Hortensia (pronounced H OH R-TEHNN-SEE-AH) is a Franco-Peruvian accessories & knitwear brand inspired by traditional Andean weaving, the warmness of alpaca wool and the people behind the brand.

Hortensia was born out of the desire to show the rest of the world the unique designs that Peru has to offer.
Following the steps of three generations of knitters, designers Elizabeth Tola and Michelle Peglau carry on a legacy of quality and tradition with meticulous attention to style, comfort and timelessness.

Each piece is entirely handmade by skilled artisans for whom knitting has been a live hood for generations. To maintain these traditions alive and enable a sustainable environment for the artisans is a major goal for the company.  
Hortensia feels as good as to wear as it does to create.

Fusing traditional knitting techniques, the unique qualities of alpaca wool and the designer’s chic aesthetic, the collection comes together in a display of luxurious, wearable pieces shown in endless textures and colors, designed for the active, stylish urbanites.

The Designers
Hortensia is the invention of Elizabeth Tola & Michelle Peglau, mother and daughter that share the same passion and love for their home country Peru.

The name Hortensia comes from Peglau’s great aunt, an avid knitter raised in France & Peru. It also means Hydrangea in Spanish.

 
Elizabeth is based in Lima and Michelle in New York. With a strong design background and the desire to show the rest of the world what Peru has to offer, they decided to take the leap and started Hortensia Handmade.

 With only three knitters, Hortensia started making their signature scarves and hats for stores such as Henri Bendel and Oak in New York City.  The rest is history, Hortensia is now sold internationally in the U.S, Canada, Japan and the UK.
Their team of knitters has become a small coop that helps artisans sustain and care for their families all year round.

Alpaca wool
The alpaca wool used in our designs comes from the Andes in Peru. Alpaca wool is more rare than cashmere. Its thick coat grows as an adaptation of the extreme environment. It is considered a scarce, unique and luxury material due to its remarkable characteristics:

Thermal quality
Alpaca fiber is hollow, thereby providing excellent thermal properties.
Non-Allergic: Alpaca is free from lanolin making it hypoallergenic and non-itchy.

Softness
Alpaca clothing is comfortable, light and much more breathable than wool or cashmere.
Durability: Alpaca wool is stronger and warmer that merino wool. The fiber is naturally resistant to pilling, wrinkling and staining.

Texture
Exceptionally light, alpaca garments display an excellent drape.

Caring for your alpaca wool
We recommend you to dry clean your alpaca item. Twice per season should be more than enough. Another option is to hand wash in cold water using a soft detergent; lay the item flat surface to dry.