By Nicole Alejandra Benavides / Translated by Samai Páez

 Alpaca fiber continues to mark down the future of sustainable fashion, it is positioned as one of the most appreciated materials in the Latin American and global textile industry. This resource, historically linked to Andean traditions, not only offers luxury and quality, but also has a positive impact on environmental conservation and the development of local communities.

 Recently, Grupo Inca has taken a bold step in the promotion of the alpaca with its innovative «From Al to Fashion Leaders», campaign, an initiative that seeks to connect with the most important worldwide personalities in fashion. Starring Al, an animated black alpaca, the campaign's mission is to highlight the qualities of alpaca fiber, while raising awareness about the importance of its conservation.

What makes this campaign unique is its focus on the black alpaca, a special type of alpaca whose repopulation is fundamental for the sustainability of the species. Al, with their charismatic presence, shares life experiences in the Peruvian Andes, showcasing the story of growing up in freedom and the process behind obtaining a fiber which its softness and thermal resistance, wants to capture the attention of luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

This initiative does not limit itself to highlight the characteristics of the fiber, also the work carried out at the experimental station Pacomarca, located more than 4000 meters above sea level in Peru, where cutting-edge science is used to improve the genetics of alpacas and ensure the production of the best fibers in the world. This approach mixes technology and ancestral knowledge, ensuring a balance between innovation and tradition.

Beyond the technical and commercial aspects, Grupo Inca has established the Red de Alpaca Sostenible (Sustainable Alpaca Network,)a network that not only seeks to update the fashion sector, but also to support communities relied on alpaca breeding. In this sense, the «From Al to Fashion Leaders» campaign is an example of how the fashion industry can work harmoniously with nature and indigenous communities, driving a change towards a more sustainable and ethical model.

This practice becomes especially relevant following the declaration of 2024 as the International Year of the Camelids by the United Nations, which reinforces the key role of the alpaca in the economic well-being of millions of people in Latin America and in the preservation of a millenary textile tradition. Sustainable fashion, led by initiatives like this, is not only focus to the future, but also honors the past, and offers a new narrative in which luxury and environmental awareness walk hand in hand.

Source: https://america-retail.com/secciones/marketing/alpaca-el-futuro-de-la-moda-sostenible/