PUNO REGION
The Altiplano is the largest plateau in the world. Those who live there raising Alpaca and weaving their wool are very spiritual and they believe the Altiplano to be the largest altar on Earth. Its high altitude creates a mysterious air, an otherworldly light and a sacred atmosphere that nourishes this 10,000-year-old Alpaca way of life. This daily offering to the Universal Spirit of the holy partnership between Alpaca and humanity is still enacted by the people of the Peruvian Altiplano. Caring for the Alpaca and accepting their gift of exquisite wool is a fashion ritual with an ancient lineage and a divine pedigree. Products coming from the Altiplano contain spirit from a world in perfect balance, protected by its altitude it survives and is inspired by its closeness to the sky. Immense respect is paid to the women weavers in these communities. The level of their skill is incredible and among the highest in the world. In both cases, the knitting is of the highest quality and Puno knitters are valued as some of the best knitters in the world; international designers have their high-end knits produced here. In the altiplano communities, they say that to be a woman, you must knit. Although knitting was introduced in the colonial era, the Andean communities have embraced it and refined and developed it into a real cultural expression.
Qoñi Alpaca.
We’re making the world a warmer place.
In a faraway place called Puno, Peru, we’re creating some of the softest, warmest stuff on earth. The kinds of socks, scarves, and shawls that will make you less opposed to winter. And more equipped for whatever. It’s our belief that the best things are made by hand, not big warehouses or heavy machines. So when you wrap, drape, layer, bundle, and cuddle yourself in Qoñi, you can be cozy knowing there’s heart and soul in every stitch.
Click here to see the lookbook
Puno is perched on one of the highest plateaus on earth (second only to Tibet), better known as the Altiplano.
It’s full of color, culture, and
contradictions. Cuddly alpacas roam rocky hillsides. Moody skies meet friendly faces. Old traditions start new trends.
What’s Ours is Yours: Every item that makes it from our place to yours gets us one step closer to building a stronger, more independent community for artisans in Puno
BRAND[TRADE]: Opening Markets. Opening Minds
