The alpacas are native camelids of the Andes. They live at an altitude of 2500 to 4500 meters above sea level in the hard high plains, supporting extreme climatic conditions that may vary from + 30 ° C to – 20 ° C in a single day.
They have been domesticated by the Incas for more than 5,000 years; For this reason, since ancient times,
They have been very appreciated by the ancient Peruvians as sacred creatures. The use of the finest alpaca fibers was for unique use for Inca royalty, known as “fiber of the gods.” Thus, since ancient times, the alpaca has given Peru a historical, cultural and economic legacy. Currently,
Peru houses approximately 4 million alpacas, being an income resource for around 165,000 high -Andean families living from the work of caring for the alpaca, using its fiber and making hand -woven garments.
On the other hand,
It is important to understand this resource within the supply chain and the alpaca fiber process. Today, Peru, despite housing 83% of the total of these animals in the world and providing 80% of world fiber production, is not recognized as a place of origin to the world.
This reality lies in the overextension within the value chain of an alpaca garment generating cost overruns for the agents and transits of the material, courses and garments that are part of the current process.
Giving more space to the export of raw material and thread generates the loss of providing a final product in the fashion industry that goes from obtaining the material, spinning, development, production and sale of an alpaca garment.
It is at this point that Nina P’itay seeks to close the gaps generated by the expansion of the production of alpaca garments, concentrating all the phases of development at the local level. So,
Peru and all the agents involved can feel recognized for their work and proud to revalue part of our Cultural Heritage of Alpaca fiber before the world.
Alpaca fiber
Alpaca fiber is one of the most precious natural fibers in the world and one of the favorite materials in luxury fashion. This fiber has a series of properties that are quite unique, such as:
Thermal: retains heat, while breathable; Besides,
It has excellent insulating qualities because it has microscopic airbags inside.
Hypoallergenic: does not contain lanolin, which makes it hypoallergenic and suitable for wool sensitive people. In addition, the absence of oils makes it easy to dye without losing its brightness and softness.
Lightness: it is light and adapts to body temperature, helping to fight sudden temperature changes.
Resistance: It is warm and resistant and does not wear out with use. Like other wool of animal origin, alpaca fiber also repels water, so even wet will protect your body, maintaining its temperature.
He is also a flame retardant, which means that it is almost impossible to burn.
Color range: It comes naturally in a range of 22 colors, from black, through variations of gray and brown, to white. Thus, the textures, weights and silhouettes of this fiber are endless.
In addition, alpacas can be cracked annually,
producing approximately 5 to 10 pounds of alpaca fiber. The blanket (back and sides) and, in some alpacas, the neck, is considered the best fleece (a set of wool that removes the animal cutting it), since it contains very little protective hair. The legs, belly and neck are considered seconds,
But they are still used for carpets, socks, etc.
Classification of the quality of the fiber of Nina P’itay:
Alpaca Royal – 18 finer microns
Superfina / Baby Alpaca – 20 finer microns
Fine – 25 finer microns
Note: Most human hair has at least 100 microns, which is 5 times thicker than alpaca fiber!
