Alpaca fiber is considered a valuable material like mohair and cashmere: it is a natural, light, hypoallergenic fiber, excellent insulator because it retains heat in cold weather and has refreshing properties in the hottest periods. It consists of a palette of 22 different natural shades, from snow white to intense black, through all the shades of gray, brown and beige. And it offers great versatility that allows it to be used in the most several ways: mixed with silk it has unparalleled shine and fall, with wool and acrylic it lends itself to cheaper uses for a mass market.
Alpacas live at 3,800 meters high, where the land is not suitable for agriculture, and the water supply comes from natural sources. Fiber has a lowfat content, therefore the manufacturing process requires less energy and chemicals, to the benefit of the environment and the increasingly aware and attentive consumer.
This millenary tradition fiber is important for Peru also from a social point of view: currently there are about 120,000 alpaca breeders, mainly located in the Andes. They form the foundation of the production chain, just as alpacas are the pillars on which their survival and sustenance rest.
A FEW FACTS ABOUT ALPACA DEL PERÚ
– Perù is home to 80% of the global alpaca population
– 5,000 years of millenary culture and textile tradition
– Alpaca fibers naturally come in a range of 22 colors
– Hypoallergenic
– Extremely fine while also quite durable
– Lightweight breathable and soft
– Sustainable and eco-friendly+ no animals are harmed during the shearing process
– Peruvian alpaca is an integrated industry, from the fiber to the garment
– Internationally renowned brands produce their collections with alpaca del Perú.
WHAT IS THE “ALPACA DEL PERÚ” BRAND?
Alpaca del Perú exists to communicate all that is unique about Alpaca, long referred to as the “treasure of the Andes”. Its logo shows the Alpaca silhouette, looking straight ahead to the future while its design is drawn with lines that reflect the ancient hand work of our natural fiber. Today, Alpaca fiber is synonymous with luxury and quality. Peru is not only the number 1 supplier of Alpaca fiber in the world, but it is also a country manufacturing top notch clothing and accessories for the global market, seen on the runways of Paris, Milan, NYC and more. With its versatility and myriad shapes and colors, there is no limit for Alpaca del Perú.
TYPES OF ALPACAS
The beauty of the Alpaca is unlike any other. There are 2 breeds: Huacaya, which represents 85% of total Alpaca population and Suri, making up the balance with 15%. The Huacaya have a fluffy appearance due to their short, curly hair, hile the Suri have a slick, shiny fleece that hangs from its body in long, twisted locks. The 90% of the Alpacas are located at the south of Peru (Puno, Arequipa and Cusco).
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