Stephany Sensi: Woven accessories are saving Ecuadorian crafts

“When I moved back to my hometown in Ecuador I fell in love with Panama Hats,” says Stephany Sensi, the designer, and founder of Sensi Studio. “The way they are made, the time and talent it takes to make them. I felt I could build something special around them and make a cool artisanal brand with a fashionable approach and aesthetic. Something that would represent the beauty of luxury artisanal products and my style and creativity.”

And so she did. After her studies in Fashion Design at Instituto Marangoni in Milan she decided to focus on original weaving craft from Ecuador using mainly the Toquilla straw from locally grown palms. She launched her own brand in 2010, which soon offered not only hats but also bags and Ready-to-Wear. “I’ve always had a kind of entrepreneurial spirit. I knew at one point I would have to do something of my own,” she says. After 12 years of having her own brand, she appreciates having the opportunity to contribute to the maintenance of the craft from her country and working with local artists. “I feel very happy to provide work to so many women in indigenous communities around the Andean region.”

The traditional weaving of the Ecuadorian toquilla straw hat has been listed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. “It is a millinery craft from the pre-Columbian era passed through generations,” adds Sensi. “In these modern days, it’s a bit of a scarce talent as many indigenous people have migrated and continue to do so. Leaving only a handful of skilled artisans still working in this wonderful craft.” 

Out of these skilled artisans, many are mothers that are not capable of coming to work so the designer decided to create a hybrid working space in which mothers can stay at home. Most bags are handmade by mothers at home and thanks to the organization it works marvelously, Sensi said. “Artisanal communities organize themselves production-wise, each woman takes a home straw and the technical details of the style she will create, then she can weave from home while still doing her personal life,” Sensi explains. “Giving a lot of women the freedom to organize their time and financial support by working with us.”

She recognizes that starting a fashion brand was not easy, moreover, her upbringing was never revolving around it in any way. “It’s a challenge but it’s worth it,” she says. Stephany Sensi designs her collection in partnership with Santiago Morayta who is a creative director in Milan. “We decide on a concept and research it. After this, I design each collection together with the artisans in the product development phase.”

“I think doing a sustainable product now is more important than ever,” Sensi says. Did she fear starting a sustainable fashion brand in a world that is overflowing with fashion and apparel? “There is always a little doubt with decision making, what direction to take which changes are better in the long run, but I go with my gut instinct and hope for the best,” she replied. “Overthinking isn’t good either in my opinion.”