Alpaca Collections Is Now a Brand
From Arequipa, Peru to the World: How Alpaca Collections Became a Luxury Brand in the U.S.
In the world of sustainable luxury fashion, few stories are as inspiring as that of Santiago Ortega, founder of Alpaca Collections. What began as a dream in the colonial city of Arequipa, Peru, has transformed into a recognized brand in the United States—offering timeless alpaca wool garments designed with the modern consumer in mind.
A Peruvian Dream that Crossed Borders
Santiago Ortega’s journey started with a scholarship that took him from Arequipa to the United States at just 17 years old. After completing his studies, he returned to Peru and began his career in the textile industry, working with world-class brands such as Prada, Armani, Hugo Boss, and Hermès. During this period, he also helped launch Kuna, one of Peru’s most iconic alpaca brands, spearheading its international expansion in South America.
Founding Alpaca Collections in the U.S.
In 2010, Ortega decided to bring the alpaca heritage to North America in a new way. After navigating corporate changes that prevented him from using existing brand names, he founded Alpaca Collections, an independent company focused on designing and curating products specifically for the U.S. market.
Unlike traditional Peruvian brands that designed primarily for local audiences, Ortega asked himself one simple question: What does the American customer want? His answer was clear—create exclusive, high-quality alpaca garments tailored to U.S. tastes and lifestyles.
Today, Alpaca Collections develops its own line of sweaters, coats, and accessories that balance luxury, comfort, and sustainability. Each piece is designed for durability and timeless style, making alpaca not just a tradition, but a modern statement.
Resilience Through Crisis: From Bankruptcy to Growth
Santiago’s journey was not without challenges. In 2020, at the peak of his success, the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard. With over 95% of wholesale orders canceled overnight, the business faced collapse. But instead of giving up, Ortega pivoted toward direct-to-consumer online sales.
The result? What seemed like the worst year turned into one of the most successful chapters of Alpaca Collections. Customers began discovering the brand online, drawn to the softness, warmth, and sustainable nature of alpaca wool. The resilience of the company mirrored the resilience of the very material it works with—strong, enduring, and adaptable.
From Dressing Presidents to Dressing You
Alpaca Collections is no stranger to global visibility. Back in 2008, Ortega played a role in dressing world leaders at the APEC summit with traditional Peruvian ponchos—a milestone that showcased alpaca on the world stage. Today, the same vision continues, but with a more personal mission: bringing luxury alpaca knitwear directly to your wardrobe.
Alpaca Collections Today
What started as a dream in Arequipa is now a thriving U.S.-based brand. Alpaca Collections is no longer just a marketplace for Peruvian brands—it has become a creator of its own collections, combining Peruvian heritage with American design sensibilities.
Our wardrobe today includes signature sweaters, versatile coats, and modern accessories; each crafted with the belief that true luxury is sustainable, timeless, and personal. Alpaca Collections creates pieces that tell a story of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern design.
At Alpaca Collections, we are dedicated to providing high-quality products that honor tradition while meeting the demands of modern lifestyles. Each piece you find in our store represents not just a garment, but a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and sustainability.
Explore our Bestseller Section today and experience the warmth of alpaca. For questions or assistance, our customer service team is here to help.
Discover our unique designs HERE!
Source: La República - larepublica.pe
