We aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Creating ethical and responsible products that positively transform the local communities in which we operate is an incredibly important part of what we do.

We are constantly monitoring the areas that need improvement and taking steps to improve - from reducing our carbon footprint to safeguarding the well-being of our artisans.

As we all know, lasting change doesn't occur overnight. We are just at the beginning of our journey.

Our master weavers make hats using the fiber that is extracted from the toquilla palm. Handcrafted from start to finish, each hat features its own, completely unique design. The making of a Toquilla straw hat takes anywhere from one to six months, which only adds to the belief that it is a marvel of design and craftsmanship. Typically, the production process consists of the following steps:

First, raw materials are collected in tropical mountains to make toquilla. This delicate process requires a specific cutting technique to extract the best fiber without harming the palm tree.

The toquilla straw buds are then delicately processed to get them ready to be sold to the weavers. They must be washed, bleached or dyed to achieve the desired result. This process usually requires soaking the straw for 1 to 5 days in the tank to ensure that the colour is completely absorbed, followed by drying in the sun for 1 to 2 days or slightly longer if the colour is dark.

Next, the expert weaver chooses the best straw fiber bundle and assembles the template with eight pairs of shawls, then makes the crown and finally the brim of the hat. In order to prevent the straw from drying out and the fiber from breaking, artisans prefer to weave very early in the morning or very late at night.

Artisans take their creations to the factory where they are given the final finishes. By using pressure and heat, the hats are moulded into the desired shape. After that, the brim is ironed into shape and trimmed to get the correct length. Finally, the hat is finished with a hand-sewn internal leather band as well as an external headband.

Finally, each hat is carefully inspected to ensure that it meets the highest quality standards. Once they are approved, they are packaged in our eco-friendly boxes and ready to ship.

Paul, Marjorie & Mateo, The Founders