COLLECTION BOOK
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Contents Change by Design 5
Knits 7
Collection 8
Fair Made 16
A lpaca Wool 18
Contact 20
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CHA NGE BY DESIGN Younica embraces quality and equality. Younica loves life reflected in beauty. Welcome to Younica. Younica gives the rich artisanal traditions of Latin America a contemporary original form. Younica believes in sustainability, in creating change by design. We aim to empower local artisans by providing them with new markets, giving the world a chance to appreciate their distinctive craftmanship and natural materials. The unique jewellery and accessories they create are marked by the fresh, original style of Younica designers. Our organisation is based in the Netherlands and Peru. We are a globally aware, cross-cultural team who share the same vision and are committed to growing collectively.
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COLLECTION
KNITS The Knits collection is made up of beautiful, uniquely designed ponchos, scarves and hats. Every single product is hand-woven and hand-made out of the best quality alpaca and baby alpaca wool. Younica works with local ‘artesanos’, artisans in the Peruvian knitting tradition. Their techniques have been carried on from generation to generation, and now their artisanry can be appreciated in a new way. Our collection brings the best of two worlds together: through a personal approach and design process we reunite traditional Peruvian knowledge, skills and materials with unique modern design. We personally select and train our knitters to make sure that all our items are made according to our high quality standards. The Knits collection is an imaginative and irreplicable combination of materials, technique and colour. A pleasure to the eye and an ‘abrazo’- embrace - to wear.
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C O L L E C T I O N knits
sca r f do u ble material
fine alpaca wool
code
wi–041
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COLLECTION LUCKY
ha T basic material
fine alpaca wool
code
wi–002
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COLLECTION LUCKY
ha T t r en z as material
fine alpaca wool
code
WI–008
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C O L L E C T I O N knits
ha T flowe r material
fine alpaca wool
code
wi–014
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C O L L E C T I O N knits
sca r f basic material
fine alpaca wool
code
wi–024
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COLLECTION LUCKY
sca r f octop u s material
fine alpaca wool
code
wi–028
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COLLECTION LUCKY
sca r f poncho material
fine alpaca wool
code
wi–033
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C O L L E C T I O N knits
T r en z as material
fine alpaca wool
code
wi–044
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Y o u nica
FAIR MA DE empowerment
Younica believes in sustainable development by offering high-standard products and production. This results in uniquely designed, quality jewellery and accessories. The extraordinary character of each product is based on three values: high quality materials, original design and local craftsmanship.
Younica operates according to fair business principles. Not by simply operating under an abstract fair trade label but through ethical agreements between Younica and its designers and suppliers. We believe in honest and sustainable cooperation which results in market entry, capacity-building, fair pricing and ultimately, empowerment.
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Y o u nica
Producers skills and traditions
Younica believes in the artistic skills and traditions of Latin American artisans, which are passed on from one generation to the next. Instead of disappearing, their skills can be adapted to the ever-changing demands of the market without the loss of their identity and originality.
We are pleased to introduce these producers to you. Meet one of them: Sonia. Sonia is an artist from Peru. She loves to create beautiful ornaments. She is eager to explore the possibilities outside her own country but she has no access to our markets. Younica provides the personal attention and professional connections she deserves. To Sonia and many others.
Younica joins together with local producers, by showing them our own imaginative designs and encouraging them to combine their unique cultural legacy with our fresh creative vision.
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Y o u nica
The softness of alpaca wool today and in the time to come
In the time of the Incan empire, alpaca fiber was reserved for the use of royalty only. With our collection we invite you to experience this same royal look and feel. Today and in the time to come.
Alpaca yarn is light and silky soft, with an appealing sheen and superior thermal properties. Many claim that alpacas have more natural colors than any other fiber-producing animal, with 22 basic colours ranging from white to reddish to brown and to black, plus many variations and blends. We mainly use natural colours in our collections. It complements our designs and also protects the local natural environment from pollution due to chemical dyeing.
(quotations Marcia Lewandowski, 2005)
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Y o u nica
THE A RT OF KNITTING since pr-hispanic times
Traditional Andean knitting is an artform steeped in the rich heritage of the ancient Incan Empire. It represents a celebration of the style and customs of a people unique among other cultures of the world. Andean knitters have used alpaca fibers to craft their textiles since pre-Hispanic times and are masters in working with this high-quality material.
Younica wants to challenge the impersonality of massproduced clothing and accessories. We respect the art of knitting, so rich in the culture it represents and the superior skill required.
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GET IN TOUCH
Contact Younica Karperweg 5 1075 LA Amsterdam The Netherlands –––– info@younica.nl –––– Saskia van Erven +31 624 777 241 saskia@younica.nl Arja Boon +31 644 185 048 arja@younica.nl –––– CoC: 34315135 Tax: NL164074235B01
Credits Photography
Fred Tigelaar Photography Peru
Saskia van Erven, Arja Boon Copywriter
Maya Taal Graphic design
Urform Studio
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www.younica.nl
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