Why Vicuna

The rarest and finest natural fiber, Vicuna, is easily recognizable to the trained eye for its rich, golden-brown natural color and incredibly soft handfeel. Also known as the Gold of the Andes, it was reserved for royalty in Inca times.

The Vicuna, a camelid cousin of the alpaca, is a small and graceful animal that roams wild in the Andean mountains at altitudes between 3,200 and 4,800 meters. The natural fibers of the vicuna are considered the finest and rarest in the world due to the strict conservation restrictions on the shearing process.

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. One Vicuna will only produce about half a kilo (about 1.1 pounds) of wool a year.

 

SUSTAINABLE LUXURY

In the 1960s due to indiscriminate hunting and poaching the Vicuna was close to extinction. Thankfully, the Peruvian government, together with UNESCO, began a series of strategies and agreements that allowed the creation of programs geared toward the protection and conservation of the species. At the same time, these programs allowed for the sustainable commercialization of Vicuna fiber, through educating the Andean shepherds about the care and importance of Vicunas for the environment as well as their livelihood.

These efforts allowed for a recovery of the Vicuna population to a healthy level, and they are no longer considered a threatened species. Our supplier KUNA works with Peruvian farmers and communities to ensure the Vicunas are protected and continue to prosper.

 

WHY VICUNA IS SO SPECIAL

Vicunas have the finest coat of any known animal, about twice as fine as Cashmere. In its purest state, the wool is undyed, maintaining its rich, golden color. The animals can only be shorn every three years, and after each shearing, they are tagged and released into the wild again.

Due to its fine fibers, Vicuna is extremely light and soft, yet warm and insulating. Each Vicuna garment is a piece of art and a true pleasure to wear.

Alpaca Collections is proud to offer Vicuna Scarves, Knitwear and Outerwear made by KUNA, the only Vicuna-manufacturer producing Vicuna garments from wool to finished product exclusively in Peru, honoring the heritage of this unique animal.

Check out our Vicuna Collection