For the Spring/Summer 2014 season, SPINEXPO™ is spotlighting the noble fibres of alpaca and mohair. Soft and silky, naturally absorbent and therefore cool in the warmer months, these luxury animal fibers are ideal for light weight knitwear or elegant woven fabrics.

Alpaca fibre is similar to sheep’s wool, but is hypoallergenic as it has no lanolin. It is stronger than wool, with a partially hollow core that provides thermo-regulation.

The fibers of huacayo alpaca have a natural crimp, making it ideal for knitting. Alpaca fibres come in some 22 natural shades, from true black through browns, fawns and greys; but white is predominant, and dyes well in a large range of colors.

Passion International, one of China’s best-known cashmere companies, has contracted with Peru’s INCA TOP S and KUNA to promote alpaca yarns and garments. According to Bill Zhang, Passion International’s President, “Both companies are keen to promote their products through Passion’s channels, because everyone knows cashmere and alpaca are sisters.”

Made from the hair of the angora goat, mohair is prized for its high lustre and sheen, while being naturally elastic, crease-resistant, and thermo-regulating, keeping the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. Unlike wool, mohair’s scales are only partially formed; this means that mohair is less likely to felt, and dyes extremely well with exceptional depth of color.

Today’s fine-gauge mohair yarns are being developed into sheer, light weight knits and silk-blend suitings for spring and summer. Topline (Ningbo) Textile, part of the Consinee Group, is the world’s largest producer of fine-gauge mohair yarns. These luxury fibres will also be included in the collections of SPINEXPO™ exhibitors such as Meng Yin Seorim Woolen Company, Shilead, Best Shan Company, and many others.

SPINEXPO^TM SHANGHAI
March 12-14, 2013
A special display area will introduce visitors to the history of both fibres, with focus on what can be made out of each fibre, from yarns spinning to woven and knitted fabrics used for garments or upholstery, accessories, toys and so on. Conceived as a live library, the display area will be located near the spinners’ library and the trend lab corner.