This Rare and Authentic Long Sleeve Guayabera made and sold in El Encanto Store in Havana, Cuba. It is made out of 100% linen. 17" from shoulder to shoulder, Sleeves 22" long from shoulder and 28" long shoulder to hem. Four patch pockets, five sets of vertical pleats called alforzas- five running the length of the center of the left and right front panels of the shirt and three running down the back. Buttons on each of the four pockets and at the top & bottom of each set of pleats. A western yoke across the back of the shoulders which, coupled with the three sets of alforzas, resembles the Cuban flag. A straight hem with button vented sides. Most commonly made in white cotton or linen, which is the more expensive option.
A bit of history...
El Encanto Store from Havana, Cuba, was consider world's best store during the 1950's. El Encanto was the largest department store in Cuba with five retail floors and 65 different shopping departments within. Originally built in 1888 and situated on the corner of Galiano and San Rafael in Old Havana. Before the Cuban Revolution it had been privately owned, but in 1959 it was nationalized. In 1961 it had about 930 employees. On April 13, 1961, the El Encanto Department store was burned and consumed by flames as a result of a anti-comunist act of sabotage attack.
El Encanto was a renowned emblem of elegance, tren-setting fashion and exclusive rights in the Americas to certain haute-couture brands. A Variety of brand names such as Chanel, Le Clairac, Coty, Christian Dior, Lanvin, Myrurgia, Dana, Guerlain and many more. It was the Bloomingdales of Cuba. It sold many designers brand before any stores in the United States. It also set a word wide precedent as the first department store to issue a credit card to its customers. Celebrities from Paris, New York & Hollywood were regular clients, among them, Tyrome Power, Ava Gardner, Maurice Chavalier, Lana Turner, Errol Flynn & Maria Felix.
This Guayabera it's not just a shirt, it is piece of history. Enjoy