Arts/Culture, Business

Puno artisans to export alpaca clothing for Italian fashion label Versace

Artisans from the highland department of Puno will export haute couture alpaca wool clothing for famed Brazilian designer Salvatore Laureano, who is currently working for the prestigious Italian fashion label Versace, state news agency Andina reported Monday.

During his visit to Puno last year, Laureano commissioned more than 200 alpaca wool garments, including vests, jackets, ties, and shawls.

So far, 85 garments have been woven, and completion of the commission is expected by mid-June.

Before the weaving began, our artisans were trained in haute couture fashion, said the President of Fortalecimiento, or “Strengthening,” a Puno-based artisan association that works to improve the living conditions of its members.

Versace is to pay the artisans 30,000 soles, or approximately $10,000 for the high-quality garments. The clothing and shawls are to be modeled on runways, and sold in stores across Europe.

Versace, founded by Gianni Versace in 1978, is one of the world’s leading international fashion houses. Versace designs, markets and distributes luxury clothing, accessories, fragrances, make-up and home furnishings.

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