Cholitas, or indigenous Bolivian women, have a style all their own, the elements of which reflect a multitude of historical influences. Take the vibrant pollera, for example, typically worn on top of crinoline-style underskirts called centros. It’s said that this look was the result of traditional Spanish dress combining with an indigenous love of bright color. Shawls also reflect the Spanish imprint, while the manta, a woolen textile worn wrapped around the shoulders, is 100% pure Andean. The dainty patent-leather shoes favored by cholitas are a more modern twist, while long, traditionally plaited hair, crowned with mini felt bowler hats, or “bombins” completes the outfit.

Legend has it that this last appurtenance came into being when a group of Europeans brought over to the work on the railroad ordered a shipment of bowler hats from the UK that arrived many sizes too small. The workers gave them out to these resourceful, indigenous women, who put them on, tipped them at a jaunty angle, and went about their business.