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Ana Fernandez

Ana Fernandez

"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

92 items by Ana Fernandez

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Reviews by Customers

Artist rating

Total reviews

171

Betty Lou

From Castlewood, Virginia, USA

Verified Reviewer

07/12/2020

"My daughter loves it ??"

Gifted this to my daughter in grad school -- she loves it!

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Purchased Item:

Stellar Blue, 100% Alpaca Open Front Cardigan in Shades of Blue

Kathryne

Verified Reviewer

07/08/2020

"Creative Longer Cardigan"

The colors are lovely in this longer cardigan, and the bands at the waist add some shape and contrast, It is very soft and comfortable.

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Purchased Item:

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

April

Verified Reviewer

07/07/2020

"What a lovely sweater!"

I ordered this in the summer, but cant wait to wear it in a few months! Colors are gorgeous, and the weight is not too heavy but just right. Thanks so much, I can see that a lot of love went into creating this :-)

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Purchased Item:

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

Ai

Verified Reviewer

07/03/2020

"Cute"

Floral pattern in these soft colors is not easy to find. Im excited to wear it in few months when it gets colder !!

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Purchased Item:

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

Shannon

Verified Reviewer

07/02/2020

"Beautiful Colors"

Beautiful cardigan with vibrant colors.

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Purchased Item:

Spirit of the Andes, Soft Alpaca Button Up Cardigan Sweater from Peru

Linda

Verified Reviewer

06/23/2020

"Beautiful find"

Lovely soft elegant sweater

Best Uses

anytime

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Purchased Item:

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

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