PIMALINDA

Homebase: Lima, Peru

OWNER: Gabriela Mavros

DESIGNERS: Gabriela Mavros and Norma Puga Capelli

Sizes: 6 months to 6 years; Wholesale prices: $9-$38

Before opening Pimalinda, the couture knitwear collection Gabriela Mavros launched in 2007, she had an enviable head start. For 25 years, she was a Peruvian diplomat serving as Commercial Attaché in Europe and Latin America.   "As a Commercial Attaché, I established professional relationships with targeted private and government markets to develop commercial export, investment opportunities, and tourism.   I also assisted Peruvian entrepreneurs in developing market strategies to introduce products and services overseas," says Mavros.

"The Peruvian Textile Industry is recognized worldwide for its high-end finishing and for the wonderful Pima Cotton and Alpaca fibers.  During my first year in the U.S., I researched the opportunities available to increase the exports of Peruvian children's garments into this market. As a result of this research, and with the help of a close friend and owner of Capelli, I developed the Pimalinda line.   Capelli is one of the best knitting factories in Peru, specializing in hand finishing high-end knitted garments, with clients such as I Pinco Pallino and Oscar de La Renta," says Mavros.

Mavros chose the name "Pimalinda" for her business because "Pima cotton is a luxury fiber that's prized around the world for its silky soft feel, brilliant luster, and durability." In Spanish, the word linda means 'beautiful,' 'exquisite,' and 'fine.'" Therefore Pimalinda: "fine elegant garments with unique handmade details for girls and babies in organic and top quality Peruvian Pima cotton."

Mavros' fall/winter 2009-2010 collection is inspired by "long weekend visits to  "Chaclacayo," a small town 45 minutes from Lima, that is known for its wonderful weather. The line features Pima cotton dresses with hand-embroidered designs in green, blue, red, yellow and orange, knit in rectangular and square-forming geometric patterns. Our knitted dresses and jumpers are designed to be worn with our matching mercerized Pima cotton turtlenecks, leggings and capes," says Mavros. 

Red, white and navy looks fresh when knit in the classic herringbone weave, and that cape is right on trend. Team the piece with either dress or pop it over jeans for a chic, casual ensemble.

The windowpane plaid in black and white or leaf green makes a bold statement.

Pumpkin makes a comeback in these pretty, feminine knits.

Pimalinda fans looking for a sneak peak at the Spring/Summer 2010 collection will have to wait. Mavros did reveal that she's introducing the company's first collection using 100 percent organic cotton as well as Pima cotton and that the new garments are inspired by "the colors of our coast: the desert, the white houses on the beach, the green and orange of the gardens, our dark blue ocean and the red and yellow of our beautiful sunset." Stay tuned.

For more information, visit www.pimalinda.com.

Originally published July 27, 2009