All of PAKA’s products tell a story, a rich history that’s woven into the fibers of each sweater, jacket or accessory produced. This story began in the highlands of Peru, the place that informs all of the sustainable brand’s designs. In this resourceful region, Quechua weavers embed their unique perspectives into cloth and household fibers, leaving spiritual motifs behind to carry on their intergenerational legacies.
These enduring symbols — the condor, a puma and a snake — are not only whimsical accents, but they stand in as guides and protectors. The three motifs are interwoven, representing balance within the universe. On November 7, PAKA continues to tell these stories to a new generation — introducing the Heritage Collection, a range that honors the ancestral traditions of the Andes and the weavers that reside there.
For the Quechua weavers, their craft is a way of life. Every design they leave behind becomes a vessel of identity and memory, as each stitch weaves a story that preserves their culture for years to come. Working directly with the master artisans of Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC), the brand honors the historic lineage of weavers whose techniques can be traced back to the Inca Empire. Sacred motifs are fused with contemporary silhouettes, preserving tradition with refreshing twists.
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“These aren’t just patterns — they’re reminders,” says Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, master Quechua weaver and founder of the CTTC. “The Condor calls us to see clearly, the Puma teaches us to stay strong and grounded, and the Snake reminds us that transformation is survival. These were symbols of protection in the Andes, and we need those lessons now more than ever.”
The collection includes sweaters and cardigans, alongside woven accessories like socks and mittens. The pieces are graced with important spiritual symbols from Quechua culture, like Puma pawprints signifying strength and a Papa Tita, or a potato flower, which symbolizes a gift from the spirit of the Earth. Beyond their cultural nods and earth-toned color palette, the pieces are also defined by alpaca-powered fabric blended with other natural and recycled fibers.
Honoring Andean life beyond each garment, the collection will give back five percent of sales to support the CTTC. Alongside the collection, PAKA is releasing a short film that takes viewers on a sensory journey through Peru. Shot on 16mm film and directed by Sandra Winther, the film features Lima-born actress Nathalie Kelley and shows the unbridled creativity and strength of local alpaqueros and weavers. “The film is an invitation,” says Winther. “To slow down, to feel, to listen to the wisdom carried in these mountains, and to recognize our shared responsibility to care for the earth.” View the trailer here.
PAKA’s Heritage Collection launched yesterday with exclusive access to advance sign-ups. Available to the public today in limited quantities, the collection ranges from $28 USD to $259 USD. To learn more about the traditional craft that defines PAKA’s offerings, check out the full range at paka.co.