fall capes

The magnificent Inca Empire left the world a legacy of stunning textiles ornamented with intricate geometric patterns, often in a palette of vibrant hues. As heiress of the ancient Andean culture, Peruvian artisan Maria Cutipa crafts a 100% alpaca cardigan sweater in a kimono style with trendy short sleeves, an open front and elegant fringes dangling from the piece. The garment is also embellished with classic Inca motifs in a warm color scheme, making this unique design a symbol of the artist's beloved homeland.

Alfredo Falcon of Peru designs this striped knit ruana with bold colors and a mixture of geometric motifs. A touch of baby alpaca adds to the ruana's warmth and feel. Lightweight, the ruana makes a wonderful layering piece.

Alfredo Falcon learned the craft of weaving from his parents, who learned from their parents before them. He says, “We have been a family devoted to the world of textiles for generations. I use modern colors, but I remain true to Incan and colonial motifs.”

Woven by hand, subtle shades of brown, gray and rich navy blue conjure the night. This generous and elegant shawl by Wilmer Vilchez comes to life in luxurious alpaca wool.

This pretty pair of cosmetic bags is named for the Lisu hill tribe of Thailand, an ethnic group believed to have originated in eastern Tibet. Thai Tribal Crafts creates the pouches from a cotton blend fabric in green, with appliqué in a charming combination of red, pink, green, blue, dark blue, brown, grey, black and white. The cases are fully lined and close with zippers.

The many cultures and peoples of Peru are represented in the color palette of this fabulous unisex scarf made with 100% alpaca. The Ulloa family of artisans design and hand-weave the scarf on traditional looms in shades of yellow, green, red, purple, gray, pink and black.