Living in Peru : your everyday companion

New infant and children's clothing company, Alpima, has recently debuted their fall and winter lines with a collection of stylish wear for young kids. The collection can be found on the recently-launched BabyAlpima.com.

By happenstance, Jose Sierra has become a fashion magnate of sorts that started with a trip to Peru, but turned out to be much more for him.

"I went out to Peru for New Years and I noticed the quality of the alpaca wool they had there," Sierra began. "I fell in love with it. I brought back some samples and that's how we got started."

Sierra's company, Alpima LLC, and its website, www.BabyAlpima.com, showcases what can be done with alpaca and pima cotton. The site has a catalog of well-made, high quality baby, toddler and children's clothes, all of which have been made from the materials that Sierra fell for.

While the site began in October 2008, Sierra immediately had a corresponding fall and winter line to show people, which include long-sleeve body suits for infants, onesies, stylish coats, mock sweaters and hoodies.

The coats and hoodies come in an array of bright colors that would typically conflict with a "fall/winter" look, but are generally attractive to young kids.

"These colors (bright blues, magentas, etc.) stood out on the color wheel," explained Sierra. "We want to liven it up a bit for the kids and the styles and colors in our line are far different than what you would find for any other brand."

The unique attributes of Alpima have resulted in Sierra's line being one of kind and, as is such, he's found a way to explain the virtues of the materials he uses.

"We want to educate people on what alpaca and Pima are," he said. "Some people don't have an idea about the animals or how the wool or cotton is treated, so we set up a blog."

The blog, www.BabyAlpima.net, will serve as an informational guide for all things Alpima, which will also include the planned spring and summer lines that Sierra has planned for early spring 2009.

Though Sierra's Alpima brand is new to the fashion industry, he's certain that through their unique vision and material, they'll be able to stand out from the rest.

"Our designs are practical," he said. "We keep up with the latest styles and we also welcome feedback from customers, parents and grandparents to cater to what the people want as well."

Alpima, LLC. and BabyAlpima.com is operated by Jose Sierra. Alpima's materials come directly from Peru and their baby line is from 0-24 month, while their children's line is from 2 to 7 years.

Living in Peru
Israel J. Ruiz

World renowned Peruvian fashion producer Fredy Granda, whose work has graced the pages of publications such as British GQ, Maxim, British Vogue, Bazaar, Men’s Health, and Elle has organized another trip to Peru.

On this occasion, the famous producer/photographer will return to the Andean country for Machu Picchu Bikini Peru 2008, an event which is to bring together top models from England and the United States.

Granda and his group of one dozen models have planned a week long trip to the Imperial city of Cusco, which will not only include tours through Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo and Sacsayhuamán but also a photo shoot in Urubamba Valley.

"This time we wanted to include English beauty to see how it works in our Inca landscapes," said Granda, affirming he was happy with the ways Peru's natural wonders were being promoted in foreign countries.

Among the models that will visit Peru are Miss Bikini Nat Daly, Victoria's Secret model Lindy Kennedy and models from Maxim magazine.

Granda also revealed he talked about the trip to Machu Picchu with American celebutante Paris Hilton.

"A couple of weeks ago we were with Paris at the avant premiere of her show, which *Trujillano Lázaro Gallardo also participated in, and invited her," said Granda.

"She's really interested in visiting Cusco; I hope we work out a deal."

*A person from the region of Trujillo in northern Peru

Brazilian designer Salvatore Laureano, who has designed for the prestigious Italian fashion house Versace, will arrive in Puno (city in southern Peru) on October 22 to evaluate the work of local textile artisans and the alpaca designs of this department for the 2009-2010 collection.

Laureano will stay in our country until October 26, reported today Norberto Giurfa Morán, head of the project Fortalecimiento del Cluster Artesanal de Puno (Strengthening of the Artisan Cluster of Puno), which seeks to raise the income and employment level of Puno artisans of the textile and ceramics sectors.

After arriving in the city of Juliaca, the designer will receive the keys to the city by local authorities, Giurfa told Andina news agency.

In the city of Puno, Laureano will attend a traditional costumes exhibition and will meet with distinguished local artisans to evaluate designs in alpaca fiber made by native labor, as well as to pick up some local designs for fashion shows, Giurfa said.

In Lima, the Brazilian designer will hold a meeting with producers associated with the Peru’s Exporters Association (Adex) and the Peruvian Institute of Handicrafts (Inpart).

News source: ANDINA