The story of aiayu can only be fully unfolded by including the story of Bolivia and the skilled handknitting community that aiayu have been so priviliged to get to know and work with intensively over the years.
Working with their Bolivian production partner continuously for the last 18 years - it’s one of their most important relationships, making hand-finished, machine knitted items and highly artisanal, entirely hand-knit products from top-quality llama fibre sourced locally. Rarities in an industry where exploitation is the norm, aiayu provide fair wages, good working conditions and stable jobs to their communities.
Not only are these knits beautiful, durable and timeless – their production supports Bolivia’s growing textile economy, the country’s long tradition of handknit craftsmanship and traditional, small-scale llama producers.
Meet Marcelina
Marcelina is a part of the handknitting community aiayu proudly work with in Bolivia. At 68 years old she’s been knitting for Aiayu for 18 years, embellishing her work with the initials ‘MQ’- for Marcelina Quispe. Marcelina is Aymara – the indigenous people of the Bolivian highlands. She was born in La Paz, and is a single mother of one child. When she isn’t knitting for Aiayu, she sells fresh fruit and vegetables at her stand at the local market.
The word ‘Aiayu’ stems from the Aymara language and translates to spirit or soul. The brand was named as a tribute to the women in Bolivia, who put their heart and soul into making their garments. All aiayu handknitted llama products carry their spirit and traditional craftsmanship – elements that are the heart of aiayu.
