Our Story

ABOUT US

METIER refers to the innate talent, the natural ability we all have, to do something good. We recognise genius in handcrafted goods in the endeavor to keep ancestral traditions and their cultural heritage alive. The fusion of avant-garde sustainable creativity with ancient techniques that have defied the proof of time result in a line of unique products that are able to speak on their own and awaken our emotions. 

OUR STORY

METIER was founded in 2009 by Diana Pazmino, Alessandro Benincasa and Hugo Gonzenbach. In 2016, Hugo chose to pursue a separate business venture, leaving Diana and Alessandro as the owners of METIER. Today, Diana and Alessandro lead METIER together, building on the foundations established by the original founding team while continuing to bring Ecuadorian artisan knowledge to an international audience. 

A world-class luxury brand that serves as a cultural ambassador of our Ecuadorian heritage, METIER presents the finest hand-woven hats in the world. From Ecuador to the Caribbean and beyond, METIER brings the art of natural fibre craftsmanship to places where design, individuality and natural luxury meet.

METIER at the Winter Equestrian Festival, alongside Hermés, during the brand's early years in the international equestrian world. Wellington, Florida-2012

A MEETING OF CRAFT AND CULTURE

METIER's international journey has included long-standing relationships with the world of luxury hospitality. Today, our hats are offered through six Four Seasons destinations: Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, The Seychelles, the Maldives and Bangkok, each through a separate agreement with the individual property. In the Dominican Republic, our presence continues to grow through hotel boutiques at St. Regis Cap Cana and Eden Roc Cap Cana.

In 2016, METIER was the main sponsor of Visionary Pool, an event organised  by Four Seasons Hotel Firenze during Pitti Uomo to launch our collaboration and collection. The hotel welcomed a gathering of fashion figures, while a dedicated display of METIER hats transformed the area surrounding its iconic pool into a showcase of Ecuadorian craftsmanship. That same summer, we hosted trunk shows at the hotel, bringing our pieces closer to an international audience with an appreciation for design, individuality and exceptional workmanship.

These experiences formed part of our early journey in luxury hospitality, bringing Ecuadorian craftsmanship into conversation with international design, style and culture. 

METIER hats on display at Four seasons Hotel Firenze, alongside Ermanno Scervino. 

OUR HOME IN CAP CANA

In 2021, we opened our flagship boutique at Fishing Lodge Cap Cana Marina, Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. It became a place where our creative spirit could unfold freely: a space for on-of-a-kind creations, carefully curated pieces and personal experiences that introduce visitors to the artistry and heritage of Ecuadorian hat-making.

Here, the traditional and the unexpected meet. Our artistic expression is free to wander, experiment and evolve, allowing natural materials, ancestral techniques and individual imagination to come together in distinctive pieces. 

Beyond our collections, we offer bespoke hats created on request, private shopping by appointment and personalized gifting experiences. Each encounter is an opportunity to discover the craft, explore individual style and find a piece with a story of its own. 

At METIER, we believe that the experience of acquiring a handmade object should be as meaningful as the object itself. 

 

ROOTED IN ECUADORIAN HERITAGE

At the heart of METIER is a relationship with Ecuadorian artisans that began with the brand in 2009. Over the years, we have continued working with some of the same artisans while expanding our network to include new makers whose knowledge, skill and dedication share our commitment to exceptional craftsmanship. 

These relationships connect generations of weaving knowledge with contemporary design. Each hat begins with natural fibers and the hands of a maker, shaped by experience, patience and an intimate understanding of the material. 

For us, preserving a craft means more than keeping a technique alive. It means creating opportunities for the people who practice it, valuing their knowledge and helping ensure that their skills remain to future generations. 

 By believing in ourselves and being determined to make the impossible possible we've seen the most magical things unveil. Our greatest leaps of faith, the biggest risks we've taken, have showed us the unlimited possibilities we are capable of creating for ourselves. Our story is happening right now. As it is also yours. By allowing the present moment to pass through with an open heart, willing for all things to happen, appreciating each detail, we start to feel again, we start to feel SO much. By awakening our senses we discover limitless inspiration, curiosity and creativity within ourselves. We fuel the passion that drives us to share our light through what we do and build pride in what we can achieve as humans. We make a difference by being different. 

METIER's brand presence at Palm Beach International Polo in 2012, alongside Maserati and Piaget.