dressy cape

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.

Felipe Berckholtz selects the warm, soft textures of alpaca in warm dark brown hue for this ruana. The ruana is woven with the wool from the season's first shear, termed baby alpaca and much sought after for its soft, lightweight warmth. The ancient Inca discovered the attributes of this fiber, reserving it for the exclusive use of the aristocracy.

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.

Made with a combination of superfine alpaca and polyamide to create a cozy feel to the touch, Patricia Lopez's newest design is an elegant complement to the winter season. Crafted with advanced techniques in Peru, this cardigan features a sophisticated burgundy base hue that enhances the striped and diamond-shaped stitches composing the garment, whose long sleeves and open front allow for a flexible style.