Yapa is a modern brand with traditional soul. The Yapa Alpaca Store offers a distinct line of alpaca knitwear, accessories, and apparel designed in New York and handmade in Bolivia. With a clear focus on ethical sourcing, sustainability, and slow fashion, Yapa creates garments that reflect quality, care, and cultural heritage.
Founded by Bernarda Pelaez, a Bolivian-born designer based in New York, Yapa bridges two worlds. The collections celebrate clean lines and practical design while honoring the artistry of Bolivian craft. Every piece is made using 100% baby alpaca wool – a luxurious and natural fiber prized for its warmth, softness, and durability.
The alpaca knitwear collection includes sweaters, scarves, and wraps designed for everyday wear and timeless appeal. Each item is finished by hand by skilled Bolivian artisans, many of whom work from their homes under fair labor conditions. Techniques passed down through generations are preserved in every stitch.
Yapa also brings contemporary character to its line of Alpaca Graphic T-shirts. These pieces blend playful imagery with thoughtful materials, offering casual wear with a purpose. They are made with the same ethical mindset as the rest of the collection.
The Alpaca Kids Collection introduces younger audiences to sustainable fashion. Soft, breathable, and made to last, these garments help parents choose better without compromising on comfort or style. The designs are simple and thoughtful – created to support everyday play and ease of movement.
All Yapa production takes place in La Paz, Bolivia, at over 3,600 meters above sea level. The brand partners with local alpaca farmers, fiber processors, and knitters to keep the process close to the source. Alpacas are sheared once per year in a cruelty-free manner. Their finest fleece becomes Yapa’s traceable, baby alpaca wool.
You can also explore their curated collections via the Yapa Alpaca Store on LinkHub+, where key pieces are featured with quick access.
Storytelling Through Design
What sets Yapa apart is its mission to tell meaningful stories through clothing. Each product embodies a connection – to the land, to the artisan, and to a slower, more mindful way of living. The result is apparel with soul, intended to be worn thoughtfully and often.
The brand invests in people as much as in materials. Most of Yapa’s knitters are women who can choose to work from home or in a shared workshop. This flexibility helps support families and protect cultural traditions, while also ensuring fair pay and safe conditions.
Yapa also believes that transparency and intention should guide every step of production. The brand is committed to small-batch manufacturing, local sourcing, and environmentally responsible methods. From fiber to final product, each decision reflects a deeper respect for community and nature.
Clothing, for Yapa, is more than function. It is a vehicle for preserving heritage, supporting livelihoods, and inviting wearers to rethink how fashion connects us. Every garment carries a story – one of care, craftsmanship, and cultural meaning.
To learn more about the brand’s mission and story, visit the About Page.
Yapa does not follow fast fashion trends. Instead, it stays committed to quality, ethical sourcing, and heritage. Every piece from the Yapa Alpaca Store reflects that intention – a balance of timeless design and meaningful origin.