Peruvian alpaca stands out at showcase events and on catwalks around the world

Today's fashion is focused on sustainability: that’s the trend among designers.

Wearing alpaca clothing is a sign of distinction, but it is also a commitment to the environment. Both buyers and designers are aware of this, which is why alpaca has become one of the fastest growing Peruvian textile products in recent times.

In 2018, exports of alpaca fiber garments totaled 797 metric tons, equivalent to US$ 53.88 million. These exports went mainly to the United States (US$ 25,582,874), Japan (US$ 3,878,857) and Germany (US$ 3,734,525), according to the Peruvian National Society of Industries (SNI), based on figures from SUNAT.

Although the current health crisis faced by countries around the world has put the brakes on the textile industry, the Peruvian Government, through PROMPERU, continues to promote the work of textile entrepreneurs and craftspeople, representing a quarter of the entire industrial production of the country.

The reason: Peru is a land blessed with ancient traditions in which textiles have an important place. Let the Paracas, the Moches and the Incas, and the modern designs inspired by them, speak for themselves.

How are Peruvian creations promoted and where do the clothes end up? We'll tell you all about it next.

Worldwide presence

Since 2014, the Alpaca del Perú brand has sought to transmit all the values of the so-called 'Golden Fiber of the Andes'. Thanks to this ongoing work, Peruvian alpaca fiber is now exhibited in the main stores of many international brands and can be seen on some of the most important international runways.

Before the pandemic, Peruvian alpaca was a big sensation at events such as Perú Moda in Asia, a trade mission that allowed the export range to be exhibited in the markets of Japan, Korea and China. It also dazzled at Premiere Vision, one of the most important textile and clothing fairs – in the sourcing format – on the East Coast of the USA. This platform usually brought together more than 4,000 visitors and hundreds of exporters specializing in supply lines for materials, textiles, garments and accessories.

Perú Moda in Europe was another of these showcase events, bringing the exportable alpaca range to the European market. It took place in Germany, France and Italy with great results.

And let’s not forget Alpaca Fiesta, the most important festival in the world of Alpaca. This event involved all activities of the alpaca production chain and sought to generate business opportunities between exporting companies and international buyers.

From the shop to the catwalk

In April last year, Peruvian alpaca lit up New York Fashion Week with knitted pants and sweaters. Alpaca coats set the trend due to their shine and softness to the touch. The Kenzo Mens, Sally Lapointe, Zero + Maria Cornejo and See by Chloe collections were outstanding.

The prestigious magazine Women's Wear Daily (WWD) highlighted the authenticity and pursuit of sustainability of the Mara Hoffman brand, which offered a responsible and inclusive lifestyle, with charming and vibrant shades of orange and yellow, curved shoulders and a variety of Peruvian knits.

Alpaca in the technological age

It is true that the world is currently living in a new normality. However, for Peruvians, the alpaca trade is still of vital importance, as it is a long-standing tradition passed down from generation to generation. The weavers of Puno, Arequipa and Cusco continue to spin their history, for which more markets need to be opened.

PROMPERU promotes alpaca exports through the Virtual Business Conference ('Rueda de Negocios Virtual'), an initiative that seeks to introduce Peruvian products to a greater number of international markets.

During the latest conference, held remotely on May 21 and 29, the sectoral brands Perú Moda and Alpaca del Perú took the opportunity to establish business contacts with potential alpaca buyers. A total of 21 exporting companies from the Peruvian textile sector participated and 68 online meetings were set up, which will generate approximately $3.24 million for the sector, and which will become visible in the coming 12 months.

At this year’s Perú Moda, cotton t-shirts, pajamas, loungewear and homewear stood out, as well as garments woven from recycled alpaca, natural undyed or naturally dyed alpaca, garments developed with digital prints or hand-dyed, as well as acrylic-cotton blends ideal for summer in the north.

All of these items are produced through fair trade practices and respecting the value chain, which includes the alpaca as a species as well as the planet.

How can we join this movement? When we buy a garment, we should ask ourselves who made it and how it was made. If the answer is friendly to our home, the Earth, we can go ahead and buy it. Good threads don't have to come to an end.

Information

Peruvian designers are targeting the US market as it is the largest buyer of Peruvian textiles, with a turnover of $1.35 billion in 2019.

Since June 19, PROMPERU has made a WhatsApp hotline available to guide the work of exporters. The number is (+51) 990 060 194, which provides assistance and guidance on the export process and commercial opportunities abroad.