PAKA Releases Heritage Collection — Tradition in Every Thread

November 10, 2025

• Honoring Quechua Weaving Traditions and the Artisans Who Keep Them Alive
• Nathalie Kelley in Peru filming upcoming ‘Heritage Film’ wearing the PAKA Heritage Collection

Boulder, CO (November 10, 2025) /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ — In the Peruvian Andes, weaving alpaca fiber is more than just an art form—it is an expression of ancestry. For Quechua artisans, textiles serve as vessels of identity and memory, carrying forward a worldview grounded in the balance between community, nature, and spirit. Each pattern tells a unique story, and every garment holds deep meaning.

The Creation of the Heritage Collection

The new Heritage Collection from PAKA was developed in partnership with local Quechua weavers to celebrate this living tradition. In partnership with Centro de Textiles Tradicionales del Cusco (CTTC), an NGO founded by master weaver Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, each piece reflects the care, knowledge, and symbolic language that have been preserved in Andean weaving for centuries. These traditions are now interpreted through refined silhouettes suited for modern life.

PAKA’s founder, Kris Cody, experienced the significance of alpaca craftsmanship while living with a weaver in Peru. A sweater knitted by a local craftswoman named Gregoria became a pivotal moment, inspiring Cody to return to the Andes on a one-way ticket. There, he learned directly from Gregoria’s family, creating the very first PAKA sweaters on their rooftop.

“Since we started our partnership hand-in-hand with CTTC nine years ago, our shared goal has been to preserve Quechua tradition. As it’s grown, we explored how we co-create more deeply in a way that gives royalties directly back to the weavers. This collection is our answer, and just the beginning of what’s possible: apparel that honors the people, places, and knowledge behind it.” stated Cody.

Design Process and Inspiration

Guided by this intention, the PAKA design team traveled to Peru to create the Heritage Collection at the source. Designers immersed themselves in the Sacred Valley, learning directly from artisans whose families have been weaving these traditions for generations. They shared stories, observed intricate techniques, and sketched ideas side-by-side at the loom. Together, they explored the ancient visual language found in Quechua weaving, with motifs that reflect a worldview grounded in balance and connection.

The Motifs: The Three Sacred Animals

From these collaborations, the collection’s foundation emerged—a series of patterns inspired by three sacred animals that embody the Quechua understanding of life:

• Condor — Hanan Pacha: Symbolizes clarity, protection, and a higher perspective.
• Puma — Kay Pacha: Represents grounded strength and presence in the everyday world.
• Snake — Ukhu Pacha: Embodies transformation, resilience, and inner wisdom.

Each motif is thoughtfully interpreted through modern knitwear, carrying forward its meaning—a celebration of harmony among people, craft, and land, where the past and present work together.

Nilda Callañaupa Alvarez, renowned Quechua weaver, spoke about the collection: “These aren’t just patterns — they’re reminders. The Condor calls us to see clearly, the Puma teaches us to stay strong and grounded, and the Snake reminds us that transformation is survival. These were symbols of protection in the Andes, and maybe we need those lessons now more than ever.”

The PAKA Heritage Collection

Collection Images here

• Condor Full Zip Cardigan — $259: Heirloom-quality knitwear inspired by clarity and guardianship.
• Men’s Puma Fairisle Sweater — $199: Grounded design channeling strength in motion.
• Women’s Compass Fairisle Sweater — $199: A guiding diamond motif for balance and intuition.
• Alpaquero Hat — $175: Honoring the herders who have sustained Andean communities for millennia.
• Quechua Heritage Mittens — $69: Warmth and tradition, thoughtfully reimagined.
• Compass Reversible Headband — $39: Modern ease with meaningful craftsmanship.
• Thermal Puma Crew Socks — $28: Patterns rooted in power and presence.
• Thermal Compass Crew Socks — $28: Designed for clarity in every step.
• Thermal Pacha Crew Socks — $28: Inspired by harmony across the three worlds.

A Cinematic Celebration of Heritage

To accompany the launch, PAKA presents a short film inspired by and starring Nathalie Kelley, directed by Sandra Winther. Premiering November 13^th, the film moves like a memory — a collage of craft, spirit, and continuity. Shot on 16mm film in the Sacred Valley of Peru, the camera lingers on the hands of Quechua weavers and alpaquero families whose ancestral knowledge has been passed down for generations. Through Kelley’s journey back to her roots, the film invites us to reflect on a universal question: What wisdom have we forgotten — and how do we return to it? Watch Film Preview Here

Sustaining Tradition for the Future

Today, PAKA continues to collaborate with CTTC to ensure that this cultural legacy thrives. The Heritage Collection reinforces a shared commitment to protect ancestral knowledge while expanding economic opportunities for the communities who uphold these traditions. As a result, five percent (5%) of all Heritage Collection sales go directly to CTTC, supporting artisan training programs, family livelihoods, and the continued practice of Quechua weaving in more than a dozen highland communities.

About PAKA

PAKA® is the leading innovator of alpaca fiber apparel. Founded in Cusco, Peru in 2016, PAKA started with a mission to bring the revolutionary alpaca fiber to the outdoor industry. Since then, it has evolved into a global natural fiber brand, directly supporting the communities where its products come from. PAKA is a Certified B Corp, supporting 300+ Quechua weavers in Peru, makes upwards of 90% of products locally, and donates 1% of its revenue through the PAKA Foundation. Learn more at www.paka.co Instagram: @paka

For all press inquiries: Bill Wackermann/ Bw@wackermannpartners.com