Ethical Fashion Knitwear Statement
Graciela Huam seamlessly blends Dutch and Peruvian traditions, with its base in Lima and Eindhoven.
As a leading reference in Baby Alpaca and Pima Cotton clothing, the brand draws its heritage and inspiration from both The Netherlands and Peru, two countries that shape and guide its work. The vibrant Peruvian culture and the Dutch avant-garde design serve as the core influences behind its collections.
Graciela Huam’s conceptual collections are conceived in The Netherlands and developed and produced in Peru by the KNIT-LAB PERU team.
The brand’s design is distinguished by its unique combination of exceptional quality, innovative craftsmanship, sustainable lifestyle, playful vibe, fair trade practices, and traditional hand-knit techniques. Only the most exclusive raw materials are used, including Peruvian Baby Alpaca, Merino Wool, Organic Cotton, and the highly sought-after Pima Cotton.
Grace Wouters Huamanchumo is of Peruvian origin and currently resides in The Netherlands. She founded GRACIELA HUAM in 2017, merging European design, craft innovation, bold statements, sophistication, and a sustainable lifestyle with traditional Peruvian knitwear techniques.
Her work has been featured in various media outlets, including Vogue Mexico, L’Officiel Mexico, Up Next Designer, the Latin American Fashion Summit (LAFS), and many more.
Additionally, she is the co-founder of KNIT-LAB PERU, a Fair Trade-certified manufacturer specializing in knitting and the sourcing of natural fibers. KNIT-LAB PERU is committed to ensuring the traceability of its developments and production processes.
Grace Wouters Huamanchumo was also awarded the Peruvian Company of the Year 2021 Award for her outstanding business performance and management during 2021, in the Start-Up Exporter category.
Her journey began in the department of Puno, located in the southern part of Peru. This region is renowned for its abundant natural resources, hardworking people, and the breathtaking landscape surrounding Lake Titicaca. Grace became deeply immersed in the natural beauty of the area, captivated by the impressive craftsmanship of the local artisans and the stunning Andean highlands, home to the majestic alpacas that roam freely.
The unique connection between the people, the land, and the animals sparked her passion for sustainable fashion. Grace found inspiration in the traditional techniques passed down through generations, which were woven into the very fabric of the community’s daily life. This early exposure to the intricate world of Peruvian knitwear laid the foundation for her vision of blending European design with the artisanal heritage of Peru.
Over the years, Grace has traveled to all 21 regions of Peru, gaining firsthand insight into the rich diversity of the country’s cultures, traditions, and craftsmanship. Each region has contributed to her understanding of Peru’s vibrant artisan heritage and the significance of preserving these traditional techniques while pushing the boundaries of contemporary design.
All of its garments are crafted by passionate and skilled Peruvian artisans. The result is a versatile collection of unconventional knitwear and high-end craftsmanship pieces, blending contemporary design with a ready-to-wear style. Graciela Huam is a sustainable business dedicated to partnering with local artisans and entrepreneurs, fostering collaboration and supporting the growth of the Peruvian artisan community.
The brand’s design philosophy is rooted in respect for nature, universal human rights, and economic justice: “We follow the principles of responsible and sustainable production, using traditional methods to achieve a quality that surpasses industrially made products. We believe in social respect, education, and sustainability for our communities in Peru.”
Another key component of the brand’s approach is its raw material:
“We adhere to fair trade principles with our suppliers and comply with Peruvian production regulations concerning environmental obligations.
Our suppliers provide the finest Peruvian Alpaca and Organic Pima Cotton, with a focus on improving the quality of the Alpaca and Cotton fibers through breeding programs in the highlands and coastal northern regions of Peru. These programs are vital for raising animals and cultivating plants that produce exceptional fibers.”
Grace’s statement: “Knitwear will always be a wise investment, and, much like a work of art, it can result in something truly iconic. The choice of fabrics and the sustainable production of our knitted garments, combined with our unique techniques, reflect the high level of dedication and passion we pour into our work.”