Why Vicuna?
Most people have heard of the prized baby alpaca wool used to make elegant scarves and warm sweaters, but probably less well-known is the luxurious wool of the vicuna, the smaller camelid cousin of the alpaca that roams wild exclusively in the Andes Mountains. The natural fibers of the vicuna are considered the rarest in the world due to the strict conservation restrictions on the shearing process.
Vicuna wool is the finest and rarest natural fiber in the world. One strand of vicuna wool measures approximately 12 microns, which is 12 thousandths of a millimeter. That is about 7 microns finer than the best cashmere! But this isn’t the only reason apparel made from vicuna wool is so coveted and expensive. One vicuna will only produce about half a kilo (about 1.1 pounds) of wool a year, and the fibers are so fragile that they cannot be dyed or treated with any chemicals typically used in the textile industry.
Once reserved exclusively for royalty, Vicuna fiber, with its gorgeous golden color, is considered the finest natural fiber in the world. In the 20th century, Marlene Dietrich, Nat King Cole and Greta Garbo valued the incredibly soft touch of Vicuña.
In order to use this fiber in the textile industry, Kuna works together with the Andean communities who watch over this splendid camelid in the wild Andean plateaus. After it has been sheared using ancient methods that do not harm the animal, the fiber is combed entirely by hand. This process allows us to create garments of unequaled beauty. To own a vicuna garment with the Kuna label means to have something from nature, in its purest state.
So, if you want to share this incredible story and give someone dear the same royalty treatment during the holidays, have a look at our Basel Vicuna Scarf or our elegant shawls and coats that never go unnoticed... simply amazing.
Do check out our other collections on the menu above, and create the best outfit for every occasion. & or email us at service@alpacacollections.com
