Scottish Queen of Alpaca Launches New Loungewear Collection

(PRWEB) July 4, 2008 -- Scotland based, luxury knitwear brand Samantha Holmes is embarking on its first foray into loungewear. Since launching her designer label in 2003, specialising in finest quality baby alpaca (http://www.samanthaholmes.com/alpaca-tiny-feet-collection-c-2.html) yarn, her products have seen success throughout the UK independent boutique sector and are now exported to Japan, Australia, New Zealand and Scandinavia.

2008 sees the launch of new ladies' shrugs (bolero style cardigans) and lounge coats to complement the already successful sweaters, bedsocks (http://www.samanthaholmes.com/alpaca-stripey-handknit-bedsocks-p-287.html) and slippers, lavender cushions and hot water bottle covers -- a sumptuous range which will make beautiful, luxurious gifts.

"Baby Alpaca," Samantha claims, "has a unique softness which once experienced converts even the most sceptical anti-wool wearers." In fact, it is not wool, it is camel hair which contains no lanolin, a know allergen in sheep's wool. This together with a lack of prickle factor means that alpaca (http://www.samanthaholmes.com) is wonderful on sensitive skins. It is also extremely hard wearing and has a much higher warmth to weight ratio than other yarns making it great for Winter and yet light enough for cool Summer evenings. A further special benefit is that alpaca wool (http://www.samanthaholmes.com/what_is_alpaca.php) does not ball or 'pill', helping it to keep its new look for much longer.

Samantha works closely with small family businesses in Peru to ensure each item is exclusive and beautifully made by hand. Peruvian knitters have worked with Alpaca for 100s of years since before Inca Times when Alpaca was treasured by Royalty for its unique "buttery" feel and durability. All Samantha's designs are produced on a fair trade basis.

The market for Alpaca is clearly growing as more and more people become aware of its special properties. Samantha prides herself on "the ethical production of luxury alpaca (http://www.samanthaholmes.com/alpaca_gifts_and_accessories.html) garments which are made to last." Her designs are uniquely simple and versatile and the brand has quickly gained equity at the upper end of the luxury gift sector, coining her the title of "Scottish Queen of Alpaca".

Samantha Holmes will be exhibiting at the following trade fairs in 2008:

Home and Gift, Harrogate, 13-16 July 2008, Stand DP2-81

Formland, Messencenter, Denmark 15-18 August 2008

Autumn Fair, NECC Birmingham 7-10 August 2008

Top Drawer Autumn, Olympia London, 14-16 September 2008

Country Living Scotland, SECC, 20-23 November 2008

Editor's Notes:

Samantha Holmes developed her interest in luxury fabrics and traditional craftsmanship while working for a small international importer of cashmere from Nepal. After travelling to Peru and making contacts with small producer groups, Samantha launched her own Alpaca label in May 2003. She has taken a creative slant on the fibre moving away from the more rustic ethnic designs associated with South American crafts and concentrating on classic, universally appealing designs.

Samantha now works with a network of some 500 hand-knitters. She is committed to fair trade and visits the producers each year to ensure that they are fairly remunerated and work in good conditions. Each worker normally knits for no more than 4 to 5 hours a day.

Web : www.samanthaholmes.com

Email : mail @ samanthaholmes.com

Tel : +44 (0) 1436 676777

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