The Duchess of Sussex has an undeniable talent for making even the simplest fashion choices feel fresh and exciting.
Meghan Markle’s style effortlessly combines royal elegance with relaxed Californian flair, and her recent trip to Colombia with Prince Harry proved just that.
At the invitation of Vice President Francia Marquez, the royal couple spent four days touring the beautiful South American country. Meghan’s wardrobe paid homage to Colombia’s lush landscape and included a range of vibrant, South American-inspired prints. But the real showstopper? A chic white straw hat that was surprisingly affordable at just $91 (around £69).
© Eric CharbonneauOn the third day of their visit, the Duke and Duchess headed to the village of San Basilio de Palenque in Cartagena – a city full of culture and recognized by UNESCO for its rich heritage. Meghan appeared in an all-white ensemble, pairing a ribbed top by Argent with a pencil skirt by Posse. She accessorized with her signature stack of Cartier jewels, but it was the straw hat by Colombian designer Hannia Char that we were talking about in the H! Fashion office.
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Handwoven by skilled Colombian artisans and passing through the hands of over 20 craftsmen during its creation, Meghan’s hat was made from toquilla straw and was the perfect blend of tradition and style.
© Eric CharbonneauHannia Char, the designer behind the hat, was born in Cartagena and studied law in Bogota, but her true inspiration came from the colorful, romantic corners of her hometown. After a stint as a fundraiser, she decided to follow her passion for fashion and brought together talented artisans from across Colombia to create stunning, tropical-inspired pieces. Hannia says she “believes in making our artisans valuable and successful people in society who deserve the opportunity to show their potential and versatility in pieces made from natural fibers of endemic species of our landscape and transformed into luxurious and contemporary pieces.”
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Thanks to Meghan, Hannia Char hats have gone from a local treasure to a global sensation. The company even mentioned that the hat “currently has a 10-day delivery time due to the Meghan effect.” By opting for this handmade gem, Meghan not only highlighted her inimitable style, but also put a talented designer and Colombia’s rich cultural heritage in the spotlight. Diplomatic attire at its finest.
