We were so enamored with the hat though we tracked down the manufacturer and convinced them to begin producing hats and bags exclusively for our newly formed business which we aptly named, PAZ Apparel. But we still needed to find a suitable substitute for the leather strap. 

We put on our treking boots and after a long search came across a tribe in the Amazon who were making a vegetable leather from the sap of rubber trees. The process of making the vegetable leather has been handed down from one generation to another and involves smoking the latex to embue it with a deep rich brown that is then hand distressed.

Naturally I was thrilled to come across a leather substitute and a sustainable material. 

After many successful years selling our one-of-a-kind hand-cut and handcrafted hats and bags our manufacturer in Brazil suddenly closed their doors. We were devastated to say the least. It turns out recycled canvas tarps are becoming increasingly difficult to source as truckers opt for less expensive and lighter weight nylon mesh to protect their cargo. (So much for sustainability!)

We also discovered the natural latex rubber was becoming more difficult to source. 

Disappointed but unwilling to abandone our passion for one-of-a-kind bags made from unusual materials we broadened our search for unique fabrics and unusual accessories to bring to market. 

Our guiding principles remain unchanged. No chemical dyes are used in the production process and animal welfare is paramount. Needless to say you won't find ostrich or aligator body parts, or any other animal parts for that matter, in our designs. 

We recently scoured the Philippine islands where we came across a small factory producing products made from an all natural and completely sustainable material called Abaca. It's a species of banana native to the Philippines. And we think we may have hit on a fabric that is truly sustainable. Abaca has been around for ages and native tribes have been weaving abaca into exotic patterns that tell a story. 

Needless to say we hit the drawing board and have been coming up with new designs and re-interpretations of some classics. (New designs available Spring 2012!)

Our search for other unique one-of-a-kind fabrics and accessories hasn't ended. No...far from it. We continue searching for unique materials in local communities whether they are here in the States or abroad. And our commitments remain the same:

PAZ Apparel, LLC

(866) 648-0058