Sardina's Tales

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Let’s talk accessories.

I must admit that before my experience as an accessories buyer at Saint Laurent, I rarely paid much attention to this category when putting together my looks. But as I always say, every life experience has something to teach us. And one of the many lessons I took from that chapter was this: accessories are not just finishing touches; they are often the soul of a truly thoughtful outfit.

Today, I want to talk about one accessory in particular. Whether it’s the universe sending me subtle signs or simply a newfound obsession, I keep seeing it everywhere: the straw style hat.

You might have expected something more extraordinary. But no; it’s nothing more than a piece that’s been with us for centuries. From the rice fields of Asia to the sun-drenched cafés of the Riviera, straw hats have travelled across cultures, social classes, and even artistic movements. Van Gogh painted them. Coco Chanel reimagined them. And in Ecuador, master artisans still hand-weave the iconic “Panama hat” -which, paradoxically, has nothing to do with Panama- using techniques so intricate they can take up to eight months for a single piece. What may seem effortless at first glance often carries generations of know-how. And that, in itself, is no small thing.

While learning more about this new beloved companion, I stumbled upon something fascinating:

The Panama hat -now a staple among the elegant spectators at Roland Garros- is, above all, a treasure of cultural heritage. In 2012, UNESCO officially recognized the art of weaving these hats in Ecuador as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. So yes, it’s a summer classic. But it’s also living history, identity made tangible, craftsmanship worn under the sun.

And let’s be honest, with temperatures reaching almost 40°C in Europe last week, protecting ourselves from the sun feels less like a fashion gesture and more like a basic necessity. These beautiful straw hats offer the perfect answer: light, breathable, timeless. Wide brims or short ones, playful ribbons or none at all; there’s one for every personality. You just have to try them on, listen to how you feel, and find that faithful companion for all your sunlit wanderings.

Here are a few tips to help you find your new summer love:

1. Be the decisively indecisive
Start with a brand you love, and try on as many as you can. Don’t rush. Sit with it. Try them again. Go home. Let it linger in your mind. And then go back and buy the very first one you fell for. Trust that initial spark.
Above all, respect your personal style. This hat is not just for the season. It’s meant to stay with you for years, and if you’re lucky, it may one day be passed on. A quiet heirloom in the making. Let’s build our vintage wardrobe, one meaningful piece at a time.

Here are a few styles from brands I’ve recently discovered that truly resonated with me:

2. Let the sun guide you
Another path I adore is to let the hat find you while you travel. Choose a place known for its straw hat craftsmanship. Think of southern France, Spain, Portugal, or Italy; where local markets overflow with these treasures. Or wander even further, to Ecuador, Mexico, Cuba, the Caribbean… Wherever the sun is generous, these hats are close by, like loyal friends waiting to be noticed.

Mine, for instance, found me on a trip to Formentera with my girlfriends. That hat, to me, is not just a hat. It’s sunlight, salt in the air, laughter echoing down quiet streets. It’s warmth, it’s freedom, it’s sisterhood. And above all, it’s love.

_{Photo credits: Lison Sebellin, Alejandra Capetillo, Belen Hostalet}