Golden fleece fabulously expensive and buttery soft sweaters may help save the vicuna.

Millions of the llama kin once capered in the Andes,warmed by fluffy coats ideal for high altitudes.The Inca clipped the wool for royal garments,but after the Spanish conquest vicunas were killed for their pelts.By the 1960's only a few thousand survived.As countries protected their herds and international laws banned vicuna products,the animal began to rebound.Vicuna couture is the latest boost.In 1994 Italian luxury clothier Loro Piana started a line using fleece sheared from Peruvian vicunas.Styles are classic.The fabric,usually undyed to preserve its softness,makes even cashmere seem harsh.Other fashion firms have jumped im.The result is a boon for Peru's vicunas-they now number about 150000 up from 62000 in 1981-and for villagers who sell wool from animals they've guarded and sheared.But some wild vicunas are being fenced.Feeding and inbreeding are concerns,poaching is on the rise.Putting vicuna on the runway has its costs.The making of a sweater Starting at age two,a vicuna is sheared every two years or so,yielding seven to eight ounces of fleece-the finest and softest used commercially.