Wanahat: Providing Sustainable Fashion and Positive Human Impact

In January 1969, a massive oil spill, in Santa Barbara, California, caused major destruction to the Southern California environment. The tragedy captured the attention of Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, who leveraged student passion and energy for anti-war protests, for ecological activism, particularly regarding air and water pollution, to spur national attention to environmental issues, galvanized an environmental movement, and led to the creation of Earth Day on April 4, 1970.  The first Earth Day attracted 20 million people who participated in teach-ins and gatherings across the U.S., leading to the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the passage of the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Engendered Species Act.

By 1990, Earth Day went global, with events and activities taking place worldwide, marking the beginning of Earth Month, attracting 200 million participants from 141 countries. By 1992, the United Nations became actively involved a further enhanced the United Nation’s visibility. Today, Earth Month is widely recognized as one of the most important month-long observances in the world. In honor of Earth Month in Miami Beach, we are highlighting Wanahat, a sustainable stylish millinery located on Lincoln Road, in the heart of Miami Beach. “Wana” means weave in Ecuador’s indigenous language, Quechua, and entwines tradition, community values and culture with environmentally friendly fashion.

Wanahat began in Quito, Ecuador where, two childhood friends, Cristina Dalmau and Maria Rosa Troya, spent their early years together. From playing by the riverbanks, to helping their mothers in weaving shops, they formed a friendship and shared heritage. The women in their family shared the art of weaving with each thread telling a story of their culture, resilience, and craftsmanship.

Cristina and Rose grew up watching their grandmothers weave intricate patterns into straw hats, an ancient skill they were taught watching their maternal ancestors. The fine, hand-woven hats, known as sombreros de paja toquilla, are renowned for their beauty and durability. The hats were more than accessories; the hats are symbols of rich Ecuadorian heritage and on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

Cristina and Rose dreamed of opening a store that would share the beautiful Ecuadorian hats and tell the story of their family weavers, culture, and history.  The ladies sought to build a business that would serve as a bridge to Ecuador, create a community that connects women, and could be a catalyst for opportunity.

In 2015, Wanahat opened in Upper Beuna Vista. The shop was small, full of character, and filled with a variety of hats.

The process of making a Toquilla Straw Hat, known worldwide as Panama Hat, is long and involved, and Cristina and Rosa respect every step. The iconic Panama Hat originated in Ecuador, dating back to the 16th century, and are woven from fibers from a toquilla palm tree characteristic of the Ecuadorian cost. Costal farmers cultivate the toquillas and harvest the stems before separating the fiber from the green outer skin. This is boiled to remove chlorophyll and dried for subsequent bleaching over a wood fire. Weavers take this raw material and begin weaving the crown and the brim of the hat; a process that may take from one day to eight months to complete. The WANAhat celebrates a tradition of style and ethical craftsmanship, making every hat a fashion statement and a symbol of heritage and sustainability.

The Wanahat owners spend long days educating customers about the history and production of the Wanahat hats and have found that Greater Miami community is intrigued by the culture crafting, resulting in a loyal following of customers who valued the craftsmanship and the commitment to traditional millinery. So they are growing their business slowly, ensuring they stay true to  the foundation of their business, the weavers, and partners, and maintaining an authentic process that is respectful, equitable and fair.

Visit Wanahat, located at 811 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, FL 33139 and check out their Instagram at @Wanahat.