The Camilo Story
The Original Panama Hat Company
For over thirty years, Camilo Haffar connected Australia to Ecuador's centuries-old hat-weaving craft. Born in Ecuador, he built The Original Panama Hat Company on direct relationships with artisans, travelling around the world each year to oversee production and then hand-finishing every hat in Australia. His commitment to quality led the brand to become known simply as Camilo, a name carrying three decades of trust and craftsmanship.
The New Era
Fast forward to 2024, and the next chapter began. With a family history rooted in hat making, Hamish understood the patience and precision that Panama hats demand. When Camilo mentioned he was ready to retire, Hamish knew this was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up on. A business built on the things he valued; craft passed down through generations of skilled artisans and work that takes human hands and time, not machines and shortcuts.
Together Hamish and his wife Caity are continuing the work Camilo started. Their focus is simple; create hats made slowly, with intention, made to be worn and appreciated for years to come.