Do you love Beautiful Artisanal Knits? Do you enjoy adding a few unique high-quality items to your closet that have staying power? I have long been a fan of Peruvian Connection. I have had some of their collection for years.
This is my first post in my series about women owned companies. Peruvian Connection was launched in 1976 by mother and daughter team Biddy and Annie Hurlbut. Annie took a trip to Peru while studying Anthropology at Yale. She became enchanted with the ethnographic textiles found in the markets and brought her mother a beautiful Andean jacket home for her birthday. Biddy and her friends were fascinated with the sweater. “Soon after, Annie and Biddy began importing a small range of sweater styles, which Annie designed and produced in Peru and Biddy sold from her home in Kansas”. Thus Peruvian Connection was born.
Although the company has grown since that first sweater changed hands, the original goal remains the same: to offer artisan made, original designs in native Andean luxury fibers. This jacket was gifted to me back in 2019 and is still a favorite in my wardrobe. You can read my post One jacket Three Ways here.
Another staple in my winter wardrobe is this beautiful blazer that I wear probably more than any other piece in my entire winter closet. I am not sure when I first shared this beautiful jacket, but this popular post Over 50 Fashion the Collected Look showcased its attributes.
I also featured it more recently in How to Wear One Blazer Eight Ways last January. Their Knit all-season Avery blazer has a very similar cut. If you like the length, but prefer a less fitted look the Pub Jacket is also a nice choice. This jacket is more of an investment piece but the cut is absolutely stunning.
Now let’s talk about what’s new at Peruvian Connection. When I received my most recent catalog in the mail, all I could think was wow. Their new look had me at hello! Recently, Annie formed a collaboration with former Harpers Bazaar editor Glenda Bailey. You can read about Glenda and the collab in this article in Sheer Luxe. Glenda lived near a Peruvian Connection store, admired the beautiful textiles, and thought she would love to collaborate with Annie on a collection. You can find the entire PC X GB collection here. Peruvian Connection kindly gifted me their beautiful Cheetah Dress and silk slip dress.
Before I forget, the Peruvian Connection pima Estreme Turtlenecks are the absolute best on the market in my opinion. I have worn mine to death. Here are some of my favorites from the new collaboration PC x GB
PC x GB Collection
Here are my favorites from the regular collection
Peruvian Connection Favorites
I also featured the gorgeous Cottonwood Cardigan in my Outfit of the Week a couple weeks ago.
I hope you enjoyed my first feature on women owned companies. Annie Hurlbut has now been joined by her daughter in the company. Her beloved mother passed away in 2007. She plans to keep it as a Kansas based family owned company. They now have stores across the country and abroad. You can read more about the history of Peruvian Connection here. Thank you so much for reading Do you Love Beautiful Artisanal Knits.
What a great, informative post. Peruvian Collection cloth items look like they are well made and timeless. How great to have a new company to shop for beautiful one-of-a-kind pieces. Things that are classic are always of interest. You wear everything so well.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
Thanks ! They are a wonderful company!
Cindy – I think you look amazing in the dress. I have the opposite problem – my boobs and navel are getting higher every year!?
I love PC too – I got a dress from them for an ACS Cattle Baron’s Ball that I am involved in. I wore it with a lariot necklace and black goucho hat. You would approve! I don’t get much from them, they are so expensive. But I am glad to know about their underlayer tnecks – I never know where to get those.
Hi Gray
Peruvian Connection items are pricey but of very good quality…you are right.
I have a beautiful Peruvian Connection cardigan that I purchased at their store in Lawrence KS in around 1985 when my daughter was a student at KU. I wear it infrequently because it is Alpaca and very warm. Some winters are just not cold enough but we are expecting some frigid temperatures this coming week and I might just have to get that sweater out! I consider this gorgeous sweater an heirloom that my daughter or granddaughter will have one day. Your pieces are beautiful and suit your style so perfectly!
Diane
Hi Diane
I too have several of their pieces including that jacket that I adore but can’t wear that often do to the cold. Their Pima cotton items are also of such good quality. The older I get the more I appreciate timeless pieces. We still have to meet for coffee or a glass of wine after the holidays!
I love the shop near me ..and have shipped there for years. Prices are much higher now. I have 5 pairs of their rider pants LOVE best fit ever. Also 2 tunic dresses in black and wine…great with tights and boots. A peach nightgown, 2 p dress and belt
Gray fur neck scarf., 2 mock t neck tops (the best) Now I find the styles a bit over the top and I would not use in my life style
Hi Eileen
I have often wanted to try the rider pants but unsure about sizing. I think they still have the classic pieces that we love. I am sure they want their line to appeal to all ages. Prices on clothing are ridiculous in my opinion. I will say that I do not think they have changed the prices on their turtlenecks for years and they are the best.
Oh I love that cheeta dress Cindy – it looks fabulous on you! I’m going to like your women owned companies features too – super interesting! Thanks as always for the wonderful ideas and inspiration, and Happy Holidays!
Hi Barbara
Happy Holidays friend! I am really looking forward to featuring more women-owned companies. I just found one this weekend that I am excited about.
Hi Cindy,
I sent you an email about shops to visit in Paso Robles. I am not sure if you received it.
I know you did a post on Paso Robles. Would you please send me the post or a list of shops to visit in Paso Robles?
Thank you,
Diane
Hi Diane
I am working on a little black book of this area. I did email you my rough suggestions. Let me know what exactly you are looking for and I will be most happy to help.
You are the first article I look for every morning. You are my favorite and inspire me so much. Blessings to you.
Hi Sandy
Thank you so much. I work really hard and do my best. I so appreciate your support.
Cindy, the dress is stunning on you. What a great fit! i bet the the slip dress looks great too! i love the Cottonwood Cotton Cardigan/ duster. The spice and orange and teal paired with black calls my name. But alas, Christmas is around the corner and i need to save my money for the grand kids. I am going to subscribe to the Peruvian Connection catalog though! Have a wonderful holiday!! I look forward to every new post!
Hi Marcia
I love that cardigan too. Maybe someone special will purchase it for you! Happy Holidays friend!!
Thanks for sharing this story! Your choices are stunning. Interesting how designs can be so distinctive but also classic.
Hi Janet
So well said. I couldn’t agree more.
One of my favorite shops in Kansas City. Wonderful service. Unusual knit pieces and not the boring cookie cutter fashions found in a department store. I am lucky to be able to visit often and follow the sales. I have had some sweaters and dresses for years. They are classics but with a twist. Timeless.
Hi Cathie
They had a store in SF when my daughter lived there and I loved popping in. I am not a fan of cookie-cutter as I am sure you know. I love pieces that can reflect the wearer’s personal style. That is what makes fashion fun in my humble opinion.
Thank you for the backstory about The Peruvian Collection. I’ve seen you wear quite a few of their interesting pieces. You look more like Annie Get Your Gun than Peruvian in your midi, boots and hat! I would be seriously interested in the baby alpaca coat if I needed another winter piece. Thanks for the round-up.
Hi Wren
OOOH, Annie get your gun..now you are making me sound way more interesting than I am ha ha. They are such a great company. Look at their reviews consistently good.
OMG Fabulous! that dress is really stunning on you – and with the belt? Oh yeah. Love this post – inspiring!
Hi Diane
The dress is great. I don’t wear many dresses because I am so long-waisted. That is why I have to wear a belt. If the dress fits me in the waist it is too big. My nemisis