Kero was founded in 2001 in Lima by Mariella Gonzales, who named the brand after the Tiahuanaco ceremonial vessels she had loved as a child while spending time with her grandfather. The family-run house specialises in fully-fashioned knitwear in fine alpaca and Pima cotton, with yarns hand-painted in spools that can carry up to sixty colours and finished by more than two hundred Peruvian artisans. Certified by Peru's Fair Trade seal since 2014, Kero spotlights handcraft through multi-coloured fringe skirts, crochet pieces and jacquard prints, and has shown at Copenhagen Fashion Week alongside other Peruvian designers.
Where to Buy 2
Retailer list compiled from public information; actual availability may vary.
Timeline4
2001—2019·18 yrs
- 2001
Kero Founded in Lima
Designer Mariella Gonzales founds Kero in Peru, drawing on Andean textile traditions and pre-Columbian motifs.
- 2008
Lima Fashion Week Debut
Kero presents at Lima's emerging fashion week circuit, gaining recognition for its blend of craft and contemporary cuts.
- 2013
International Export Push
The brand begins selling through international boutiques, presenting Peruvian craftsmanship to a wider audience.
- 2019
Sustainable Craft Focus
Kero formalises its commitment to local artisan partnerships and natural alpaca and pima cotton sourcing.
