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The Hat is the world's finest Montecristi Panama
Like many legends that require little introduction, the Montecristi Panama known simply as “The Hat” speaks for itself.
Commissioned by respected authority and top supplier of hand-woven straw hats Brent Black, the Panama took five full months to complete and is priced at US$100,000.
Talented weaver Simón Espinal from the village of Píle in Montecristi Canton is the man behind The Hat, so light it weight less than 28 grams.
Espinal, known as the King of Master Weavers, passed The Hat onto five other artisans following the completion of his weaving who then spent several additional weeks applying the finishing touches.
Yet to be blocked into a definitive style or size, The Hat is awaiting the final instruction from its purchaser.
For those looking for something a little easier on the wallet, Black also offers customers a range of top-quality Panama hats between US$5,000 and US$30,000.
Based in Hawaii, Black founded the Panama Hat Company of the Pacific in 1987 in order to preserve the art of hand weaving truly fine Montecristi hats; each of which is custom-made to order.
Famous clients of Black’s include Pierce Brosnan, Harrison Ford, and Anthony Hopkins.
Weaver Simón Espinal is the highest paid in history and only produces three to four hats each year. His coveted creations are usually priced between US$10,000 and US$30,000 each.
"Woven by Simón Espinal, t he Panama took five full months to complete and is priced at US$100,000."