Our Founder

Frank W. Michell, the man who brought the Alpaca to the world

THE PIONEER

Our founder

In 1922, Frank W.Michell, a young lieutenant in the Royal British Air Force, arrived in Peru with the idea of getting to know the mysterious Andes first-hand. Of allthe riches he discovered, one in particular captivated him: the alpaca herds spreading out over the mountains andthe weavers spinning the fibre of their fur with incomparable elegance.

In love with Peru andthe Andes, he decided to dedicate his life to the alpaca and the impressive textile tradition practiced by the artisans of these lands, and made a commitment to keep the tradition alive and share it with the world.

Thus, in1931, he founded Michell & Cía. for the sorting and export of alpaca hair, a company that would be the first to offer the world, in a professional and sustained manner, this noble fibre. Also, with a clear vision towards the added value, in 1947 he implemented his first combing and spinning plant, creating the alpaca industry standards, which are now recognized worldwide.

Today, almost one hundred years after his arrival, the legacy of Frank W. Michell transcends, endures and grows, driven by SOL ALPACA, where ancestral textile techniques andthe mastery of weaving are combined with the most advanced technology, and a profound respectfor nature, to produce the finest and most sophisticated designs that make onefeel the warmest embrace of the Andes.

The founder of Michell Group

DISCOVER MORE

THE COMPANY

Today, Michell & Cía. S.A. is the parent company of Michell Group, Peru’s largest alpaca textile corporation, which encompasses everything from breeding alpacas to selling its...

READ MORE

The Legacy OF THE PIONEER

Founded in 2004, SOL ALPACA, the name of the Michell Group’s chain of stores, represents the legacy of Frank W. Michell and the spirit of bringing the highest quality ...

READ MORE

OUR COMMITMENT

As heirs of a rich, ancient culture, we believe in, and are committed to our nation’s development. We are a diverse yet united society that is proud of its traditions and cultural...

READ MORE