Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian National Design Awards Willoughby Design Lookbook, Story 2
Date
Credits
- Willoughby Design 7 Agency
- Ann Willoughby 8 Design Director
- Nicole Satterwhite 7 Art Director
- Annie Hurlbut Copywriter
- Jessica Carpenter Designer
Format
- Book 1098
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Techniques
Dimensions
Printed Pages
Locations Made
PERUVIAN CONNECTION
In 1970, Annie Hurlbut, inspired by Hiram Bingham III, returned from her Yale study abroad in Peru with a hand-knit sweater made by local artisans. That sweater launched her catalog company, Peruvian Connection, now a global women's luxury brand known for its artisan-made apparel with seven retail locations in the US and London. The brand is famous for Andean luxury fibers, alpaca and pima cotton, sophisticated design, and global, museum-quality textiles.
What makes Peruvian Connection's story unique among luxury brands is Annie's business model. Her revenue directly supports women artisans and has helped more than thirty entrepreneurs establish and grow their cottage industries in Peru and South America. Many families are third-generation cottage businesses that have supported hundreds of people over the last 45 years. Willoughby Design has worked with Peruvian Connection for over four decades, helping build a remarkable business that honors and supports artisans while bringing tradition apparel and craftsmanship to American and European audiences.