About Us
James’s journey with Unku began in Cusco, the heart of Peru and the Incan empire. Immersed in the rich history or Andean culture and textiles, he fell in love with the versatile, durable, and incredibly soft alpaca fibres. He saw a necessity to provide Australians with handcrafted alpaca knitwear that will endure the cold winters.
Driven by a passion for sustainability and non-toxic living, James became determined to offer natural fibres that are better for the planet and healthier for people. But the heart of Unku’s story lies with the talented women James collaborates with in Peru. These artisans express their creativity through their exquisite knitwar, generating income for their families and achieving economic independence.
At Unku, we believe that clothing is more than just fabric—there’s a story woven into every thread. The name Unku means ‘royal tunic’, referring to the luxurious clothing of Inca nobility. Our mission is to bring the timeless elegance and rich cultural heritage of the Inca civilization to the modern world through our exquisite collection of high-quality Peruvian alpaca clothing. Each Unku piece is more than just clothing—it’s a piece of history, a work of art, and a symbol of enduring beauty.
Alpacas are native to the majestic Andes mountain range, which spans the west coast of South America. The Inca Empire, too, stretched across the Andes, and they relied on alpacas for wool, meat, and as beasts of burden. Adapted to freezing altitudes of 3,000 to 5,000 metres above sea level, Peruvian alpacas grow the softest, warmest fibres in response to harsh winters. The Inca reserved the finest alpaca wool exclusively for their nobility and rulers, symbolizing sophistication and connection to nature.
At Unku, we stand for excellence. Our artisans, who have mastered their craft through generations, imbue each garment with meticulous attention to detail, from the selection of the wool to the final stitch. We celebrate the fusion of ancient traditions and contemporary fashion, offering our customers a unique blend of cultural richness and modern elegance. We invite you to become part of the Unku story—embrace the majesty of Inca heritage and experience the unparalleled quality of Peruvian alpaca.