On the first day of Berlin Fashion Week, Maqu unveiled its Fall/Winter 2026 collection, La Dama del Cacao, a masterful exploration of contemporary Peruvian minimalism. This capsule collection is a testament to material innovation, embodying a thoughtful design philosophy that marries textile memory and regenerative principles.
Crafted from luxurious alpaca yarns, organic cotton, and pioneering biomaterials, each piece is a result of meticulous hand-knitting techniques and artisanal machinery. Staying true to the essence of Peruvian Minimalism, the collection is designed with versatility and timelessness in mind, allowing for unique expressions across different bodies and wearing contexts.
Photos by Ben Mönks for BFW @benmoenks
@berlinfashionwe @fashioncouncilgermany @senwienbe
At the heart of the collection lies Cacao Leather, an exceptional bio-based leather born from the by-products of the cocoa industry. This innovative vegan material is dyed with Achiote, a natural pigment revered across the Andes and Amazon for centuries. Cacao Leather not only encapsulates the intersection of biotechnology and sustainability but also pays homage to cultural heritage, ushering in a new material lexicon in the world of fashion.
The colour palette is an homage to nature’s bounty, featuring a harmonious blend of earthy tones, soft beiges, rich cocoa browns, and serene shades of blue. This collection is a quintessential interpretation of Peruvian minimalism—an aesthetic that prioritises material integrity and the beauty of the design process.
The brand hosted Maqu Lab, a captivating live presentation at the Peruvian Embassy in Berlin, unveiling the collection alongside an art exhibition that further explores biomaterial research. This event served as a vibrant crossroads where contemporary Peruvian minimalism encounters European sophistication, celebrating the artistry of design with a transcontinental vision.
Mark your calendars, pre-orders for La Dama del Cacao will be available from February 2nd during BFW, with regular sales launching on bymaqu.com and select stores in September 2026.
Congratulations to Maqu and designer Marisa Fuentes Prado on a beautiful collection that not only adorns but narrates the profound stories embedded in culture and craft.
Founded in 2017, Maqu operates as a pioneering laboratory for ethical research in textile experimentation. The brand, led by the visionary Peruvian designer Marisa Fuentes Prado, collaborates closely with artisans, producers, and researchers in both Peru and Germany. Maqu aims to redefine the relationship between history, culture, and design, creating fashion that transcends mere clothing and invites dialogue through each story it tells.
