YAPA'S FOUNDER & STORY

Founded by designer Bernarda Pelaez, YAPA is the intersection of raw Bolivian heritage and the contemporary New York lifestyle. We specialize in 100% baby alpaca knitwear—elevated essentials with a playful twist, designed to transcend seasons and outlast trends.

Born in La Paz and refined in NYC, our collections are a tribute to the "slow fashion" movement. We believe clothing should have a heartbeat, crafted one knit at a time with a deep respect for the hands that make them and the earth that provides the fiber.

The YAPA Philosophy: Design Fewer, Better Pieces

In an era of disposable fashion, YAPA stands for investment-grade quality. Our mission is simple: less waste, less pollution, and more intention.

• Contemporary Design: Modern silhouettes tailored for an urban landscape.

• Andean Craftsmanship: Centuries-old techniques preserved by master knitters.

• Ethical Impact: Increasing fair-wage opportunities within the Bolivian artisan industry.

The Origin: 3,600 Meters Above Sea Level

Ethically Made in Bolivia

La Paz, Bolivia, is the highest administrative capital in the world, and it is where every YAPA piece is brought to life. Our production is rooted in the highlands, where local artisan knitters utilize heritage techniques to handcraft each sweater and accessory.

From the delicate finishing to intricate hand-embroidery, the human touch is present in every stitch. By keeping our manufacturing close to the source of our raw materials, we ensure a traceable "farm-to-finish" supply chain.

The Gold of the Andes: Why Baby Alpaca?

Treasured by the ancient Inca civilization, alpaca fiber is one of the world's finest natural materials. It is a fiber steeped in history and unmatched in performance.

• Cruelty-Free & Natural: Once a year, alpacas are shorn in the spring to keep them comfortable for the summer heat.

• The Softest Touch: We exclusively use 100% baby alpaca wool, sourced from the softest areas of the fleece, ensuring a hypoallergenic and silken feel against the skin.

Our Commitment: Empowering the Artisan Community

Empowering Women through Fair Trade

YAPA’s manufacturing process supports a network of skilled artisans, predominantly women, in La Paz. We offer a flexible model where our knitters can work from our dedicated workshop or the comfort of their homes. This allows them to balance family life while securing fair wages and stable living conditions.

Our Core Values

At YAPA, aesthetics are inseparable from ethics. We are proud to be a brand where the origin of the product is as beautiful as the garment itself.

• Handcrafted: Preserving ancient traditions for a modern world.

• Sustainable: Minimizing environmental impact through natural fibers.

• Ethically Made: Promoting transparency and fair labor practices.

• Cruelty-Free: Respecting the animals that make our luxury possible.