comb the yaks every season. They’ve also been teaching the factories how to spin yak wool into yarn, as the fibers are different from cashmere and sheep wool. We are so lucky to have peace of mind knowing every step of our supply chain is fully transparent and vetted.
Jenny: Not everyone has this opportunity, and knowing that this project has been ongoing for 17 years is very wholesome. I am very grateful to be a part of this.
Your current collection is very curated and rather small, can you speak to why that is?
Alice: It is important to note that we are a two-women operation and fully self-funded. This has been by design, we want to stick to what we believe in, have flexibility, and turn things around quite quickly. We released this first collection to see what our audience is attracted to, and it has been quite surprising in that each item has had equal demand. Our approach was: if we could only have three sweaters in our closet, what would they be? A good turtleneck, a chunky knit, and the little black dress equivalent of a sweater—all of which you could easily dress up or dress down.
Jenny: I want to bring attention to the wonderful concept of tercet (which was Alice’s brain, child by the way), three lines of verse connected by rhyme. Our small collection embodies just that, three different silhouettes to embody the many roles and moods of a woman. We want our items to last longer than the season.
How would you describe your style?
Alice: In my 20s, I tried many things (in life, friendships, and style). Now, well into my 30s, I am much more confident in my choices and comfortable in my own skin. I try to do everything with intention and for a reason. I value comfort and I’m not willing to compromise comfort for any reassurance or validation because every moment is precious and anything can be done in style. Simplicity is huge, I don’t want to overthink things when picking something out of the closet.
Jenny: Becoming a mother is one of the greatest moments in my life, but sometimes you can get lost in caring for your kids, and I want to have a reminder to prioritize my own life too. Being able to reach into the closet and find something you don’t have to think about and that you can trust is a tangible way to do so. Some days, you feel more vulnerable and you want the clothing you wear to make you feel comfortable and confident. I’m looking for a style that lifts me up and provides little bits of surprise while still having a muted and comfortable baseline.
Welcome to the Tercette wardrobe. Explore their signature staples that harmonize function, style, and sustainability. Each item is shipped in sustainable packaging with a camphor wood ball to ensure your sweater is always in good shape. Consider this a reminder to introduce a touch of everyday luxury into all of life's moments.
