creative robes

A blue and brown labyrinth traces the geometric patterns on this alpaca poncho. Peru’s Carla Cosar transforms a traditional Andean garment into a modern-day accessory with this poncho, designed to accentuate the figure with a belt that ties at the back, a v-neck and a high/low hemline. The poncho is knit of baby alpaca, the first fleece of the shearing season, noted for its softness and warmth.

Transport yourself to a future of sophistication and grace with Pia Zavala's newest creation. Crafted following minimalist trends, this alpaca blend vest is woven with traditional techniques typical of Peru's high-quality textiles. Soft to the touch, the piece comes in a graceful ginger base hue that blends well with its versatile and modern style, featuring a sleeveless design complemented with a turtle neck and buttons on each side, the same that can be unbuttoned to create a charming cape.

Working in luxurious alpaca wool, Faustino Maldonado creates a handsome hooded cloak for men. The warm but lightweight garment is based on the traditional poncho. Buttons crafted from dried mate gourds secure each side.

The artisan includes a spare button.

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.

Rich textures of sepia brown host narrow paths of black and white. Wilmer Vilchez works in luxurious baby alpaca to create a cozy shawl on the traditional handloom. Baby alpaca refers to the fine fleece from the season's first shearing.

Cool greens and brown meet ivory as Raquel and Gregor create a beautiful palette of earthen colors. Working in natural silk and fine baby alpaca wool, they weave a classic shawl. Baby alpaca refers to the fleece from the season's first shearing.

Professing a love for nature, this stunning cardigan from Peru is created by Ana Fernandez. She knits this warm accessory from 100% baby alpaca wool, the fine fleece from the season's first shearing. Floral and bird motifs in antique white decorate a body of tan, accented by stripes at the wrists and waistline. A coconut shell button-up front completes this lovely sweater.

Professing a love for nature, this stunning cardigan from Peru is created by Ana Fernandez. She knits this warm accessory from 100% baby alpaca wool, the fine fleece from the season's first shearing. Floral and bird motifs in antique white decorate a body of tan, accented by stripes at the wrists and waistline. A coconut shell button-up front completes this lovely sweater.

Vertical bands of earth tones distinguish this classic poncho for men. Artisans of the Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco work with ancestral techniques to create fashion for today and always. Woven by hand of fine alpaca wool, prized by the ancient Inca for its lightweight warmth, its colors come from natural dyes. Geometric motifs pay tribute to the traditions of Chinchero, where time seems to have stood still for centuries.

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.