Our Story
Ancient Wisdom meets Sustainable Practice
Manos del Peru designs and produces exclusive, ethically sound collections and fabrics for renowned brands, both locally and internationally. The strength of our own brand relies on the talented local artisans with whom we partner, traveling with us from concept to fruition. Working with ancient techniques passed from generation to generation, the artisans of Manos del Peru are able to transform their families and communities, using their unique handiwork as a bridge to economic independence.
Founded in Lima, Peru in 1982, husband and wife team Rosa Kukurelo and Hugo Vargas created Manos del Peru to live out a young girl’s dream of following in her mother’s footsteps. Thanks to our timeless creations that attract lifelong customers, our family-owned and operated company has been successful for over three decades.
From day one, Manos del Peru became one of the first companies to export luxury apparel made with the finest natural fibers available in Peru. Today, we are proud to be one of the largest producers of handmade fashion in the world. Each piece celebrates the luxurious quality of alpaca, baby alpaca and pima cotton, with pride and dedication woven in.
From our hands to yours,
Rosa and Hugo
Our Management Team
ROSA KUKURELO
CEO
Rosa grew up in a community of hardworking artisans in the highlands of Peru, where she witnessed the ancient techniques of hand weaving and natural thread-dying on a daily basis. She was inspired most by her mother, who designed elaborate traditional wedding dresses. Rosa went on to study public relations in Lima, and later met her husband, Hugo. Together they founded Manos del Peru with the mission to bring indigenous handmade textiles and techniques back from the verge of extinction – which they have been doing for over two decades. In 2004, Rosa earned a business degree from University of the Pacific in Lima.
Pilar Vargas Kukurelo
ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Pilar Vargas, daughter of Rosa and Hugo, has been involved in the family business for as long as she can remember. She grew up watching her parents work, eagerly pitching in where she could. There was no question what she wanted to be when she grew up. She earned a business degree, and later a Human Resource Management certificate from University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. She now works as an administrator for Manos del Peru, meeting with clients and managing orders. She also uses her creative talents to develop new designs, mixing colors, fibers and knitting techniques.
HUGO VARGAS
FINANCE MANAGER
Hugo has been an essential part of Manos del Peru since hatching the business with his wife Rosa. In the early years he made numerous trips to the U.S. to meet with buyers and potential clients, make commercial deals, and establish Manos del Peru as a reliable source for textiles and designs of superior quality and authenticity. His superb negotiation skills, success in securing large orders, and talent for managing all financial responsibilities have been integral to growing our business and keeping it stable for decades.