exceptional clothing

Intricate geometric motifs come to life in radiant colors derived from natural dyes. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco work with ancestral techniques to create fashion for today and always. This elegant ruana cape is woven by hand of fine alpaca wool, prized by the ancient Inca for its lightweight warmth. The cloak of many colors includes red, goldenrod yellow, fuchsia and orange, among others.

The community raises and cares for its own alpacas. The fleece is washed, carded and spun by hand using a pushka, or drop spindle. The dyes come from plants, nuts and tree bark. The next step is one of the most important, as the artisan prepares the warp, or vertical threads for the backstrap loom. This determines the size of the textile, the color combinations, and the patterns that will be woven.

The intensity of color can vary depending on the hardness of the water, the altitude and the local dye sources, making each textile a unique piece of handcrafted art.

The formula for winter fun includes one toasty 100% alpaca sweater, knit intarsia-style by Maria Cutipa in Peru. Earth tones and jewel shades mingle in an appealing geometric pattern, with solid brown rib-knit cuffs, hem and collar completing the design. Alpaca was highly prized by the Inca for its lightweight warmth and softness.

Wilber Calapuja conjures white glyph-like stars underscored by red for the stunning design of this cardigan. Featuring an open front with wide lapels and long sleeves, the cardigan is perfect for the follower of contemporary ethnic fashions. Calapuja knits the ruana with genuine alpaca wool, long treasured in the Andean region for its incredible soft and lightweight warmth.

Symmetrical patterns in amber and different shades of blue bring a playful accent to this teal pullover sweater from Peru. Fernando Cano's design features a soft crew neck and a slightly opened curved waist for a deliciously comfortable fit. The sweater is knit of an alpaca blend - coveted since the days of the Inca Empire because it is soft, lightweight and warm.

In all the colors of a fiesta, cotton yarns are handwoven together on a traditional backstrap loom. They create the intricate stripes and X patterns of this shawl from Guatemala. Elena Ixtamer creates this artisanal shawl, which is sure to turn heads wherever it goes. Hand-knotted fringe work accents the ends of this marvelous accessory.

Luxuriously soft baby alpaca yarns combine in this eye-catching, Nordic inspired, long-length cardigan. Peruvian artisan Ana Fernandez’s exceptional design boasts long sleeves, a button-up front and a tailored mandarin collar, offering a perfect blend of hygge or coziness, contentment and style, for any occasion.

Luxuriously soft baby alpaca yarns combine in this eye-catching, Nordic inspired, long-length cardigan. Peruvianartisan Ana Fernandez’s exceptional design boasts long sleeves, a button-up front and a tailored mandarin collar, offering a perfect blend of hygge or coziness, contentment and style, for any occasion.