blanket cape

Woven by hand, precious alpaca brings beauty and lightweight warmth to this generous ruana cape from Peru. Stefano Basso selects baby alpaca — the fine fleece from the season's first sheering — in combinable shades of ash and slate grey. The ends are finished with fringe.

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.

This dramatic design combines concentric rhomboids in white and black. By Waldo Berrios, this traditional Andean ruana cloak is open at the sides and front. The artisan works in a warm blend of alpaca to knit the reversible wrap, and adds abstract motifs that flow around the hem.

Working in autumn's splendid tones, Alfredo Falcón creates a poncho for all seasons. Its classic knitted texture and plain borders make the cloak a handsome winter wrap.

Cut like a cape, this generous alpaca-blend wrap is knit in a smooth jersey tweed. A beautiful and subtle medley of deep, rich browns distinguishes this versatile design by Alfredo Falcón. He finishes it with a hand-crocheted border.