Blogs

Loro Piana’s $9,000 sweaters rely on unpaid farmers in Peru

Mar 16, 2024 | Community News

March 16, 2024

Andrea Barrientos, a 75-year-old subsistence farmer in the Peruvian Andes, participates annually in herding wild vicuñas for miles at high altitudes, shearing them for their valuable wool. The wool, known for its softness and golden-brown color, is highly sought after by luxury fashion brands like Loro Piana, which sells a vicuña sweater for approximately $9,000. However, Barrientos’ Indigenous community of Lucanas, the sole supplier to Loro Piana, receives only about $280 for an equivalent amount of wool, leaving no compensation for Barrientos, who is expected to volunteer her labor.

Loro Piana, owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE and controlled by billionaire Bernard Arnault, has established itself as a symbol of “quiet luxury,” featured prominently in depictions of the wealthy. Despite the brand’s high prices and association with opulence, the individuals like Barrientos who contribute to its supply chain often receive minimal compensation for their labor.

Did you like this article?

Did you like this article?

0 Comments

Latest Posts

U.S. vs. Mexico Set for Epic Gold Cup Final Clash in Houston

The storied rivalry between the United States and Mexico adds another thrilling chapter this Sunday as both teams face off in the 2025 Gold Cup Final at NRG Stadium in Houston. It’s a showdown fueled by pride, passion, and a deep-rooted history in Concacaf...

Salsa on St. Clair Brought the Rhythm—and It’s Not Over Yet!

Downtown Midtown Toronto lit up with colours, rhythms, and laughter as the 21st annual Salsa on St. Clair hit the streets of Hillcrest Village. Close to half a million people poured onto St. Clair Avenue West, between Winona and Christie, making this one of Canada’s...

Events

Related articles