Hello, Llama: Eco Housewares from a Danish Design Team

Aiayu (pronouned Eye-aye-you) is a small Danish company devoted to creating sustainable knitwear, designed in Copenhagen and woven in Bolivia. Run by a team of five women, the brand, which has housewares and fashion collections, focuses on creating new classics and keeping its production simple and transparent. In 2009 and 2012, Aiayu won Denmark’s Ethical Brand of the Year prize. “Ethical fashion means being socially aware and style conscious at the same time,” say the company founders.

Above: Aiayu focuses on one material–top quality llama wool–and produces its designs in El Alto, Bolivia, where the fleece and weaving and knitting expertise come from. All of Aiayu’s products are made in one factory that employs 80 and uses mostly natural colors in lieu of dyes. 

All of Aiayu’s designs are available directly from the company’s online shop, as well as from retailers in the US (including ABC Home and Carpet, Ochre, and Erica Tanov), Europe, and Japan. The Aiayu site also lists webshops for each of its products.

Above: Llama fleece is notable for being exceptionally lightweight and soft, and the variety Aiayu uses has long fibers that makes it less prone to pilling. The Illimani throw is hand knit from baby llama wool in natural colors, and measures 130 by 160 centimeters; €376.

Above: In addition to knitwear, Aiayu makes organic cotton bed linens. The Aiayu Sleep Double Set comes with a double duvet cover and two pillowcases and costs €207.20. It’s available in four colors, including Ash, shown here. 

Above: The Main pillow cover is 100 percent baby llama wool; it’s available in three color combinations and two other geometric patterns; €87.20, not including an insert.

Above: The ribbed Havana throw, 150 by 180 centimeters, is slightly larger and lighter than Aiayu’s other throws; €256.

Above: The Hollie throw, 130 by 160 centimeters, has a herringbone pattern and gently zigzagging edges. It’s available in six bright colors and six natural shades for €256. 

Above: Aiayu also offers a fashion collection, including socks, scarves, and sweaters, made of llama wool.

Above: Aiayu’s designs are produced in the highlands of Bolivia, 4,000 meters above sea level, an area with a centuries-old knitting tradition. All of the llama wool is sourced locally.

More throw blankets? See 10 Textural Throws and, for pink mohair, go straight to Pink Is the Navy Blue of India.

Looking for summer blankets? See 10 Easy Pieces: Lightweight Cotton Blankets. And while we’re on the subject, have a look at 7 Secrets to Making the Perfect Bed.