Awayu: Fair Trade Alpaca Clothing

Awayu is a social enterprise launched by la Compania de Productos de Camelidos (COPROCA), a business owned and run by the Association of Llama and Alpaca Herders of the High Andes (AIGACAA. COPROCA works to improve the quality of life of its members by increasing the value of llama and alpaca wool products. In addition, COPROCA seeks to contribute to the benefit of Bolivian society as a whole. As part of this mission, in 2004 COPROCA launched a new enterprise to work with artisans in the city of El Alto (La Paz's sister city which is compromised of migrants from rural areas) and in rural areas to create high value products from the alpaca yarn spun in COPROCAs yarn factory. Over 400 artisans have been trained in design and quality control. While many of the products are hand made on looms or croched there is uniformity and high quality of their products. Currently, 260 artisans work with Awayu to create high quality original alpaca clothing designs. In Aymara, one of Bolivia's indigenous languages, an Awayu is a cloth fabric with designs that is used for carrying things. We carry their handwoven blankets, alpaca shawls, scarves for adults and we carry a variety of alpaca wear for kids and babies including sweaters, scarves, hats, dresses and other accessories. You will find the products created by Awayu combine traditional and contemporary designs.