When Amanda Ruiz contacted us to tell us about her company Peruvian Knitwear, and the beautiful knits and accessories she sells made from Alpaca fibre, from the Andes Mountains, we were completely intrigued and wanted to find out more

Amanda told us that Alpaca fibre is lightweight and warm and is softer and smoother than cashmere or angora.  She sent us pictures of some of the beautiful designs which she oversees being made in factories in Peru.  What Amanda was too modest to tell us at the time, is that she is a multi-award winning business woman, her products have been endorsed by Marie Claire, Woman & Home, The Telegraph, The Mail and Time Out Magazine – (to name but a few), that she speaks fluent spanish and her work with  factory owners in Peru promotes fair trade links, ethical working conditions and improved social and environmental standards.  Amazing achievements.

The story of Amanda’s company began when she married Manuel, who comes from the Peruvian capital, Lima.  They were given beautiful Alpaca pieces as wedding gifts, ponchos, chullos (earflap hats-big story this winter) and cardigans.  Amanda saw how admired her wedding gifts were in the UK and began to source items to sell over here.

So let us introduce you to Amanda’s beautiful site.  We love this cobalt blue, 80′s inspired, batwing jumper and all of the berets, ear flap hats and scarves.