Gaston hat - tea

Raffia, a natural treasure...

Madagascar is an earthly paradise with extraordinary flora & fauna. It is a country with incredibly rich biodiversity.

Raffia is a palm tree known for its very long leaves from which raffia fibres are extracted. Like vanilla and wild pepper with their unmistakable flavour, Madagascar raffia has unparalleled qualities of suppleness, colour and strength.

Madagascan use the fibers harvested from these trees to traditionally weave baskets and hats. Once treated, the fiber is soft, pliable, strong, durable, easy to dye, non-shrinking when wet, and biodegradable.