Peru Moda Deco and Alpaca Fiesta, Peru’s most important fashion and textile trade shows, closed on Friday after several weeks of digital events bringing together all links in the textile and alpaca value chains.

The fairs, organised by the Peruvian Commission for Export and Tourism (Promperu), and the International Alpaca Association (AIA), were held together for the first time, and entirely virtually, to maximise their ability to attract international buyers, given ongoing restrictions on travel due to Covid-19.

The virtual exhibition spaces hosted over 300 local companies and brands specialising in apparel, footwear, jewellery, cotton and alpaca fibre textiles and more. The exhibitors were exposed to approximately 200 international buyers, including representatives from brands such as Christian Dior, The Citizenry, Hartford and Speedo.

On the schedule were digital presentations from established names, including Sol Alpaca, Anntarah, Royal Knit and Wayra, as well as emerging brands like Inkamoda, Sophie Ottaner, Norgate and Lana Lina. Another feature over the joint event’s 19-day run was a series of panels and conferences dedicated to innovation, design, trends and advancements in technology and sustainability, particularly in regards to alpaca, one of Peru’s main textile exports.

Alpaca Fiesta (which usually takes place every three years) made the sustainable development of all aspects of the alpaca value chain – from animal breeding, to textile production and finished product – its focus for this edition.

According to Promperu, as of August of this year, Peru’s alpaca exports totalled $112 million, an increase 90.2 percent compared to the same period last year. Its main destinations are China, the US and Italy. Peru has the largest population of alpacas in the world, with over 80 percent of the global total.

Peru’s overall textile exports reached $1.04 billion in the first eight months of the year and the government has said it hopes to reach $1.5 billion by year’s end.

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