Our story
Our Story
One family, three alpacas and a meadow in the valley of the Mandel river in West-Flanders, Belgium, that is how it all started in 2013. It began as a hobby, that soon turned into the well known alpacafarm: Mandel Alpaca's.
Once a year, in spring, the alpacas were shorn. Anja De Brabant and her family were so delighted about the silky softness of the alpaca fleeces they decided it would be a waste not to use them.
What began on a small scale with handmade scarves: soft, fluffy and oh so pleasantly warm, has since grown into Hug & Hum. A belgian knitwear label dedicated to create pure and natural knitwear without chemical treatments and with all of the natural qualities of alpaca.
Today, Hug & Hum is ready to wrap the world in alpaca warmth and cosiness.
Philosophy
Respect for nature and the natural beauty of alpaca fiber, is at the core of Hug & Hum’s story. In order to preserve their insulating qualities and fluffy feel, alpaca fleeces are mainly processed by hand.
After the alpacas are shorn, the fleeces are sorted out by colour and quality. Plant residues and impurities are removed, the so-called skirting. Only the best parts are selected to be spun into the softest yarn.
The knitting is done with the same care and respect for the fibre. By using a stitch that doesn’t pull the yarn too tight, we are able to keep its pure, natural softness.
Ethically crafted
Hug & Hum uses 100% baby alpaca from Peru. That is also where all the spinning and knitting is done. We work together with a knitwear atelier located in Peru, that employs local, socially vulnerable women, allowing them to earn a fair income to support themselves and their families.
By working together with social enterprises we want to bring warmth and softness not only to you, but also to those who make it.