A Story Woven from Heritage
Sometimes, by taking a step toward one’s roots, a person can create something greater than a brand. At times it is enough to listen to the history of your ancestors, hear the rustle of palm fibers in your grandmother’s hands, breathe in the scent of your homeland, and a path that began with simple respect for heritage turns into a story that connects continents.
Paola with Martha Bedoya, a weaver
“My entire family wore Aguadeño hats, a symbol of Colombian identity and timeless elegance. For us, these hats were more than an accessory, they were our heritage, our history. Watching my grandmother patiently weave each strand, and seeing how much my father loved wearing the hats, I realized that I absolutely had to preserve this legacy.”
These are the words of Paola Restrepo Moya, a Colombian-Italian entrepreneur, wellness philosophy advocate, founder of SPA Global Expert, designer, aesthetician, and creator of the brand Colombian Hats and Bags.
The Beginning of a Journey
Born in Bogotá, Colombia, Paola was surrounded since childhood by the ritual of weaving. Her grandmother and other family members wove traditional Aguadeño hats (known worldwide as Panama hats) from Iraca palm.
Her own journey began in 2010 in the Philippines. Expecting her son and seeking a way to support her family, Paola decided to revive the craftsmanship of her hometown, Aguadas, in the Colombian department of Caldas, where for decades families had lived off coffee and hat weaving. She had a strong desire to support the artisans who keep these traditions alive. Thus, the brand Colombian Hats and Bags was born, creating not only original pieces but also helping artisans by providing them with a stable income, preserving heritage that could have disappeared, and passing the hand-weaving technique on to future generations.
Paola’s fashion lovers: father and brother
“By preserving the craft, we preserve memory, art, and identity,” says Paola.
The Art of Creation
The process of handcrafting the legendary Aguadeño hat requires a lot of patience. Each hat takes up to four weeks of work. The first stage of the work is called tejido, the finest weaving; then comes motilado, that is, the preparation of the fibers, after which the shaping press must be done, and the final stage is doblado or folding. That is why the Aguadeño hat is not just an accessory, it is a meticulous art form, recognized by the global community and protected with the “designation of origin” since 2012.
From Colombian Artisans to Uzbek Creators
Then Paola’s personal journey unexpectedly crossed Uzbekistan. Life in Uzbekistan for four years became a new source of inspiration. Immersed in the country’s rich textile culture, she began combining Colombian Iraca palm with Uzbek silk, creating hats and bags that unite two worlds in a single accessory.
“The colors of Khiva, azure and aquamarine, captivated me. They became part of my collections,”
During her time in Uzbekistan, Paola received extensive professional and creative support from the local fashion and textile community. She was guided by Yokut Schmid, a global advisor for the Silk Industry Association of Uzbekistan and a representative of international fashion education programs, whose support played a key role in strengthening Paola’s place in Uzbekistan’s fashion scene.
One of the results of this creative period was a piece made from the natural plant fiber caña flecha and Uzbek silk. This work was created as a single, one-of-a-kind item, emphasizing the uniqueness of uniting the two cultures.
Paola’s creations received wide recognition in Uzbekistan. Her Colombian hats and accessories were featured in fashion collections and artistic collaborations, including shows alongside renowned performers such as fashion icon Azúkar Moreno, one of her earliest supporters in the country.
In 2023, her brand participated in the first Global Wellness Day celebration in Uzbekistan, where Paola, as a wellness spa expert, became the first ambassador of this international event. Her hats served as a symbol of wellness culture, artisanal heritage, and the beauty of handcrafted work.
Culture Woven in Threads
From the heart of Aguadas to the streets of Tashkent, Paola continues to create iconic pieces from natural materials – hats and accessories that unite tradition, creativity, and modern aesthetics.
Today, the collections of the brand Colombian Hats and Bags feature unique pieces created in collaboration with Art Corner by Leyla, as well as special designs developed together with the renowned Uzbek artist Sanjar Djabbarov. In addition, the brand creates stylish hats for children, so that young fashion lovers can also wear exclusive pieces.
Paola’s story is the journey of a woman who managed to unite two worlds, Colombia and Uzbekistan, by preserving her ancestors’ craftsmanship. Her accessories are true bridges between continents and cultures, encouraging friendship and peace.
To see more of these pieces and the creative voices behind them, you can explore their work on Instagram through @colombiahatsbags, @spaglobalexpert, @azukar_moreno, and @art.corner_byleyla.
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