About us
A small family business from Bolivia, based in Auckland
Alpaca Suri-Bol
We are a small family business based in Auckland. From our home country of Bolivia we started our business in 2005 selling just a few varieties of alpaca products.
Since then our business has grown. One thing we have really enjoyed is the connection that we make with the clients while sharing our own heritage.
Fair Trade Conditions
Our products come mainly from Bolivia but some items also come from Peru.
They are made by individual families, people who have made a living in this way for centuries and their experience is passed on through the generations.
So our prices ensure that the artisans who prepare these garments are given a fair price and they also reflect our desire to please the customers in New Zealand.
They are handmade in Andean alpaca communities which are often set in beautiful locations at altitudes of 12,000+ feet. Many people there live in harmony with nature. We purchase these under Fair Trade conditions from local people who make living out of it.
the Sanchez family
Alpaca … did you know …
Easy to care for Alpaca fibre is an incredible fibre and one of the finest and softest. It is soft like cashmere and strong like mohair. Alpaca fleece is very warm and is an exceptional insulator. Because the fibre is hollow, the products have a very soft feel and are comfortable to wear.
- Breathable: Alpaca fibre contains microscopic air pockets which create lightweight clothing with good insulating value. It is an active fibre that reacts to changes in body temperature. Keeps you warm in winter, yet cool in summer.
- Colours: Alpaca fibre is found in 22 distinct colours which can be blended into an infinite array of natural shades. Also, alpaca fibre can be easily dyed, and always retains its natural lustre. This gives people a wide variety of colour choices, as well as the choice to wear “all natural” products.
- Strength: Alpaca fibre is unusually strong and resilient. The strength does not diminish as it becomes finer. It is a long-lasting product.
- Fire Resistant: alpaca fibre is flame retardant, it doesn’t melt and stick to the skin.
- Biodegradable: When disposed of it will decompose in soil in a matter of years slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth. Alpaca fibre is a renewable natural resource. It is not only soft and lightweight against the skin but also gentle on the planet.
Fibre of the Gods
Considered the “fibre of the gods” by Incan Royalty, due to its luxurious feel.
Eco Friendly
Eco-friendly renewable fibre that comes in many natural colours.
Easy to care for
Gone are the days when woollen garments had to be hand washed and dried flat. Our garments are machine washable!
Stain Resistant
Consists of long-lasting lustrous fibres that are stain, odour, flame and wrinkle resistant.
Softer
Softer, lighter and stronger than cashmere or sheep wool.
Comfort and Shape Retention
Alpaca fibre works in total harmony with the wearer’s body due to the fibre’s excellent natural elasticity.
Alpacas
From South America!
Hailing from South America, the alpaca belongs to the camelid family that also includes camels, llamas, guanacos and vicuñas. Alpacas are a docile breed whose fleece spins into luxurious yarns. More than three-quarters of the world’s alpaca population resides in the highest mountains of Peru and Bolivia.
In centuries past, the alpaca was an incredibly valuable animal, even more so than precious gems! Clothing created with alpaca was restricted for use by royalty. Nowadays the alpaca has been domesticated and is treated as one of the national treasures in these countries.
There are two breeds of Alpaca
The Suri has long fibres that form long strands.
The Huacaya has a more fluffy fibre with a lot of fine crimp.
Each fibre is hollow which makes it incredibly lightweight. Even the most delicate alpaca garments are warm for this reason. Perhaps alpaca’s greatest feature is that it can be worn next to the skin comfortably. The fibre has air pockets which allow garments to be lightweight yet very insulating and warm.