Let's unravel the secrets of the extraordinary Alpaca fiber

The alpaca is utilized in a wide variety of forms, ranging from economical garments crafted for use and sale by indigenous communities to more luxurious products such as gentlemen's suits and designer apparel. Designers like Giorgio Armani have utilized high-quality Suri alpaca in their collections for both men and women. In North America, small groups of breeders have formed what are known as "fiber cooperatives" to streamline production costs. In Spain, there are cooperatives dedicated to animal husbandry, advising on breeding operations, and producing high-quality fiber.

What is it?

The alpaca is a lightweight, warm, and durable fiber. It rivals cashmere in softness and beauty and competes favorably with more commonly used fibers such as sheep's wool or mohair. Its appearance closely resembles human hair, with a dense and lustrous aspect. Alpacas live in large herds that graze year-round on the Andean plateaus, spanning from Ecuador through Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, always at altitudes above 3000 meters. Its significance is such that the image of this animal has long been featured on Bolivia's coat of arms.

The alpaca, alongside the llama, vicuña, and guanaco, belongs to the camelid species native to South America. Among them, the alpaca is most esteemed for its domesticity and the high quality of textiles derived from its fleece.

Properties of the Alpaca Wool

Lightweight

Alpaca fibers are lightweight and adapt to your body temperature, aiding in regulating body heat and combating sudden temperature changes. It retains warmth while remaining breathable.

Durability

Alpaca fiber is warmer and more resilient than wool, maintaining its integrity with prolonged use. Like wool and other animal fibers, alpaca also repels water, thus providing protection against the elements even when wet. Additionally, it shares with sheep's wool the property of being flame-resistant, making it highly resistant to burning.

Hypoallergenic

Unlike sheep's wool, alpaca fiber does not contain lanolin, making it hypoallergenic and suitable for individuals with wool sensitivities. Its lack of oils also allows for dyeing without compromising its natural luster and softness.

Nature's Insulation: The Secret of Alpaca Fiber

It provides seven times more warmth than sheep's wool, absorbs up to 35% of body moisture, and maintains high breathability, making it suitable for temperate climates. Its elasticity allows it to retain its shape without stretching, enhancing durability.

The number of individual fibers required to create an alpaca garment is significantly reduced compared to sheep's wool, resulting in the fabric's softness, fineness, and comfort despite its insulating properties, making it remarkably lightweight.

Alpaca exhibits superior water resistance compared to many other fibers, stays cleaner for longer, and is hypoallergenic (lacking lanolin), making it ideal even for those with sensitive skin intolerant to other fibers.

There are up to 23 natural colors of alpaca ranging from white to black, including shades of gray, fawn, and brown. The clarity and uniformity of these colors are unmatched in other textile fibers. Additionally, a variety of hues can be achieved through natural or industrial dyes.

The History of the Alpaca BY MICHELL

Alpacas (Lama pacos) are among the most beautiful South American camelids. Related to llamas, guanacos, and vicuñas, alpacas have been valued for their fiber since pre-Incan times due to their properties and quality. There are primarily two types of alpacas: Huacayo and Suri.

Today, Michell & Co. processes this ancient fiber with passion, employing state-of-the-art technologies while respecting the environment.

The Habitat of the Alpaca

Alpacas are indigenous to the Peruvian Andes, where they have been domesticated since pre-Incan times. There are an estimated 3.5 to 4 million alpacas in South America, with 95% of them primarily found in the southern regions of Peru.

Alpacas thrive at altitudes ranging from 3,500 to over 4,500 meters above sea level, where they naturally endure temperatures fluctuating from -20°C to 30°C in a single day. They survive on a specialized diet low in protein, primarily consisting of natural grasses.

3.5 - 4 Million

95%

Found in the southern regions of Peru

Alpacas in South America

Alpaca Breeding

Michell, driven by its vision to produce and export the finest Peruvian alpaca, has expanded its efforts from developing high-quality alpaca fiber products to animal husbandry. This holistic approach is crucial for breeding high-quality animals whose improvement yields excellent fiber for processing.

In the early 1980s, Michell made the decision to establish an alpaca breeding ranch in the highlands of the Andes in Puno, near Lake Titicaca. The primary focus was on enhancing alpacas through breeding practices and educating small-scale farmers, who own the majority of the animals across the Puno region—an area that concentrates 70% of alpaca farming in Peru.

Establishing Fundo Mallkini, which is the largest private alpaca breeding operation in Peru, Michell has maintained a herd of approximately 2,500 Huacayo and 500 Suri alpacas. These animals have been carefully selected for their breeding programs. Michell also shares its expertise in breeding with communities and cooperatives in the Puno region, aiming to enhance fiber quality. Today, Mallkini's alpaca herd stands among the finest in Peru, linking back to Michell's broader efforts in alpaca breeding and education in the Puno region, where 70% of Peru's alpaca farming is concentrated.