Why is Vicuña fabric $5000 per meter?

Vicuña fabric is one of the most luxurious fabrics in the world, known for its softness, warmth, and lightweight feel. It has a long and fascinating history that dates back to the ancient Incan civilization of Peru. In this blog post, we will explore the history of vicuña fabric, how it is made, its use in luxury suiting, and how it compares to other luxury fabrics such as merino wool and cashmere.

History of Vicuña Fabric:

The vicuña is a small South American camelid that is native to the Andes Mountains. The Incas, who ruled over the Andean region from the 13th to the 16th century, considered the vicuña to be a sacred animal and reserved its wool for the exclusive use of the emperor and his family. The vicuña's wool was so highly prized that the Incas built an extensive network of roads to facilitate the capture and shearing of the animals. After the Spanish conquest of Peru in the 16th century, the vicuña population was decimated, and the use of vicuña wool declined.

In the 19th century, the vicuña population began to recover, and the wool once again became a prized commodity. However, the wool was still difficult to obtain, as the vicuña is a wild animal that is difficult to domesticate. The wool can only be obtained through shearing, which is done every three years, and the animal must be released unharmed. Today, the vicuña is a protected species, and its wool can only be obtained through sustainable and ethical means.

How is Vicuña Fabric Made?

The process of making vicuña fabric is a long and intricate one. After the wool is sheared, it is sorted by hand to remove any impurities. The wool is then washed, carded, and spun into yarn. The yarn is then woven into fabric, which is brushed and finished to create a soft, luxurious texture. The entire process is done by hand, which makes vicuña fabric one of the most labor-intensive and expensive fabrics in the world.

Use in Luxury Suiting:

Vicuña fabric is highly prized in the world of luxury suiting. Its softness, warmth, and lightweight feel make it ideal for creating elegant and comfortable garments. Many of the world's top fashion brands, including Brioni, Loro Piana, and Kiton, use vicuña fabric in their collections. However, the use of vicuña fabric is still relatively rare, as the limited availability of the wool makes it very expensive.

Significant Milestones in the History of Vicuña Fabric Production:

In the 1960s, the Peruvian government established a national reserve for the protection of the vicuña. The reserve was later expanded, and today it is one of the most successful conservation programs in the world. The program has helped to increase the vicuña population, and it has also helped to create sustainable economic opportunities for local communities through the production and sale of vicuña wool.

In 2007, Loro Piana, one of the world's top producers of luxury fabrics, launched a program to help protect the vicuña population and promote sustainable production of vicuña wool. The program, called "The Gift of Kings," works with local communities in Peru and Bolivia to ensure the ethical and sustainable production of vicuña wool. The program has helped to increase the availability of vicuña wool and has also helped to raise awareness of the importance of sustainable production practices.

Pricing and Comparison to Merino Wool and Cashmere:

Vicuña fabric is one of the most expensive fabrics in the world. It can cost up to US$3,000 per meter, making it significantly more expensive than merino wool and cashmere. The limited availability of the wool and the labor-intensive production process contribute to its high cost. Additionally, the ethical and sustainable production practices involved in obtaining the wool also add to its value.

In comparison to merino wool, vicuña fabric is softer, more lightweight, and has better insulation properties. It is also more durable and can withstand frequent wear without losing its softness and texture. Cashmere is also a luxurious fabric, but it is not as rare or exclusive as vicuña wool. However, cashmere is still a popular choice for luxury garments due to its softness, warmth, and durability.

Vicuña fabric is a rare and exclusive luxury fabric that has a fascinating history and a labor-intensive production process. Its softness, lightweight feel, and excellent insulation properties make it ideal for luxury suiting. Although it is significantly more expensive than merino wool and cashmere, its rarity, sustainability, and ethical production practices make it a highly sought-after fabric among the world's most discerning customers.

At Beg Your Pardon we can make suits using Vicuña fabric. A representative of the fabric mill will fly to Adelaide to attend the consultation and assist with selections.