In this Andean nation far from glamorous runways, some of the most fashionable residents have four legs: vicunas, alpacas and llamas.
Exports of the animals’ fleecy coats have nearly doubled to more than $43 million in the past four years, as models strut catwalks from Paris to New York wearing fur from the long-necked animals in the form of pricey ponchos, pants and pea coats.
Fleece shorn from the three species — known collectively as camelids — is “really soft and luxurious,” said New York-based designer Rachel Comey, who says she sold about $200,000 worth of alpaca knitwear last year, including hats, gloves and alpaca-lined boots.
