PALAPA (in English: “pah-lah-pah”) takes its name from the Spanish word referred to a shelter roof made of woven dried palm-tree leaves. Also known as "tiki huts," palapas are found in Mexico's beaches, providing shade and refuge from the sun.
PALAPA has the Tropics' slow-paced lifestyle inscribed in its DNA. We feel inspired by its slow-living philosophy, exuberant vegetation & sophisticated raw-ness.
Lorena Marrón, Founder
Prior to founding PALAPA, she worked as an Art Historian and Photographer in New York and Mexico City.
Sofía Prado, Technical Designer & Manufacturing Partner
Entrepreneur and footwear designer, she leads a small team of five master cobblers, all of them second or third generation of shoe-making families. She lives in Mexico City and is fully involved in the production process.
Sandra Dávila, Co-Founding Partner
Became PALAPA's co-founding partner in 2020, leading the digital strategy and e-commerce launch. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband and baby daughter, and teaches Information, Architecture & Interaction Design at Pratt.
