robe lightweight

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.

Evoking the orange and purples of a mountain sunset, Fernando Cano knits a sweater of vibrant geometry. He works in luxurious alpaca, long prized for its lightweight warmth. The open front forms a collar, which can be zipped to create a warm turtleneck.

The bold, but not overly so, geometric designs on this pullover draw the eye up towards your face. Created in 100% alpaca by Anaychay of Peru, this sweater is both soft and warm, and will be a favorite all winter. Once reserved for Inca royalty, alpaca is extremely warm yet lightweight.

Colorful geometric motifs evoke stair steps in this handsome and combinable sweater for men. By Maria Cutipa, the long-sleeved pullover features a neat crew neck, cuffs and waistband in solid navy blue. She works in luxurious Andean alpaca, renowned for its lightweight warmth to create the intarsia knit patterns.

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.

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 fashoions. Calapuja knits the ruana with genuine alpaca wool, long treasured in the Andean region for its increcible 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.

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 alpaca - coveted since the days of the Inca Empire because it is soft, lightweight and warm.