Milliner Gigi Burris knows a thing or two (or more) about the arts of hat-making. When W Hotels wanted to celebrate the opening of its new Panama property, the CFDA and W Hotels invited her to explore the rich history of the country and one of its most famous exports, the Panama hat.
Here, Burris talks about the trip, what she learned about the hat style, and her capsule collection in celebration of W Panama.
How did you prepare for the Panama trip?
This trip was my first time traveling to Central America, but I was prepared for the humidity and heat! I picked up a few cute cotton and linen dresses that I knew would breathe well and borrowed some statement earrings from Lizzie Fortunato to dress up simple frocks. Of course I also planned for lots of headbands for night time and hats to shield the sun.
How many hats did you pack? Were they all Panama hats?
I typically travel pretty hat heavy. In addition to the three Exclusive pieces we created for W hotels, I brought some packable options from our SS18 collection. I also brought along a straw beret and headbands which are pretty easy to slip into luggage. During our excursions I carried along a Polaroid camera, sunglasses and sunscreen in the new SS18 Gigi Burris Bella Tote.
How much research did you do to inspire the W Hotels exclusive collection?
My design process relies heavily on a foundation of mood board and perspective so I wanted to go deep with research. It was fascinating to learn the history of the Panama hat alongside the rich history of the country. Panama City is a unique place where nature and urban life co-exist in such extreme ways. My intention was to marry design elements inspired by Panama with the well-known aesthetic of the W Hotel properties.
While you were there what did you learn about the history of the Panama hat?
While on our trip, it was apparent that the Panama hat is something with such authentic history and cultural relevance. The history of the Panama hat highlights what trade was like in the late 19th century, with Toquilla straw hats actually being manufactured in Ecuador but sold in Panama to North American travelers and workers. I also learned about cultural signifiers in the way a Panama hat is worn. Certain tips of the brim can indicate marital status and regional origin.
How has this trip changed the way you think about the details when you design a hat?
Absolutely, the inspiring handwork and craft by the Indigenous tribe Embera will inform trims in future seasons. The beauty and lushness of the rainforest was also so inspiring and will surely have impact on Spring 19.
How do you style your Panama hat?
My personal favorite hat from the collection was the ‘Canal’ hat, and I like to style it with all white to highlight the pop of papaya color.
