The Riva Cardigan – Elegance, Comfort, and Natural Luxury for Little Ones
Our Riva Cardigan is a beautifully handcrafted piece made from 100% pure nz alpaca wool, grown and spun right here in New Zealand. With its delicate lace panel detailing down the front and along the sleeves, this cardigan blends timeless design with exceptional softness and warmth—making it a cherished addition to any child’s wardrobe.
Each Riva Cardigan is lovingly handmade by skilled artisans, ensuring not just high quality but also a personal touch that mass-produced garments simply can’t match. Whether worn for a special occasion or as an everyday favourite, the Riva’s elegant style and classic silhouette make it both versatile and memorable.
Crafted from Baby Alpaca Wool
The Riva Cardigan is knitted using premium-grade baby alpaca wool. “Baby” refers to the fineness of the fibre (around 21.5 microns), not the age of the animal, and is known for being luxuriously soft, smooth, and gentle on the skin. It’s an ideal choice for children, especially those with sensitive skin or allergies, as alpaca is naturally hypoallergenic and lanolin-free.
Naturally Comfortable & Practical
Alpaca wool is not only soft—it’s also incredibly functional. It provides outstanding insulation, being up to 30% warmer than sheep’s wool, while also offering excellent breathability and moisture-wicking properties. This means the Riva Cardigan keeps your child warm and cosy in cooler weather without overheating, making it suitable for wear across multiple seasons.
The fibre’s natural resilience means the cardigan resists stretching, pilling, and wrinkling, helping it retain its beautiful shape and texture over time. It’s also naturally odour-resistant and flame-retardant, giving you even more reasons to love alpaca.
Beautifully Detailed
The Riva Cardigan’s standout feature is its elegant lace patterning—an intricate design that adds a sense of delicacy and charm without compromising on practicality. The fitted sleeves and gentle shaping through the body ensure a comfortable fit while still allowing room for movement and layering.
A Treasured Gift or Keepsake
Perfect as a thoughtful gift for birthdays, baby showers, or special occasions, the Riva Cardigan is a piece that’s made to be worn and loved, then handed down through generations. It’s an heirloom-quality garment that speaks to both tradition and modern craftsmanship.