Blog

Autumn is really here and there’s something about Daylight Saving Time that emphasizes the inevitability of winter. The ever shorter Fall days get a quick boost from the time change and all of a sudden we’re driving home from work in the dark. It can all be a little disconcerting initially, with the kids and the family pets still getting up on the old schedule, and the feeling that you’re being cheated out of your evening transition period.

Alpaca wool is recognized as one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world. It's used in the most elite global fashion houses because of its softness, luster and versatility. There are lots of amazing natural fibers, but none quite like Alpaca wool.

In Part 1, we talked a little about Alpacas in general and shared some details on the Huacayo Alpaca. In Part 2, we talked about the Suri Alpaca and its dreadlock coat. Probably the best known South American camelid is the Llama. The Llama is the largest of the South American camelids and is considered a domesticated animal  (like the Alpaca) dating back to pre-Inca times. The Llama holds a strong mystical presence in many Andean cultures; The Inca god Urcuchillay was often represented as a multicolored llama.

The cardigan sweater is named after James Brudenell, the 7th Earl of Cardigan, infamous for his Charge of the Light Brigade during the Crimean war. Initial press events told of the Earl’s heroic charge and merchants, even in those times, were quick to design and sell a knitted waistcoat supposedly worn by the Earl as he led his regiment on horseback. Ironically, the 7th Earl was known for his sharp dress. Earlier in his military career, as part of his belief that clothes help make the man, and with his own money, he purchased new uniforms of particular sartorial splendor for his entire regiment.

...buy an Alpaca sweater, support the restoration of the Gulf of Mexico...buy an Alpaca jacket, educate travelers and travel providers about sustainable travel. Heck, don't let us stop you, do all three.

Alpaca are considered a domesticated animal with 6,000 years of close ties to humans. As herd animals, they prefer companionship and can become stressed when separated from friends and family. Mostly quiet animals, they generate a musical humming sound when communicating with each other. They are friendly, gentle and curious and generally live 20 years. Alpaca prefer the semi-arid highlands of South America above 10,000 feet.

It’s said the journey is the reward. Well, we’ve been on a journey building towards our launch for more than six months now. It’s been alternatively frenetic with planning and executing and achingly slow as we waited on things out of our control (don’t get us started on the State of California). With the help of a really talented and committed team, we’re finally ready to go live. We’re writing our first blog. We have our first fall/winter men’s and women’s collections in place. And we’re introducing ourselves officially to the public.