Edelkoort Inc. recently presented an installation featuring Peruvian designers that embrace using natural alpaca fibre. Supported by Promperu, the Autumn / Winter 2016-17 event took place in New York at D&A, an innovative ready-to-wear trade show for coterie collections. The exhibit included photography by Marcella Echavarria taken on location in Cusco, the high altitude region synonymous with alpaca farming.
 
Alpacas are a species of South American camelids and Peru generates approximately 80% of the world’s production. Alpaca is highly versatile, with many outstanding qualities, providing vast possibilities for designers in fashion and interiors – from luxurious knits, wovens and accessories to homeware textiles and performance activewear.

Alpaca absorbs deep saturated tints, while a range of many undyed colours are also available, from white to greys, beiges, browns and black. Alpaca fibres are fine while also being incredibly durable. Naturally hypoallergenic, alpaca enjoys thermal properties due to its micro air pockets. With today’s consumers seeking responsibly-made sustainable products, alpaca stands out as a renewable, ethical and eco-friendly fibre.
 
text: Philip Fimmano
 
photographs: Marcella Echavarria
 
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