Cultural Heritage
La Marqueza Ltd, through the brand Marchesi di Montecristi®
As the UK’s leading specialist in Montecristi and Panama Hats, we proudly offer the world’s finest Panama Hats, including the renowned and precious Montecristi hats
UNESCO recognised our hats as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2012. We are committed to creating premium products, offering exceptional customer service, and maintaining complete transparency. Step inside our factory to discover the artistry behind our hats and learn about the meticulous process that brings each masterpiece to life
Explore our site to gain insights into how Panama Hats are made, the various grades and qualities of these iconic hats, and tips on how to measure your head for the perfect fit. Discover how to wear a Panama Hat and dive into a wealth of fascinating articles about these timeless treasures
Ethically sourced, sustainably made
- We offer direct trade of Panama Hats and accessories sourced from the most skilled artisans, without intermediaries. All of our stock is collected at our warehouse in Montecristi, Ecuador, and has been personally selected, one by one, for you. We only select "first-choice hats," meaning we carefully examine each hat to ensure the highest quality craftsmanship. While some Panama Hat exporters in Ecuador may trade hats, we prefer direct trade to guarantee the best quality.
- Our Panama Hat company practices Fair Trade at every stage, ensuring the proper economic support for the hat-weaving families and artisans in Ecuador. The Marchesi di Montecristi® team ensures that all personnel receive fair pay, which is essential for keeping this traditional art form thriving.
- All of our hats are hand-woven in Ecuador, designed, and then elegantly finished to the highest standards in the United Kingdom.
- We offer a customisation service to create your own Montecristi Hat exactly as you wish, with options for a wider or shorter brim, a taller or shorter crown, and different ribbon colours and widths.
- 100% customer satisfaction is our priority. We provide global shipping that is both efficient and fast, along with excellent maintenance services to preserve your hat in top condition over time.
Enjoy Marchesi di Montecristi® and experience the difference
Introducing our Creative Director, Maria José, a visionary from Ecuador whose journey began early in her family’s business, immersed in the artistry of Ecuadorian Toquilla straw hats, commonly known as Panama Hats. Through close relationships with hat weavers and their families, Maria gained a deep understanding of these iconic symbols of Ecuadorian heritage, sparking a passion for preserving and sharing this craft worldwide.
Maria brought her Ecuadorian roots and love for Panama Hats to the UK, redefining luxury with a focus on sustainability and tradition. She curates each piece to ensure exceptional quality. Her collections appeal to those who value luxury, timeless style, and practicality, effortlessly blending elegance with function. With a design background from Italy, Maria combines traditional craftsmanship with modern design, creating iconic pieces that make a bold statement in both British and global fashion.
EXPLORE OUR HATSEXPLORE ACCESSORIES
"A Genuine Panama Hat is a sort of precious fabric entirely executed by hand" -- March. Maria Jose Incisa di Camerana
