Behind the Photoshoot: A Day Shooting in Cusco, Peru

Behind the Photoshoot: A Day Shooting in Cusco, Peru

Capturing the Spirit of Fall and Spring in the Heart of the Andes

Every Krimson Klover collection begins with inspiration. But bringing a collection to life takes more than sketches and samples. It takes movement, atmosphere, people, and place.

For our Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 photoshoot, that place was Cusco, Peru.

Surrounded by dramatic mountain landscapes, historic architecture, vibrant colors, and rich cultural texture, Cusco became the perfect backdrop for the next chapter of Krimson Klover. From early morning light at Saqsaywaman to colorful streets winding through the city, every location helped tell the story behind the collection.

And behind the camera was an incredible local team that made the experience even more meaningful.

Starting the Morning at Antigua San Blas

The day began early at Antigua San Blas, our hotel tucked into one of Cusco’s most charming neighborhoods.

Coffee cups in hand, we gathered to review the product line, organize looks, and prepare for the day ahead. Sweaters, lightweight layers, prints, and styling pieces were carefully unpacked as the team mapped out the shoot location by location.

There’s always a certain energy at the beginning of a shoot day. Equal parts excitement, creativity, and organized chaos.

And in Cusco, that energy felt even more special.

Working alongside local photographer Miguel, who is from Peru, gave the shoot a deeper sense of connection to the landscape and culture around us. His understanding of the light, the city, and the rhythm of Cusco shaped so much of the day.

We were also joined by twin sisters Qoyllor and Chaska, both from Cusco, who brought incredible warmth, energy, and authenticity to the shoot. Watching them move naturally through places they know so well added something impossible to manufacture.

Shooting Fall Sweaters at Saqsaywaman

Our first stop was Saqsaywaman, the historic Incan ruins overlooking Cusco.

The night before, rain had rolled through the city, leaving the morning slightly overcast with soft clouds hanging over the mountains. For photographers, it was perfect.

The light high above the city felt diffused and dramatic, creating the ideal backdrop for our Fall 2026 sweaters and knitwear.

As we moved through the stone pathways and open landscapes, the textures of the collection came to life against the ancient rock walls and sweeping mountain views. Rich knit textures, earthy color palettes, and detailed patterns felt naturally at home in the environment.

There was something powerful about photographing mountain-inspired knitwear in a place so deeply connected to history, craftsmanship, and nature.

Overlooking Cusco at San Cristóbal Church

From Saqsaywaman, we made our way to San Cristóbal Church, perched high above the city.

The view overlooking Cusco was breathtaking. Terracotta rooftops stretched across the valley while dark clouds moved slowly over the surrounding mountains.

The contrast between the dramatic skyline and the softness of the collection created some of our favorite moments from the day.

This part of the shoot felt elevated and cinematic. The architecture, the texture of the stone streets, and the layered mountain backdrop all added depth and atmosphere to the imagery.

The Blue Doors and Streets of Cusco

After shooting above the city, we headed down into the streets of Cusco.

Some of the best moments during a photoshoot happen unexpectedly while moving between locations, and Cusco offered inspiration around every corner.

We stopped in front of a set of bold blue doors that immediately caught our attention. The saturated color against the neutral tones of the collection created a striking contrast that felt distinctly Peruvian while still feeling modern and editorial.

Nearby, we found a beautiful stairwell leading deeper into the city. The textures, worn stone, layered architecture, and movement of the streets below created a completely different energy from the open mountain landscapes earlier in the morning.

That balance between nature and city became one of the defining themes of the shoot.

A Stairway Full of Color

Our final location brought us back toward the paths leading up to Saqsaywaman.

One stairway in particular stood out immediately, lined with colorful posts, flowers, textured walls, and vibrant details synonymous with Peru. It felt alive with movement and color.

For Spring 2027 styles, the setting could not have been more perfect.

The bright tones of the city paired beautifully with lightweight layers, prints, and transitional pieces designed for movement and travel. Every corner felt visually rich, layered with texture and personality.

As the afternoon light shifted, the city itself became part of the styling story.

Wrapping the Day in the Heart of Cusco

After a full day of shooting across Cusco, we wrapped production and headed into the main square for a late team lunch together.

Tired, inspired, and surrounded by camera rolls full of imagery, it was one of those moments that reminded us why storytelling matters so much in fashion.

A photoshoot is never just about clothing.

It’s about capturing a feeling.
A place.
A moment in time.

Cusco brought all of that to life in a way we’ll never forget.

And as these Fall 2026 and Spring 2027 collections begin making their way into the world, we’re excited to share not just the pieces themselves, but the places, people, and experiences that helped shape them.

Spring Summer Sweaters
Spring Summer Sweaters

Spring Summer Sweaters

Dresses
Dresses

Dresses

Tops
Tops

Tops

Bottoms
Bottoms

Bottoms

Women’s Baby Alpaca Sweaters from Peru | Artisan Peruvian Sweaters
Women’s Baby Alpaca Sweaters from Peru | Artisan Peruvian Sweaters

Women’s Baby Alpaca Sweaters from Peru | Artisan Peruvian Sweaters

Women’s Ski Base Layers & Performance Tops | Base Layers
Women’s Ski Base Layers & Performance Tops | Base Layers

Women’s Ski Base Layers & Performance Tops | Base Layers

Ski Sweaters
Ski Sweaters

Ski Sweaters

Jackets & Vests
Jackets & Vests

Jackets & Vests

Keep pulling the Krimson thread...

Krimson Klover founder Rhonda Swenson smiling and posing with her Australian Shepherd dog.

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