Vicuna: The Jewel in Johnstons of Elgin’s Crown

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Vicuna - Vicuña in its native Spanish - is regarded as one of the rarest and most exquisite textile fibres in the world. Sourced from the fine undercoat of a wild South American camelid, this extraordinary fibre measures just 11- 13.5 microns in diameter, placing it among the very finest known to humankind. Its touch is almost weightless, its texture impossibly soft. In the days of the Inca Empire, garments made from vicuña were reserved exclusively for royalty.

 

At Johnstons of Elgin, our relationship with vicuña stretches back more than 175 years. In 1849, James Johnston recognised the remarkable qualities of this precious fibre and pioneered its introduction to British textile manufacturing. His vision and dedication culminated in international acclaim when, in 1851, Johnstons of Elgin was awarded for “exquisite vicuña shawls” at the Great Exhibition in London. It was a defining moment in our history, establishing a legacy of craftsmanship that continues to this day.

Our approach to working with vicuña is as meticulous now as it was in the nineteenth century. Woven in our own Scottish mill, every piece showcases the fibre’s naturally rich caramel hue - left entirely untouched by bleach or dye. This distinctive tone, valued since the 1940s for the way it retains its depth and richness, feels as relevant today as it did then. Vicuña’s understated beauty does not shout for attention; it quietly commands it. Its softness, unmatched even by the most luxurious cashmere, is something that must be felt to be truly understood. Those fortunate enough to handle vicuña speak of its rare, cloud-like texture and the gentle warmth it imparts without weight or bulk.

Part of what makes vicuña so exceptional is its rarity. The animals roam wild in the Andes, and their precious fibre can only be collected under strict conservation protocols. Each piece we produce requires not only skill and patience but also the appropriate CITES documentation for international export, ensuring full compliance with global wildlife protection measures. This scarcity adds to the magic - owning a vicuña stole or scarf is not simply a purchase, but an investment in a piece of textile history.

Vicuña deserves the same care it inspires. It should be entrusted only to specialist dry cleaners, stored in breathable bags, and kept away from prolonged exposure to light. With proper care, a vicuña piece will retain its beauty for decades, becoming not just an accessory but a treasured heirloom.

Today, as in 1849, vicuña remains the pinnacle of our fibre expertise. At Johnstons of Elgin, we weave not only with yarn but with heritage, artistry, and respect for nature. The result is a textile so rare and exquisite that it transcends fashion, offering something far more enduring - an experience of pure, unadulterated luxury.

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