Why Alpaca – rather than Cashmere ?
Alpaca, like cashmere, is a luxurious natural fiber known for its exquisite feel and exceptional durability. Both fibers are hypoallergenic since they contain no lanolin and can be incredibly soft, but there are key differences: alpaca is rarer, with about 5 million alpacas worldwide compared to roughly 700 million cashmere goats.
Alpaca ranks second only to silk in strength and offers a softness comparable to cashmere, yet it is more durable and resilient, making it perfect for beautiful Heritage pieces. The unique texture of alpaca feels even softer when worn than when touched. Its longer fibers contribute to its strength, and the hollow structure with an insulating core allows it to warm quickly and retain heat longer while also providing breathability.
Importantly, our partner's alpaca is sustainably sourced from British farms, with many fleeces traceable to the individual alpacas by name.
The Experience
We invite you to discuss your own custom tartan or tweed design with us. Working directly with the Founder, she will weave your story into a unique design that will be cherished for generations. Using her exceptional design skills, she will create a bespoke tweed or tartan, which will then be woven into beautiful quality cloth at a local Scottish artisan mill.