The weaving of straw hats has been practiced and perfected for over 400 years in the villages surrounding Montecristi, Ecuador. Yet today, there is a real danger that this art form will soon cease to exist.

Long the subject of myth and legend, these incredibly beautiful yet entirely practical hats have graced more heads of state and celebrities than any other type of straw hat. from harvesting the raw plants (paja toquilla) to shaping the finished product, the supremely dedicated master weavers (tejedores) employ the most exacting and laborious hand processes to weave the perfect blend of nature and art in a glorious marriage which results in hats of transcendent quality. When one feels a Montecristi, its texture is so fine and supple, one cannot help but be astonished that they are woven by hand.