Vicuña, the Exotic Elixir of the Gods!

Indulge in the unparalleled elegance and softness of Vicuña yarn – a rare and exquisite fibre that embodies the epitome of luxury. Known as the "fibre of the gods," Vicuña wool is sourced from the fleece of the wild Vicuña. 

Sustainability in every step of the production process

Our Vicuña yarn is sourced sustainably, following ethical practices to prioritise the well-being of wild Vicuña populations and their natural habitats. Harvesting is a delicate process involving capture, shearing, and releasing them back into the wild unharmed. 

Historically, unrestricted hunting during and after the Spanish conquest led to a drastic reduction in Vicuña numbers almost to the brink of extinction. In the 1960s, conservation efforts, led by the Peruvian government and UNESCO, revived the species. Through education and sustainable commercialization, the Vicuña population rebounded, and they are no longer considered a threatened species.

What makes Vicuña rare and exclusive?

Vicuña wool is one of the rarest and most exclusive fibres globally, making any creation with it a unique and treasured piece.

Today, the Vicuña is Peru's national animal, living freely in the wild. Conservation efforts limit wool harvesting, allowing gentle shearing every three years. Each Vicuña produces approximately 1.1 pounds (0.5 kg) of wool annually, and the fibres are so fragile that they cannot be dyed or treated with any chemicals typically used in the textile industry contributing to its rarity and exclusivity.

Gathering Vicuña wool is a rare and time-consuming task carried out according to local traditions. In ancient Inca times, this process, known as "The Chaccu," occurred only once every four years. During the ceremony, local communities enclosed a designated area, gathered vicuñas into large enclosures, and sheared them. The Inca emperor oversaw the ritual, ensuring the immediate release of the vicuñas after shearing. 

Today, the Chaccu tradition persists, with annual celebrations in June where communities come together to dance, sing, and guide vicuñas into shearing enclosures. The selection process is meticulous, leaving young vicuñas to roam freely in the Andes.

Additionally, the production of vicuña wool demands considerable labour. The natural fiber undergoes a manual pre-dehairing process to preserve its quality. It takes a worker one month, working eight hours a day and processing 30 grams per day, to dehair 1 kilogram of vicuña fibre.

Why Choose Vicuña Yarn?

Vicuña wool of the utmost quality is incredibly fine with an average thickness ranging from 12 to 14 microns, showcasing the highest comfort factor among all naturally derived fibres. With a remarkable comfort factor rating of 99 out of 100, it serves as the standard against which other fibres are measured. This results in a fabric that is not only incredibly soft but also provides excellent insulation without the weight commonly associated with warmth.

Natural Elegance and Certified Authenticity

We take great pride in offering this exceptional yarn, in its natural, incredibly creamy, and smooth cinnamon, golden-brown hue.

Our vicuña comes with a certificate of authenticity to confirm that the yarn has been made in accordance to the requirements of the Washington Convention on Species Protection “CITES” and has been approved and checked by the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation of the federal German government.