A family enterprise, Alicia Adams Alpaca produces sustainable, gorgeous textiles and clothing perfect for travel. Founder Alicia Adams answered a few of our questions about her family’s farm, her favorite destinations and her must-have pieces for packing.

Global Traveler: Is it true your alpaca herd has a home in the lovely Hudson Valley?

Alicia Adams: Yes! By raising and managing our own herd of alpacas (more than 200 Suri alpacas, to be exact), our family-owned business has control over the entire production process, from the care of the animals to the design and production of textiles and clothing. This helps ensure our products are of the highest quality and meet our standards for sustainability and ethical production.

© Alicia Adams Alpaca

GT: Can you describe a few characteristics of alpaca wool that make it especially beautiful and durable, and sets it apart from other textiles?

AA: Alpaca wool is highly valued in the fashion industry for a number of reasons:

• Softness: Alpaca wool is incredibly soft and luxurious to the touch, making it highly desirable for use in clothing and accessories.
• Warmth: Alpaca wool is an excellent insulator and is able to keep you warm even in cold temperatures. This makes it ideal for use in winter clothing.
• Durability: Alpaca wool is durable and can withstand wear and tear better than many other fibers. This makes it a great choice for use in items that will see a lot of use, such as sweaters or blankets. It is also naturally resistant to wind, stains and water, making it sweat-resistant in warmer climates.
• Hypoallergenic: Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, which means it is less likely to cause allergic reactions than other types of wool.
• Sustainable: Alpacas are gentle creatures that have a low impact on the environment. They also produce a lot of wool, so it is a highly sustainable source of fiber.

GT: What are some of the sustainability features of your products, including production?

AA: Alpaca fibers are eco-friendly — this is because they come from animals that have such a low impact on the environment, and the fibers themselves are highly durable and long- lasting. Alpaca products can be used for many years, reducing the need for constant replacement, and therefore reducing waste. Additionally, alpacas are able to graze on marginal land that is unsuitable for other types of agriculture, so they don’t compete with other land uses. Unlike sheep’s wool and cotton, alpaca fiber does not require harsh steps during its production, and therefore doesn’t produce pollution or harm the environment. Also, our products are individually crafted by artisans in our South American factories. For more than a decade, we have developed and nurtured harmonious relationships with local indigenous communities in the area.

© Alicia Adams Alpaca

GT: Do you have a favorite travel destination?

AA: I personally love traveling to any southern beach because of its breathtaking palm trees, ocean views and crystal-clear waters. It can get quite cold in Aspen, where our family currently resides, so it’s always a great opportunity to get outside in the warm sun to relax and unwind.

GT: What spot in the world do you dream of exploring?

AA: There are so many places I dream of visiting! Some on the top of my list are Alaska; Nepal; and the South Pacific, like Bora Bora, Fiji, the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand. Each destination has its own unique attractions, experiences and climates I hope to one day see.

GT: What are a few items from your collection that will definitely be in your luggage this spring?

© Alicia Adams Alpaca

AA: Our ready-to-wear garments are soft like silk and will keep you warm as the night gets colder, and are easy to pack when you’re on the go. I would absolutely pack the Maui Wrap, because it functions as a wrap, a scarf, a stole or even a shawl. The feather-weight baby alpaca and silk blend makes it the perfect accessory for warmer months or year-round. The Lounge Sweatpant is an ultra-comfy choice that works magnificently when you’re on the go. With baby alpaca and Pima cotton, these easy-fit sweatpants feature a stripe down each leg, which allows for a trendy touch — and the alpaca wool allows them to keep you cozy without building up a sweat.

GT: Lastly — and because we simply have to ask — do your alpacas each have names?

AA: Yes! All of our alpacas have names. Our family has all taken turns naming them throughout the years. Some fun ones that come to mind are Oreo, Freckles and Captain America.