Weich Couture Alpaca: PACO

Soft Toy Silver Grey M

An alpaca with remarkably good manners

Paco sits there, looks pleasantly around the room and, naturally, wears a bow tie. Frankly, that is already quite a strong case for giving him a place at home. The Paco soft toy by WEICH Couture Alpaca is a handcrafted alpaca made from 100% Royal Alpaca fur, combining the wonderfully tactile appeal of a cuddly toy with the character of a decorative home accessory. In size Medium, Paco measures approximately 30 cm high and 25 cm wide. Silver Grey moves gently between soft grey, cream and natural tones depending on the light, allowing the subtle natural sheen of the dense Huacaya alpaca fur to come through beautifully. His little ears, friendly face and black signature bow tie in silk give him plenty of personality, while a filling of 100% foam helps him retain his upright shape. Place Paco on an armchair, shelf or sideboard and he will sit there quite happily without losing his composure the moment nobody is looking. Touching is, of course, very much part of the experience: the fine alpaca fur feels exceptionally soft and dense. Paco arrives in a fabric bag and makes an unusual gift for adults as well as a cuddly companion for older children. The soft toy is not suitable for children under three years of age.

Soft enough to cuddle, handsome enough to stay on display

Paco is the sort of housemate who asks for very little yet somehow attracts plenty of attention. His calm Silver Grey colouring sits naturally alongside pale interiors, warm neutrals and understated materials, while the black silk bow tie adds a small, rather dapper contrast. It is precisely this balance that makes the alpaca soft toy so appealing: Paco need not be confined to a child's bedroom. He is equally at home on a bedroom bench, amongst books on a shelf or occupying the best chair in the room with suspicious confidence.

The material adds another dimension. Royal Alpaca fur has a natural sheen and contains very little lanolin. Alpaca fibre is also naturally dust-repellent, low-linting and almost entirely resistant to pilling. Paco therefore requires refreshingly little fuss when it comes to care. Gently shaking and carefully vacuuming the fur from time to time is usually sufficient, while occasional brushing with a suitable fur brush helps retain its natural appearance and lustre. For heavier soiling, the manufacturer recommends professional cleaning.

His story begins rather high above sea level

WEICH Couture Alpaca grew from a connection between a German brand idea and traditional craftsmanship in Peru. The story began with founder Jannik Weich's travels through Peru and his fascination with alpacas, their remarkable fibre and the lives of the people in the Andes. Together with David Kuttschrütter, that experience developed into WEICH Couture Alpaca. For its fur products, the brand works with specialist partners and workshops in Peru and uses Royal Alpaca quality.

The provenance of the fur is an important part of that story. According to WEICH, alpacas are not killed specifically for their hides. The brand uses hides from animals that have died naturally or hides arising as a by-product of meat production. Alpaca farming in the Peruvian highlands is traditionally centred around wool, often within comparatively small herds. This attention to material, origin and craftsmanship gives Paco a story with rather more substance than his exceptionally photogenic hairstyle might initially suggest.

Charming alone. Apparently happier with company.

Being inspired by a herd animal, Paco is unlikely to object to a little company. At LIVOSY, you can pair him with other pieces from WEICH Couture Alpaca, including Milo the rabbit, the Calmo and Amor hot-water bottles, the Cesar wash bag and the Todo valet tray. Paco himself is also available in a selection of natural shades, making it easy to bring several characters together. Silver Grey is particularly calm and versatile, sitting beautifully alongside cream, beige, warm woods, dark accents and other natural materials.

Perhaps Paco will remain impeccably positioned on an armchair. Perhaps he will regularly be borrowed for a cuddle. Most likely, both will happen. That is rather the point: this alpaca soft toy does not need to choose between plush companion, thoughtful gift and home accessory. Paco can simply be Paco – wonderfully soft, quietly cheerful and remarkably well dressed for an alpaca.