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INTRODUCING THE NEW
PANAMA STRAW HAT COLLECTION
sophisticated, refined + timeless
Featuring 4 new designs, our expertly handwoven toquilla straw hats are nothing short of traditional. This beautiful collection women's Panama hats would not exist without the skilled artisans who manually craft every piece, investing at least 8-10 hrs into weaving each individual design by hand. The Panama Hat has deep ancestral roots + we're here to keep the tradition alive. Panama Straw is weather resistant + provides natural UV protection. The unique techniques used to hand weave the panama straw makes the hats lightweight + breathable, ideal for summer weather + a must-have travel companion.
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Carmen Teardrop Fedora - a flat brim teardrop fedora featuring a crosshatch woven pattern molded into the crown and brim [black]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/carmen-teardrop-fedora-black-38874154958979_1600x.jpg?v=1682353387)
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Carmen Teardrop Fedora - a flat brim teardrop fedora featuring a crosshatch woven pattern molded into the crown and brim [black]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/carmen-teardrop-fedora-black-38874154958979_2000x.jpg?v=1682353387)
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Saguaro Wide Brim Natural - a pinched fedora crown with a wide and slightly upturned brim, featuring a matte black leather band that is Gigi Pip embossed around the crown [natural]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/saguaro-wide-brim-natural-38874177601667_1600x.jpg?v=1682351113)
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Saguaro Wide Brim Natural - a pinched fedora crown with a wide and slightly upturned brim, featuring a matte black leather band that is Gigi Pip embossed around the crown [natural]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/saguaro-wide-brim-natural-38874177601667_2000x.jpg?v=1682351113)
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Coco Telescope Crown Natural - panama straw telescope crown featuring handwoven venting and a flat brim [natural]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/coco-telescope-crown-natural-38874174587011_1600x.jpg?v=1682348251)
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Coco Telescope Crown Natural - panama straw telescope crown featuring handwoven venting and a flat brim [natural]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/coco-telescope-crown-natural-38874174587011_2000x.jpg?v=1682348251)
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Lupe Short Brim Fedora White - a classic fedora crown with a short upturned brim, featuring a genuine leather band with Gigi Pip embossed [white]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/lupe-fedora-white-38874183598211_1600x.jpg?v=1682352052)
![Gigi Pip panama straw for women - Lupe Short Brim Fedora White - a classic fedora crown with a short upturned brim, featuring a genuine leather band with Gigi Pip embossed [white]](http://www.gigipip.com/cdn/shop/products/lupe-fedora-white-38874183598211_2000x.jpg?v=1682352052)
THE ART OF PANAMA HAT MAKING
THE ORIGIN OF THE PANAMA HAT
The Panama Hat has deep ancestral roots originating with the aborigines along the coast of what is now Ecuador. In the 1600’s the indigenous women developed weaving techniques with toquilla straw, made from palm fronds to make baskets, textiles + hats to protect themselves from the sun.
The term "Panama hat" was coined in 1906 after President Theodore Roosevelt was photographed wearing the hat style during his visit to the construction site for the Panama Canal inauguration, giving the headwear global recognition.
USING TRADITIONAL MATERIALS
The toquilla straw hat is woven from fibers gathered by hand from the Carludovica Palmata plant grown in the Ecuadorian coast. This palm-like plant has fan-shaped leaves growing at the end of their long stems, which are evenly cut into fine shoots + dried to create the straw material. The soft, flexible + durable fibers make it ideal for weaving.
THE HAT DESIGN PROCESS
The weaving process of the Panama Hat is entirely manually done + hand-crafted by skilled artisans. Weaving is not only a source of income for the creators, but also a valued skill that has been passed down from generations as a family heritage + tradition.
A TEDIOUS TECHNIQUE
The traditional weaving technique starts at the crown of the hat using a rounded wooden block to guide the weaving process until it reaches the brim. Using a special interweave to finish off the weaving, leaves long strands of straw poking out the edges of the hat that are then lashed off to prevent from unraveling. The hat is then washed, dyed + begins the molding + decorative phase which truly brings the design style to life. Each hat is a unique work of art, taking at least eight hours to create!
THE GIGI PIP PANAMA STRAW HAT COLLECTION
Gigi Pip's collection of women's Panama hats are beautifully crafted from the finest straw materials. These hats are the ultimate combination of fashion + function. With four different styles and colors, you’re bound to find the hat you want to wear all summer long.
INTRODUCING THE CARMEN
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Sophisticated. Refined. Timeless. The Carmen is expertly handcrafted, featuring a crosshatch woven pattern molded into a teardrop crown + wide brim for optimal sun coverage. Carmen is available in Black + White with a tonal Gigi Pip embossed leather band included.
INTRODUCING THE SAGUARO
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The Saguaro combines a pinched, fedora crown with a wide, shade-providing brim + an ever-so-slightly upturned edge. Exquisitely woven venting makes this hat breathable + beautiful. Styled with a matte black leather band with Gigi Pip embossed, this handwoven hat is a must-have for hot summer days.
INTRODUCING THE LUPE
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The quintessential Panama hat. Lupe’s short upturned brim combined with a classic fedora crown make it a timeless summer style. This hat includes a genuine leather band with Gigi Pip embossed for an elevated accent.
INTRODUCING THE COCO
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A modern take on a classic style. The Coco features handwoven venting around its telescope crown for a stylish + effortless look while the wide flat brim provides shade from the summer sun. Made of high quality Panama straw this hat will keep it's shape for many seasons to come.
