A family-run business, Alicia Adams Alpaca produces sustainable, beautifully crafted textiles and apparel ideal for travel. Founder Alicia Adams answered questions about the family farm, her favorite destinations and the pieces she always packs.
Global Traveler: Is it true your alpaca herd lives in the Hudson Valley?
Alicia Adams: Yes. By raising and managing our own herd of alpacas—more than 200 Suri alpacas, to be exact—our family business controls the entire production chain, from animal care to textile and garment design. That oversight ensures the highest quality while supporting sustainable and ethical production practices.
© Alicia Adams Alpaca
GT: What qualities of alpaca wool make it especially beautiful, durable and distinct from other fibers?
AA: Alpaca fiber is prized for many reasons:
- Softness: Alpaca is exceptionally soft and luxurious, valued for close-to-skin wear.
- Warmth: It is an excellent insulator, keeping you warm even in chilly conditions, which makes it ideal for cold-weather garments.
- Durability: Alpaca fibers are strong and resilient, standing up to frequent use better than many other fibers. They naturally resist wind, stains and moisture, and in warmer climates they can be more comfortable than some other wools because they don’t trap sweat.
- Hypoallergenic: Alpaca is less likely to cause allergic reactions than many other types of wool.
- Sustainability: Alpacas are gentle on pastureland and produce abundant fiber, making them a sustainable source for textile production.
GT: What sustainability features define your products and production methods?
AA: Alpaca fibers are inherently eco-friendly: the animals have a low environmental impact, and the fibers are long-lasting, reducing the need for frequent replacement. Alpacas graze on marginal land that isn’t suitable for many other agricultural uses, so they don’t compete with food crops or more intensive farming. Unlike some other fibers, alpaca production does not require harsh industrial processes, which helps limit pollution. We also partner with skilled artisans in our South American workshops; over more than a decade we’ve built respectful, long-term relationships with local indigenous communities who help craft our pieces.
© Alicia Adams Alpaca
GT: Do you have a favorite travel destination?
AA: I love southern beaches for their palm trees, ocean views and clear waters. Living in Aspen can be cold, so warm seaside destinations are a wonderful way to relax, soak up the sun and unwind.
GT: What place in the world do you dream of exploring?
AA: There are so many destinations on my list. Top choices include Alaska, Nepal and South Pacific locales such as Bora Bora, Fiji, the Great Barrier Reef and New Zealand—each offers unique landscapes, climates and experiences I hope to see.
GT: Which pieces from your collection will you be packing this spring?
© Alicia Adams Alpaca
AA: Our ready-to-wear pieces are silk-soft, warm as evenings chill and easy to pack. I always bring the Maui Wrap because it works as a wrap, scarf, stole or shawl; the featherweight baby alpaca and silk blend makes it perfect for warmer months or year-round travel. I also pack the Lounge Sweatpant—ultra-comfortable and travel-ready. Made from baby alpaca blended with Pima cotton, they have an easy fit and a stylish stripe down each leg. The alpaca fiber keeps you cozy without causing overheating.
GT: Finally—do your alpacas have names?
AA: Yes, every alpaca has a name. Our family takes turns naming them; some favorites include Oreo, Freckles and Captain America.