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In Lima’s sunlit ateliers, a quiet revolution in female empowerment in fashion is taking shape. Founded in 2014 by Peruvian entrepreneur Raffaella Raffo, Capittana is a women-led fashion brand that embodies the belief that style can be both exquisite and socially transformative.
The name Capittana—meaning female captain—is a mission in itself. From day one, Raffo envisioned more than a label; she imagined a community. Each piece is handmade in Peru by single mothers and local artisans who transform fabric into futures, using their skills to achieve financial independence. In this way, every bikini, dress, or kaftan is an emblem of Peruvian craftsmanship and personal empowerment.
Sibling team Raffaella and Stefano Raffa launched Capittana in 2014 as an ode to Peruvian women. Available in markets across Latin America, the U.S., Europe, and Asia. Capittana’s hand-knit swim and resortwear wardrobe redefines delicate femininity for summer style all year long.
With a showroom in Miami, Capittana’s crocheted swimwear employs women artisans from the local community who hand-craft each piece for the ultimate slow fashion summer staple. In Miami’s eclectic Wynwood Arts District, the showroom embodies the brand’s emphasis on sustainability.
Not only does Capittana embrace sustainability pillars like fair wages and decent employment, but it’s committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Upcycled materials, water recovery resources used during production, and recycled cardboard in packaging are just some of the ways Capittana reduces waste to meet the expectations of increasingly eco-minded consumers. All collections, from textured bikinis to knitted dresses, are produced in limited batches to avoid over-manufacture-related waste.
Capittana harkens Italy’s sun-drenched shores, Greece’s white-washed island homes, and Latin American florals with global-inspired collections. Sole, La Dolce Vita, Postcards from Greece, and Bajo El Sol are all nods to the world’s most iconic vacation destinations. From Sole, the Patsie Roses Cover-Up is a transparent crocheted midi-dress, with blue-shaded roses embodying the ocean ripples of the Mediterranean. In Postcards from Greece, metallic bikinis, knitted skirts, and maxi dresses reflect the pastels of a Mykonos sunset. Bajo El Sol, with bikinis crocheted with hot pink and orange flowers and rainbow-striped coverups, are reminiscent of Peruvian foliage and tropical vibes.
Whether your vacay aesthetic is Euro summer or sultry palm-tree sands, Capittana’s summer wear has something for everyone.
At the heart of Capittana’s mission is a deep commitment to social responsibility and community empowerment. By celebrating handmade artistry and employing local artisans in Peru, Capittana not only preserves cultural heritage but also uplifts the communities it calls home. Their vision of female empowerment extends far beyond fashion; it’s a movement that resonates globally. Its designs are stocked in over 15 countries, carried by retailers such as Nordstrom, Revolve, Bloomingdale’s, Free People, and Anthropologie.
Capittana’s influence on female empowerment in fashion comes from more than just employment opportunities. It’s about redefining beauty, confidence, and success through clothing that tells a story. This is Peruvian fashion that elevates, not just aesthetically, but socially.
Capittana shapes the next chapter of ethical fashion brands by proving that handmade in Peru can be both globally desired and deeply rooted in local heritage. For women who seek beauty with meaning, this is more than fashion; leadership, artistry, and empowerment, worn with pride.
In every stitch, a story. In every thread, a captain.
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