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.

Precisely knitted motifs distinguish this handsome men's sweater from Peru's Fernando Cano. Working in luxurious alpaca wool, he creates a design of intricate geometry in shades of orange, beige, grey and red with forest green accents.

Those relaxing days will now have a pretty complement thanks to Aftab's newest creation from India. The artisan uses cotton to craft a chic robe in a colorful palette, with printed floral details all along the garment. Furthermore, the design comes with a convenient matching belt, pockets, and a refreshing aquamarine piping embellishing the piece.

Hand-stamped mandala motifs and hand-dyed rayon treated with the traditional Balinese batik technique take over this pair of teal, blue and olive rayon pants so comfortable once you try them you will not want to wear anything else. The colorful pants created by designer Galuh Kenanga feature an elasticized drawstring waistline, two pockets and button tabs on the legs to roll them up for a comfortable, relaxed look.

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. 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.