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A legacy continued: the Panama Hat by Alfonso Eudoro

Long before they became a fashion statement and adorned the heads of kings, presidents, and movie stars, the Panama Hat was the hat of choice for Ecuadorian men as far back as the 1600s. Popular for their durability--properly-cared-for hats can last generations--the Panama Hat found its way on to the heads of American gold miners in the 1800s and then to the fashion capital of the world, Paris. Ironically, the hat which served as a simple sunshield for Central American workers became a status symbol for aristocrats. By the 1920s gangsters were wearing Panama hats Al Capone style, while women adopted smaller-brimmed versions with colors to match their dresses.

Today, Alfonso Eudora, Inc. carries on the legacy of the traditional Panama hat, employing the same methods used for centuries. Alfonso Eudoro hats are made out of authentic toquilla straw, which is taken from the leaves of the Carludovica plant. After an exacting process the hats are made by hand and sold to clients around the world from their headquarters in Quito, Ecuador. The Alfonso Eudora slogan, A Legacy in Genteel Masculinity, accurately describes their product, which celebrates the masculine attributes of chivalry, honesty, passion, wisdom and integrity.

For LxM Amy Covington