Peru, a country rich in culture, history, and breathtaking landscapes, hosted the 25th Peru MODA & DECO event in October; a vibrant fashion and home decor trade event that not only showcased the country’s deep-rooted connection with alpaca but also brought forth a diverse array of designers and brands that are making waves in the global fashion scene, bringing Peruvian textiles and styles to a wider market.
On day one we arrived in Lima, courtesy of the Commission for the Promotion of Peru for Exports and Tourism (PromPeru) and were taken to the Iberostar Miraflores Hotel, a 5-star accommodation complete with restaurants, rooftop gym and Bambu spa. When we arrived to the very spacious room, we were welcomed with a travel kit supplied by PromPeru and Peru MODA & DECO. The kit, featuring a cup, earplugs, neck pillow, a cute tote made from recycled plastic bottles, and a notebook, set the tone for a journey that seamlessly blended comfort with sustainability.
Peru Moda Unveiled
Lima is the fashion capital of Peru, not just for its stylish residents, but it’s been the home of fashion trade for decades. The Peru Moda event is a pinnacle event in the calendar for producers and buyers as it brings attention to Peruvian brands, and enables them to connect with both national and international buyers. In 2022, feedback from traders at the event showed over $70m in business generated from connections and deals made at the show.
Noteworthy Brands trading at the show included:
- GM Tramas: Specialising in alpaca garments and knitwear, GM Tramas showcased the beauty of Peru’s colors and textures, creating jersey knitwear that embodies the beauty of the Andes mountains.
- Royal Knit Peru: A family-owned company with a 45-year history, Mariela Royal Knit combines modern style with heritage techniques, creating handmade alpaca and organic cotton products that empower local artisans.
- Harkened: Collaborating with artisans throughout Peru, Harkened produces vibrant, handcrafted pieces using a blend of baby alpaca and unconventional materials like paper yarn, creating couture pieces with a global appeal.
- Tom Gutie: Focused on design and production, Tom Gutie represents a commitment to quality and craftsmanship in the Peruvian fashion landscape.
- Incalpaca: A major player in the global alpaca market, Incalpaca stands out for its sustainable practices, producing knitwear, coats, accessories, and home décor with 22 natural colors and a reduced environmental footprint.
- Wildtex and Fasce: These two brands, with their distinct patterns and designs, contribute to the diverse fashion offerings in Peru, promoting sustainable practices to protect people and planet.
- Alpaca Couture Collection: Known for high-quality alpaca products, this brand offers home décor and accessories, including cushions, throws, floor pillows, and rugs, providing a touch of luxury to any home.
See our Instagram for the live interviews with these brands.
Celebrating Young Designers
The event also celebrates new designers and this year held a competition for young designers, focusing on those considering sustainable design concepts. The highlight of the event was the Peru Moda competition runway show. From alpaca garments to cotton clothing, the show championed the craftsmanship of designers who collaborate with both artisans and larger companies to create collections that present Peruvian heritage in a uniquely stylish way.
In an insightful interview, we met young sustainable designer, Karen Adriana Huamán backstage; she shared her journey into fashion from the age of 7, drawing inspiration from Peru’s rich history and textures.
Coming from an artisan family which has worked in the import and export of alpaca for many years, Karen Adriana began her creative journey gaining experience of working with alpaca as a material and progressing to designing beautiful garments by hand.
Adriana submitted her application for the Peru Moda young designers’ competition just four days before the event, normally a full collection would take a month to make by hand. The collection shown on the Peru Moda runway event was a blend of Western and Peruvian influences, and stood out for its minimal, modern elegance—a testament to the designer’s vision and skill.
Each piece was made by hand and is a bespoke creation. Karen Adriana currently works on a direct order basis and can be contacted via her Instagram @k.a_adriana.
We also caught up with the winning designer, Leslie Larenas from Arequipa, whose design journey began with the scrap fabrics her grandmother gave her for dressing her dolls. Larenas also had family working in the metalwork industry and so has always had an experimental instinct for using different materials and taking a different approach to design.
(Translated from Spanish) “My designs are inspired by the things that have surrounded me; I grew up in a diverse ecosystem, with close proximity to the sea, the mountains, and animals. What keeps me going is my ambition to keep doing the things that fulfil me personally. Each time I create something I feel like I have learned something new about myself, so my greatest fuel is that.”
Leslie’s brand, which takes her mother’s family name Cjuno (@cjunooficial) presented garments with striking shapes and bold colors, bringing a modern look to traditional elements of Peruvian style. Thought-provoking and exciting, we look forward to the future of this brand.
Peru MODA & DECO 2023 not only showcased the talent within Peru’s fashion industry, but also highlighted the country’s commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation. From established brands to emerging designers, the event served as a melting pot of creativity, fostering a deeper appreciation for the intersection of tradition and modernity in Peruvian fashion.
