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Ana Fernandez

Ana Fernandez

Knit alpaca clothing and accessories in The Andes

"For me, designing is a fusion of ideas."

"I was born February 13, 1984 in the sierra of Huánuco, where I grew up with my six brothers and sisters. From an early age, our parents taught us to be proud of our origins, to live simply and realize the value of work as a way to get ahead in life. My father was orphaned as a boy and he has worked hard ever since.

"I remember when I was seven, my family took part in the traditional town fiestas that celebrate the birth of baby Jesus. There are special church services and performances by the masked dancers of La cofradía de los negritos de Huánuco who wear velvet costumes embroidered with strands of silver and gold. Some years later, my parents wanted us to know more about these dancers and took us to their village where we were delighted by the customs.

"The townspeople were quite ingenious in creating their clothing and for the first time in my life, I saw how a fiber becomes yarn that is transformed into a warm sweater. Mothers knit the sweaters themselves for their loved ones, knitting virgin wool in the wonderful combinations of colors and textures they learned from their own moms. I also saw how they wove blankets on a handloom, then used these to wrap their babies and carry them on their backs as the women worked in the fields while taking care of their children.

"When I was a girl, my mother noticed that I liked design, so she took me to different workshops where I could practice drawing and painting. When I finished school, I planned to study graphic design but when I learned we had a fashion institute, I decided to change my major.

"I enrolled and began learning the basics of fashion design while, at the same time, studying international commerce. But I didn't finish, because I had to find work.

"Over the following years, I worked for several textile businesses that created apparel with natural fiber fabrics, and I fell in love with knitted and crocheted designs. You can do so much with the most varied stitches!

"When I discovered my passion for knits, I decided to follow my dream of working on my own. I met my business partner, Juan Carlos, who had a lot of experience in operating a textile workshop. We decided to work together.

"At first, we created styles for babies and children. Then we branched into alpaca wool and cotton clothing for adults.

"For me, designing is a fusion of ideas. It begins with the creative stage that blends fashion trends with my own favorite sources of inspiration, which are Victorian textiles and our Peruvian culture. In my designs, these influences result in colorful apparel in geometric and paisley motifs created with different knitting techniques. The cut enhances the beauty of each design.

"I love designing apparel of alpaca wool and cotton because this really makes a contribution to society. It lets me give jobs to local people, especially women who want to get ahead and move to central Peru seeking a better future.

"Thanks to all of you who appreciate my designs. Each one is the work of a team of more than 20 artisans who collaborate with me. It is their effort and dedication that make it possible for you to enjoy beautiful knitted clothing with unique handcrafted details."

Cause Badges

Preserving Traditions

Empowering Women

Caring for Children

111 items by Ana Fernandez

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Customer Reviews

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Artist rating

Total reviews

280

Dani

From San Diego California/Chicago

Verified Reviewer

04/10/2021

"Love black and red"

Im blond and fair, it looks great, these power colors do, but I think it would look amazing on someone with black hair and fair skin. great with black jeans, black yoga pants, white pearls.

Purchased Item:

Regal, Red & Black Jacquard Baby Alpaca Hooded Cardigan Sweater

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Dani

From San Diego California/Chicago

Verified Reviewer

04/10/2021

"Really Pretty, well made, warm"

Super sweater, looks great with jeans, covers things up. Reddish and lilac, but muted and classic casual, or dressy.

Best Uses

anything goes these days

Purchased Item:

Dream Garden in Maroon, Floral 100% Baby Alpaca Cardigan in Maroon from Peru

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Marigold

Verified Reviewer

04/06/2021

"A great gift for the man who has everything"

The colors are rich without being to bright and the alpaca is beautifully soft.

Purchased Item:

Tempest, Men's Patterned Earth Tones 100% Alpaca Pullover Sweater

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Laura

Verified Reviewer

04/05/2021

"Perfect Gift for Mom"

I bought this as a birthday gift for my mother. She has beautiful expensive taste and it can be hard to shop for her.. but she loves this cardigan - the fabric, the beauty of the design the quality of the craftsmanship are all wonderful. The fit is flattering and every detail is lovely down to the buttons

Best Uses

Brunch, shopping, ladies lunch

Purchased Item:

Romantic Nature in Tan, Nature-Themed 100% Baby Alpaca Cardigan in Tan from Peru

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Kathryne

Verified Reviewer

03/20/2021

"Soft colors, very versatile"

This cardigan sweater is soft and comfortable, warm and oh, so pretty, with light feminine colors. It is versatile enough to wear with many outfits, over solids and other patterns, such as stripes. Of course, it will dress up your jeans and make you look all put together. Thank you, Novica Artisans.

Best Uses

Casual, evening out, walk in the park, work

Purchased Item:

Dream Garden in Stone, Floral 100% Baby Alpaca Cardigan in Stone from Peru

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Cece

From USA

Verified Reviewer

03/18/2021

"I love this poncho."

I love these ponchos. I have this item in three different colors. The wool is soft and warm, but the poncho is lightweight. There is lots of variegation in the colors. Its fun to wear and goes well with both jeans and dressy pants or skirts & boots.

Tags By Cece

soft hippie

Best Uses

Versatile: can be worn casual or dressy

Purchased Item:

Captivating Stripes in Green, Striped 100% Alpaca Poncho in Green from Peru

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