ABOUT US?
Our past
Our present
Our future
Frank W. Mitchell:
THE GREAT ADVENTURER
It all began in 1922, when Frank W. Michell arrived in Peru and came across a herd of Alpacas. It wasn't just an encounter: it was a calling. The fibre, the Andes and the textile traditions sparked an obsession from which there was no turning back.
With a radical adventurous spirit, he bet everything — literally — on that intuition. He sold everything he owned, bought his first fleeces, and in 1931 founded Michell & Co. Not to follow a path, but to forge a new one.
Decades later, that decision would shape an entire industry. In 1945, Peru's first spinning mill was born, and with it, the standards for Alpaca fibre that are now recognised around the world.
On the verge of turning 95, this story does not look back. It continues to move forward. It continues to explore. It continues to break boundaries.
At Patapampa, that same drive lives on in every garment: respect for Alpaca, a real connection with Andean communities, and the conviction that the future is built by walking, not waiting.
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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