Ethical hats ...

I’ve been able to work with brands who have a real commitment to making the world a better place: Who are the trailblazers and the movers and shakers, putting environmental impact, sustainability and social wellbeing, and fairness at the forefront, not the afterthought of their business practices.

I had the pleasure of shooting for Pachacuti Panama hats out in Ibiza, whilst visiting the island for an event with Fashion for Conservation last summer. I began working with the charity since 2018 and I learnt more about the impacts of the industry too. Since making a decision to focus my efforts on working with sustainable and ethical brands as much as possible and actively connecting with more people and brands within this realm, I’ve felt a whole new world opening up before me; a world I am proud to be a part of!

Whilst ‘sustainability’ is a real buzz word at the moment, Pachacuti was founded on the principals that underpin the phrase and was in fact one of the first companies in the world to receive an official certificate in Fair Trade.

Pachacuti has undoubtedly been a truly inspirational company from the outset... Their story begins within a small community in Equador, where for over two decades, they have worked with local artisans to create hats, which subtly combine tradition, luxury and sustainability. The craft of the weaver stretches back generations and is a highly specialist art, which needs to be protected.

Having seen the hats and photographed them personally, I can confidently say that the quality is something to be admired. Each design is unique and combines handmade luxury with a timeless sense of style. Whether you’re simply looking for a beautiful hat with distinguished style or you’re looking to spend your money in a more conscious way, you can be sure that your Pachacuti Panama hat will make you look and feel incredible!

Founded by Fashion Revolution’s Carry Somers, there has always been a strong focus on sustainability, ethical practices and the minimisation of environmental impact within the Pachacuti company framework. Carry’s husband Mark has deep artistic roots and takes pride in the craft and skill of their artisans: He now runs the company fulltime, expressing equal passion in maintaining the principals on which it was founded.

Working within strict guidelines, Pachacuti ensures that the communities are always receiving fair and sustainable wages and are encouraged to protect their environment. The organically grown Carludovica Palmata plant used to create the hats, is cultivated on a lovely community owned plantation, which encourages biodiversity of plants and animals within a 5600-hectare protected area. With their hard work and protection of their land, the community has seen a big improvement in biodiversity in recent years.

Another way in which Pachacuti is striving to be at the forefront of sustainability in fashion, is by adapting a no seasons approach. In 2014, they made a major decision to stop creating seasonal collections and focus purely on designing beautiful, enduring pieces. In doing so, they hope to encourage customers to cherish and love their Pachacuti hat, rather than encouraging even more of what can only be described as ‘mindless consumerism’ within the industry.

I sense the mood is finally changing across the length and breadth of the planet... many of us are becoming aware of the direct impact our spending choices make on the world at large and on families and people just like us, in not so distant places. And that, is a really good feeling.