ABOUT US?
Our past
Our present
Our future
Frank W. Mitchell:
THE GREAT ADVENTURER
When Frank W. Michell landed in Peru in 1922, he was immersed in the greatest adventure of his life, as a magical encounter with a herd of Alpacas left him totally amazed, awakening his interest not only in the fiber of these creatures, but also in the textile traditions of the Andes.
True to his adventurous spirit, he pawned all his belongings to buy his first fleeces and start his textile empire, founding Michell & Co. in 1931.
Soon, his ambition and dedication would make him a world leader in the production of high quality textile fibers, so much so that in 1945, he implemented the first spinning mill in Peru, thus creating the Alpaquera textile industry in the country and establishing the Alpaca fiber classification standards currently used worldwide.
His departure in 1987 did not put an end to his visionary spirit and his undeniable passion for Andean traditions, which we continue to honor to this day.
Our past
Our present
Our future
A heritage
that lives on almost 100 years later
Since our intrepid explorer left, his spirit and aspirations have been our beacon.
In 2004, we gave life to Sol Alpaca, the first exclusive retail brand of Alpaca and Vicuña garments from Michell & Co. Two years later, Mundo Alpaca was born, an Alpaca experience and interpretation center, designed to share the richness of this fiber and the heritage of ancestral Andean traditions with the whole world.
In 2020, our spinning mill became the first in Peru to obtain Peru Fair Trade certification, guaranteeing fair labor and trade conditions.
The year 2022 was marked by 2 launches: "Weaving is Cool", a brand that embraces the wonder of weaving, teaching classes on various techniques and styles; and "Patapampa", a brand that combines fashion, adventure and social commitment, as its sales help finance educational projects that pave the way for hundreds of children in the Peruvian Andes towards a brighter future.
As of 2023, we are proud to hold 11 international certifications, representing our commitment to sustainability, animal care, respect for nature and ethical trade.
Our past
Our present
Our future
TEXTILE CONSCIENCE:
Our social and environmental footprint
At Michell & Co. sustainability is our guiding thread. Beyond textile excellence, we are proud to work in initiatives that make a difference, such as:
- Mirasol, since 2008, provides opportunities for children in the highlands of Azángaro, giving them not only education but also integral wellbeing.
- The Michell Art Contest, since 1980, celebrates creativity, supporting local artists and preserving ancient weaving techniques.
- Hilando Verde, a tree planting project initiated in 2019, reflects our commitment to reducing our carbon footprint and contributing to oxygen in Arequipa.
- Finally, Patapampa, our social purpose brand, which seeks to facilitate access to education in Alpaqueras communities. In each garment, we weave not only quality, but also a lasting commitment to sustainability and social responsibility.
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