Maqu embraces the fusion of tradition and modernity not only in its design philosophy but also in its production practices. Every product, be it an individual masterpiece or a small series, is meticulously crafted in Germany and Peru, with the studio in Berlin serving as a creative hub. This approach ensures maximum ecological sustainability and a commitment to fairness at every step.
Maqu has forged an intimate relationship with a family in Peru that raises and honours a small Alpaca herd as family members. Alpacas have been integral to Peruvian culture for thousands of years, and Maqu celebrates this rich history by integrating their exceptional wool into handcrafted jumpers.
The brand’s Peruvian Pima cotton is GOTS-certified, sourced and fabricated in Peru in collaboration with a family that still practises handspinning and handweaving. All of Maqu’s partners define their wages themselves.
60% of the brand’s garments are manufactured in Peru, while 40% of the collection is cut, sewn and created in Berlin with three colleagues in the brand’s studio. A small team and regular visits to Maqu’s Peruvian partners mean the brand can ensure fair working conditions.
The brand strongly focuses on natural, sustainable fabrics, including Peruvian Pima cotton, alpaca wool, Tencel Lyocell and GOTS-certified cotton. These fabrics leach no chemicals during production and are biodegradable at the end of their life cycle. All alpaca woollen jumpers are naturally dyed, with other garments being composed of GOTS-certified fabrics. This ensures they do not contain any harmful chemicals. A small amount of Elastane and Polyester padding is used for shoulder pads and to ensure stretch in the brand’s leggings.
Maqu’s shoes are made of latex sourced from the shiringa, or rubber tree, that grows wild in the Amazon rainforest. Its milky sap, called latex, is extracted by hand and turned into rubber sheets. Many indigenous communities thus extract latex in a traditional sustainable way without depleting the population.
Although poly bags are used to protect the garments during overseas transport, the brand combines pieces and shipments to eliminate any unnecessary plastic packaging. Purchases are shipped via DHL Go Green in completely recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Maqu promotes circularity by providing repair services for their garments even years after the initial purchase, extending each piece’s lifespan. Most of their garments are made from monomaterials, utilising natural, biodegradable fabrics free from harmful chemicals. As part of its fabric sourcing strategy, the brand has started incorporating Recovo deadstock fabrics.
About 60% of Maqu’s products are made in Peru, encompassing every step from cultivating raw materials to the final touches on each piece. The remaining 40% are produced in Berlin, utilising sustainable, eco-friendly fabrics sourced from Lebenskleidung, which come from Portugal and India. This approach guarantees a supply chain that is both transparent and relatively short, promoting sustainability.
Maqu has developed a unique relationship with a Peruvian family that considers their small herd of Alpacas as cherished members. These remarkable animals have played a vital role in Peruvian culture for centuries. Maqu pays homage to this rich heritage by incorporating their extraordinary wool into their beautifully crafted jumpers. By embracing the Alpaca’s significance and collaborating with the family, the brand celebrates tradition and demonstrates its commitment to animal welfare, ensuring a sustainable and respectful approach to sourcing materials. The family manages all steps in creating Maqu’s knitted jumpers, from shearing to knitting and dying.
Maqu’s designs are timeless and versatile, ensuring they can be worn from day to night for many years. Despite releasing two collections annually, the brand keeps them small-scale and limited in design. Sales are only available for selected single pieces. Their commitment to longevity is reflected in the brand’s repair services.
Although the brand can ensure fair working conditions and animal welfare, it would be beneficial to customers to have a transparent overview of where raw materials are sourced and with which artisanal partners Maqu collaborates within Peru.
Conclusion
Maqu blends tradition and modernity in its designs and production practices, ensuring sustainability and fairness. They celebrate the rich history of Peruvian culture by integrating the exceptional wool from a family’s cherished Alpaca herd into handcrafted jumpers. With GOTS-certified Peruvian Pima cotton and collaborative partnerships, Maqu prioritises fair wages and working conditions. Their garments are manufactured 60% in Peru and 40% in their own Berlin studio, fostering close relationships with partners.
