Once reserved for royalty, soft honey-toned vicuña boasts a rich history. As we celebrate 175 years of working with this exceptional fibre, we look at what makes it so special.

What is Vicuña?

Imagine an animal so graceful it inspired Inca royalty to reserve its fleece for themselves. The vicuña is a slender camelid native to the high Andes mountains of South America. These gentle creatures, related to the llama and alpaca, thrive in the harsh, oxygen-depleted environment. Their unique double coat protects them from the elements – the coarse outer layer shields them from the sun and wind, while the incredibly fine inner layer provides exceptional warmth. This inner layer, meticulously shorn every two to three years, becomes the vicuña fibre we treasure.

A Legacy Woven in Time

In 1849, James Johnston, embarked on a pioneering journey. He recognised the potential of vicuña, its unparalleled softness, and its luxurious warmth. Experimenting with this exotic fibre, he soon mastered its unique properties. This dedication culminated in a triumph at the Great Exhibition of London in 1851, where Johnstons of Elgin won an award for our ‘exquisite vicuña shawls’. Since then, vicuña has remained a cornerstone of our heritage.

Former Johnstons of Elgin Chairman ES Harrison described vicuña as 'the finest and softest wool in existence' and detailed its colourfast nature.

In the 1940s, he wrote, 'Of all the natural colours I know, vicuña is the fastest and shows the least variation. So strong is the colour that only very dark dyed shades can be produced, and it is difficult to get even a black that does not show a shimmer of brown or a navy that is not a little peacock in tone.'

To this day, we don’t bleach or dye our vicuña, utilising its natural caramel hue in our designs. After 175 years, vicuña remains a highlight of our collections, with scarves and stoles woven in this unique fibre inside our own Scottish weaving mill.

Beyond Breathtaking

Vicuña's luxurious texture and instantly recognisable caramel hue make it a statement addition to any wardrobe and a timeless investment. Choose a scarf for a distinctive touch of warmth, or opt for a stole to cocoon in the indulgent fabric. Vicuña also pairs beautifully with other natural fibres, such as cashmere and wool.

How Do I Care for Vicuña?

Vicuña, like all fine natural fibres, requires gentle care to maintain its beauty and longevity.

· Dry Clean Only. Avoid washing your vicuña garments at home. Opt for professional dry cleaning to ensure the delicate fibres are treated with care.

· Store with Love. When not in use, store your vicuña pieces in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use breathable storage bags to deter moths and other insects.

· Respect the Fibre: Vicuña is incredibly soft, but it's not indestructible. Avoid snagging - for example, on sharp jewellery - and rough handling. Treat your vicuña garments with care, and they will reward you with years of luxurious wear.