lightweight dresses

In soft grey, the classic design of this cardigan makes it a versatile accessory for your winter wardrobe. Peru's Pia Zavala designs the alpaca blend cardigan featuring feminine lapels, long sleeves, and neat braided patterns.

Set in the stark landscape of the Thar desert, the blue city of Jodpur, stands out in Rajasthan as a colorful contrast. These lightweight easy-going cotton pants are perfect for exploring this unique city. Hand-block printed two-tone diamonds decorate the length while a striped pattern surrounds the cuff. The comfortable pants feature an elastic waist, drawstring ties and side seam pockets.

Inspired by the constellations, this pretty top featureshints of stripes and geometric stars in shades of blue and brown. Petite glass beads trim the neckline and sleeve opening adding a hint of sparkle. The V-neck finishes withdouble buttons while the back has an asymmetric seam with slight gathers for a relaxed fit. This lightweight breezy cotton tunic top pairs perfectly with jeans or layer it under a jacket for cooler nights.

In lovely contrasting hues of chili and eggshell, fascinating rhombus patterns decorate this throw blanket from Guatemala. Daniela Murga exalts the traditional backstrap loom, weaving this throw entirely by hand from cotton. A dangling tassel decorates each corner of this throw.

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 azure, turquoise, green and steel blue bring a playful accent to this navy blue 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 alpaca - coveted since the days of the Inca Empire because it is soft, lightweight and warm.

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.

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.