Our Process

Our Process

Each QAPAQ garment begins with carefully sourced fibres and follows a transparent, thoughtfully managed process. From the Bolivian communities who shear the vicuñas to the skilled hands that spin the fibres into fine yarn, every step is guided by care and dedication. Working closely with these communities and master artisans, we ensure every detail reflects true craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship

Our now spunned, wool cones are sent to our entrusted “maglificio” in the Northern part of Italy, home to QAPAQ’s women artisans. Each QAPAQ garment is meticulously crafted in a small town near the stunning Lake Como, a region renowned for its world-class textile production standards. Here, skilled artisans use hand-knitting machines to create every piece with precision, ensuring greater attention to detail and exceptional quality throughout. This approach allows them to work delicately with vicuña yarn, transforming it into garments that, due to their handmade nature, carry subtle variations—making each piece truly one of a kind.

From knitting the individual components to hand-linking them together, every step is done by hand. Once assembled, the garments go through a specialised washing procedure known as “follatura”, to achieve the perfect texture and finish. Before being sent to our headquarters in Amsterdam for packaging and delivery, the garment goes through one last quality check to ensure perfection. This thoughtful approach guarantees that every QAPAQ piece upholds the highest standards of quality.

Design

We design with purpose, creating pieces that stand the test of time.
Our approach is guided by a focus on timeless style rather than fleeting trends, while still giving our garments a fresh and subtle modern touch. Designed in Amsterdam, each QAPAQ garment is crafted with simplicity and elegance, ensuring versatility comfort, and lasting appeal.

As the only brand in the world to offer made-to-measure knitwear crafted in Italy, entirely from 100% vicuña, we are committed to ensuring that each garment fits you perfectly. By tailoring every piece to your unique measurements, we prioritise both perfect fit and style, creating classic designs that are personalized and unique.

Materials

It all begins with sourcing the best natural fibre in the world.
At QAPAQ, we work exclusively with sustainably sourced vicuña wool. The process begins in our founder's home country, Bolivia, where vicuñas roam freely in the wild, protected by the local communities and regulations. They are only captured for the Chaccu ceremony, which takes place from August to November. This traditional practice, overseen by ACOFIV (Association of Vicuña Fiber Producers), ensures the animals are carefully sheared and then released back into the wild.

ACOFIV also determines who is allowed to purchase the fibre, selecting partners who align with their commitment to sustainability and respect for the environment, always prioritising partnerships with Bolivian-owned companies.

In addition to our yarn, we are committed to using only the best products, from our RIRI zippers, to our Horn / Mother of pearl made in italy buttons.

Yarn Production

The wool undergoes an intricate cleaning and combing process in Argentina, performed at one of the few facilities in the world equipped with the machinery and skills needed to handle this delicate fibre. This ensures the wool is free from impurities and ready for the next stage.

Once cleaned and combed, the wool is carefully transported to the heart of Italy, where it is spun into yarn at one of the most trusted, long-established mills, or “lanificio”, capable of processing Vicuña fibre. At QAPAQ, only the finest spinning facilities are entrusted with transforming this fragile wool into the luxurious yarn that forms the foundation of our garments.

Craftsmanship

Our now spunned, wool cones are sent to our entrusted “maglificio” in the Northern part of Italy, home to QAPAQ’s women artisans. Each QAPAQ garment is meticulously crafted in a small town near the stunning Lake Como, a region renowned for its world-class textile production standards. Here, skilled artisans use hand-knitting machines to create every piece with precision, ensuring greater attention to detail and exceptional quality throughout. This approach allows them to work delicately with vicuña yarn, transforming it into garments that, due to their handmade nature, carry subtle variations—making each piece truly one of a kind.

From knitting the individual components to hand-linking them together, every step is done by hand. Once assembled, the garments go through a specialised washing procedure known as “follatura”, to achieve the perfect texture and finish. Before being sent to our headquarters in Amsterdam for packaging and delivery, the garment goes through one last quality check to ensure perfection. This thoughtful approach guarantees that every QAPAQ piece upholds the highest standards of quality.

Design

We design with purpose, creating pieces that stand the test of time.
Our approach is guided by a focus on timeless style rather than fleeting trends, while still giving our garments a fresh and subtle modern touch. Designed in Amsterdam, each QAPAQ garment is crafted with simplicity and elegance, ensuring versatility comfort, and lasting appeal.

As the only brand in the world to offer made-to-measure knitwear crafted in Italy, entirely from 100% vicuña, we are committed to ensuring that each garment fits you perfectly. By tailoring every piece to your unique measurements, we prioritise both perfect fit and style, creating classic designs that are personalized and unique.