Sombreros El Arrebol
Sombreros El Arrebol is a unisex brand based in Castile, primarily specializing in bucket hats. However, for the spring-summer 2021 season, we introduced short and long-sleeve shirts. The idea came about in May 2020 and took shape in June. My co-founder and I have been responsible for everything—from selecting the fabric and learning to sew to directing and shooting the campaign photoshoots, choosing the fits, the models, the locations… editing the pictures and videos, and managing the social media and online shop. Money has been the least valuable thing this project has brought into my life; I’ve learned more than I ever expected and met the most interesting people.
Branding
We’ve always embraced the Castilian countryside in our branding, as it’s our home. Classic images of the landscape influence our videos and photoshoots, bringing a timeless, authentic touch that reflects our roots and the beauty of the land.
Product
Creating the hats from scratch with custom patterns was a real challenge. However, as orders unexpectedly increased, we began working with seamstresses to meet demand, and also with the arrival of winter, we started exploring new materials. We then decided to create recycled hats using leftover pieces from our summer collections, giving new life to the materials while staying true to our sustainable essence. The presence of the shirts was a last-minute idea that turned out amazing.
Social Media
Coming from a small town, we were met with an incredible reception from everyone, who were pleasantly surprised by our fresh new approach. We quickly built a small but loyal community that eagerly awaited our new videos and photos, often sharing them with their own followers. Their support and enthusiasm helped us grow and connect with a wider audience from other communities or even countries.
Photoshooting & Art direction
Each idea gradually took shape on paper, centered around a specific hat, with every detail falling into place. As the concept developed, everything else adapted to it—the environment, the model, the music and the styling all aligned to complement the hat’s unique design. It was a process of creating harmony, where each element worked together to bring the vision to life.
Photo
From indoor to outdoor shoots, we captured the essence of each hat, giving them a blend of inspirational and e-commerce styling that highlighted their unique character.
Video
What set us apart were the videos, which became our greatest strength and the reason we gained recognition. They were our playground, where we let our imagination run wild. We often used friends as models, who not only showcased the hats but also contributed with their outfits and ideas for sequences, making each video a true collaborative creation.
Collabs
As a small brand, we were truly amazed when larger brands and artists took an interest in us. One unforgettable moment was when Edmmond Studios asked us to sew the hats for their SS21 collection, or when artist Marion Bretagne created beautiful rustic watercolor scenes featuring our hats as the central element. The cherry on top to wrap up this project was the interview with La Perdiz Roja, which gave us the opportunity to connect even more deeply with our followers and share our journey.