Kinua Yarns | Slub Wool | Algae

KINUA is a family owned company located in Lima, sister company of Studio Maira Jimena, a well established textile studio. It was born out of Maira’s love for natural fibers and natural dyeing. After living abroad for almost 11 years between New York, London and Paris, Maira decided to come back to Peru.

The KINUA family is composed of 4 full time spinners, 6 hand-knitters, 2 weavers, and more than 5 artisans in charge of recollecting our natural dyeing resources every season. Our approach is based on cooperation, Maira shares all her knowledge on modern textile knitting and weaving techniques while they share their knowledge on ancestral techniques. Each of our product is the result of this strong collaboration.

With studies from world’s most prestigious design school including Parsons School of Design (New York), Central Saint Martins (London) and L’École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne (Paris) she established her studio: a unique space designed to create. Together with her husband Vince, they developed a textile lab where all KINUA yarns until these days are designed and naturally dyed by them. After retiring, Maira’s father, César, a chemical engineer, joined the team. The three of them continued vigorously researching the alchemy behind natural dyeing, exploring color in all its forms and revaluing ancestral techniques in each product they designed.

KINUA, is inspired by Quinua, a small town of Ayacucho, located in the Andes of Perú. It is referred as “the city of the hands that talk” known for the artisans, handmade traditions and picturesque architecture.