A symbol of classic gentlemanly elegance since the 19th century, the Panama has topped the heads of such greats as Roosevelt, Churchill, Napoleon, and the Duke of Windsor. This volume delves into the hat’s remarkable history, production process, and variety of shapes, while celebrating the grace of living of its country of origin: Ecuador. Panama: Legendary Hats pays fitting tribute to the “aristocrat of the straw hats.”

Martine Buchet, author of Assouline’s La Colombe d’Or: Saint Paul de Vence, traveled to Ecuador to research and discover the origins of the Panama hat.

Over the last fifteen years, Laziz Hamani has produced work for the world’s most prestigious luxury names, and he is regularly sought by brands such as Cartier and Dior. Although his talent for lighting and studio techniques has been acknowledged, he still appreciates—and finds it necessary—to work outdoors in a more spontaneous style. This has brought him to publish over thirty books on lifestyle, artistic, and luxury themes, including more than twenty Assouline titles, as well as producing several exhibitions of
his personal work.