How Fringe Mod Sparks Love for Lima’s Fashion Scene

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Why Fringe Mod—and This Story—Matters to Oh La Lima

In addition to having a general shopping problem, I have a very specific turtleneck sweater problem. I love the cozy feel of a soft, luxe turtleneck, and I’ve basically been on a lifelong quest to find the perfect cream-colored one.

Since Peru is literally the land of alpaca, I had high hopes. But on my early trips to Lima? Nada. I came up short every time—until, that is, I stumbled across a quite outdated (at that point) article in The New York Times about shopping in Lima. Among other stores, it mentioned a boutique called Susan Wagner.

I jotted it down, paid the boutique a visit, and let’s just say it changed the way I saw fashion in Lima.

Tucked in a neighborhood I barely knew at the time (but now frequent), the boutique wasn’t flashy. It had a ton of avant-garde clothes that I appreciated but that weren’t necessarily a fit for me—someone who lives in mostly casual, simple basics. 

They did, however, have a rack that stopped me in my tracks: a veritable bevy of ultra-chic, ultra-soft, luxurious sweaters from a brand called Fringe Mod.

I was instantly obsessed—the textures, the colors, the effortless elegance—and the prices were very fair.

To date, I’ve purchased four of these sweaters, and honestly, everyone visiting Lima should.

But here’s the thing: it was pretty random that I even found this store and this brand. Lima isn’t Paris or Milan with signs screaming “high fashion here!” As evidenced by the fact that the only resource was a seriously out-of-date article, shopping in Lima requires some digging.

And that’s one, what makes Lima magical—it’s like a hidden city. And two, why I created Oh La Lima.

You dream of coming to Peru and leaving with something that means something—a keepsake, a story, a piece of wearable art. I want Oh La Lima to be your guide to Lima’s fashion treasures, especially the hidden ones.

How One Sweater Led Me to One of Lima’s Best Fashion Brands

When I started writing for Oh La Lima, I knew I had to include Fringe Mod. So I reached out.

And what I found? Let’s just say the story is even more beautiful than the sweaters.

Fringe Mod is the brainchild of Lucy, a former model turned designer, and her son Erick, who now helps run the brand. It’s a family story, a love letter to Peru, and a masterclass in ethical fashion—all rolled into one.

Before launching Fringe Mod, Lucy was a total style icon in Lima. So chic, people would literally stop her in the street to take her photo. She was like an influencer before there was such a thing.

She never meant to become a model, but fate had other plans. She moved to New York in her twenties, worked in fashion, had Erick, and eventually started a brand that sold baby alpaca designs to Barneys and Bergdorf Goodman. No biggie.

Then came marriage, a move to LA, and—after some time—a return to Peru. That’s when Lucy launched Fringe Mod, blending her global experience with her Peruvian roots.

What Makes Fringe Mod Special? Spoiler: It’s All in the Yarn

Fringe Mod designs start with baby alpaca, one of the world’s most luxurious and sustainable fibers. Unlike cashmere (which, yes, looks great but is tough on the environment), alpaca is gentle—on the planet and your skin.

Here’s why alpaca wins:

• Low environmental impact: Alpacas have soft, padded feet that don’t damage the soil.
• Sustainable resources: They need less food and water than cashmere goats.
• Naturally eco-friendly: Alpaca fiber is biodegradable, renewable, and long-lasting.

Fringe Mod collaborates with elite Peruvian mills, renowned for their fully traceable yarns and eco-conscious practices. Some yarns even have zero carbon footprints. And yes, the dyeing process is also sustainable—think ecological dyes and water-saving techniques.

Each garment is hand-finished at their Lima-based atelier. This is intentional fashion—thoughtful, transparent, and artisan-crafted.

From Lima to the World: The Fringe Mod Philosophy

What started as a boutique passion project is now a full-on international brand. But Lucy’s vision hasn’t changed.

“I design for Peru,” she told me. “Peruvians love elegance. They’re not loud dressers, but they want high quality. Understated, but refined.”

That sentiment shines through in every Fringe Mod collection—whether it’s a coastal capsule inspired by beach days in Punta Sal or elevated winter staples that feel like a warm, stylish hug.

Visiting Fringe Mod in Lima? Here’s What to Know

Right now, Fringe Mod’s boutique is on the rooftop of a gorgeous building across from the Huaca Pucllana ruins in Miraflores. It’s part concept store, part café, and fully a vibe.

Later this year (2025), the main boutique is moving to the first floor, transforming into a multi-brand space featuring other Peruvian designers like:

• Susan Wagner (yes, that Susan Wagner mentioned above)
• Sofía Lerner (your new denim obsession)
• Plus: Pima cotton shirts, leather goods, great coffee, and even better views.

Final Thoughts: A Peruvian Fashion Brand With Soul

Lucy didn’t set out to build a fashion empire. She just wanted to create something beautiful and lasting—with ethics, heart, and that indescribable feeling you get when something fits just right.

And with Erick by her side, they’ve built something rare: a brand that’s deeply Peruvian, endlessly wearable, and refreshingly intentional.

Quick Guide to Fringe Mod in Lima

• Location: 3rd floor across from Huaca Pucllana, Miraflores (moving to 1st floor soon!)
• Hours: Monday–Saturday, 11am–7pm
• What to Expect: Luxe alpaca knitwear, hand-finished, small-batch

Have you found any hidden fashion gems in Lima? I’d love to hear about them—drop a comment or tag me on Instagram [@ohlalima].