Author Archive

Introducing Munnu The Gem Palace

One of our most exciting acquisitions for spring comes from the royal intricacy of Jaipur: Munnu The Gem Palace. Established in 1852, this exquisite studio has stood as one of India’s most iconic jewelry houses for almost 200 years. Referred to as a “museum atelier,” their work has been featured in exhibitions at the Met and Neue Galerie in New York as well as discerning boutiques and private collections. Legends of all stripes have collected their work, including Princess Diana, Jackie Kennedy, Mick Jagger and more.

Stone setting, Munnu The Gem Palace

Passed by word of mouth between jewelry connoisseurs for decades, The Gem Palace is a studio like no other. This ninth-generation family business is helmed by the Kasliwal family, rumoured to have been started by an ancestor who sold gems to the Mughal courts in the 17th century.  Described as a “unique family of aesthetes,” the Kasliwals are skilled jewelers and gem cutters who have passed on extraordinary talent and taste from generation to generation. They are utterly devoted to the heritage of Indian artistry in their work, favoring 22K gold, intricate filigree and polished enamel details.

Jaipur, India

The most current iteration of The Gem Palace flourished under Munnu Kaliswal–the Munnu for whom the studio is now named. Growing up in Jaipur, Munnu’s affinity for the earth’s rarest minerals was fostered from a young age. As they toddled around their father’s workshop, Munnu and his brother, Sanjay, were often given sacks of semi-precious stones to play with as if they were marbles.

As he grew, Munnu displayed the same natural affinity for gemstones and craft as his forebears, creating some of the most striking and memorable designs in the studio’s history. While Munnu drew upon geomorphic modernism and Victorian complexity, a hallmark of his style is the opulence of the Mughal era.

Today, the brand is helmed by the next generation of Kaliswals, including Munnu’s sons Siddarth and Samarth. Having worked alongside his father in the studio, Siddarth, in particular, has been hailed for his creative vision and intuitive approach to design.

Munnu The Gem Palace, Earrings and Pendant

The Gem Palace’s jewelry designs are intricate and undeniably gemmy. They skimp on no part of the process. Rather than default to modern convenience, the family opts for the same intensive hand-carving and setting, painting, cutting and enameling practiced by the artisans that came before them.

They painstakingly source their stones from reputable mines and dealers all over the world. But above all, their most important ingredient is attention. From concept to creation, a single piece can often take years to realize.

Jaipur, India

The pieces we have brought into Santa Fe Dry Goods come largely from The Gem Palace’s Universal collection–designs that celebrate simple, natural beauty with flowing, linear designs. Among the organic gold twists of the offering, find a special bracelet and pendant chosen from their Indorussian collection, designs intended to evoke a blend of victorian and imperial jewelry standards. These pieces stand out not only for the brilliance of their stones (the bracelet alone has nearly 100 diamonds studding its exterior,) but the complex filigree of their designs.

“People shouldn’t hide their jewels away in vaults or save them for special occasions. Gems only come alive in the light.”

–Munnu Kasliwal

Paris Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2025

Last week, we returned to Santa Fe after spending a week dashing through Paris for Fashion Week. While we have been to France and Italy already this year to begin buying for next season, this latest trip encompassed the bulk of our buy for Fall/Winter 2025. Among the stand-outs on our travels were bright red florals and soft pinks at Christian Peau, a veritable cashmere rainbow at the Avant Toi showroom, a quilted tree wrapped in Rianna + Nina’s intricate patterns, and a selection of impeccable Sicilian shirting from Asciari. 

The knitwear coming for fall is equally promising, with lots of layers from Album di Famiglia, Boboutic, Lauren Manoogian, Nanna Pause and Isabel Benenato. Julian Klausner’s first full collection for Dries Van Noten delivered a mix of patterns and prints in bold colors—both a tribute to the past and a nod towards the future. At Biek Verstappen, Alabama Chanin and Horisaki Design & Handel the focus was on the handmade and hand finished.

Looking forward to sharing these special collections with you come fall.

Wishing you peace and beauty,

Shobhan

With Love from the Mountains: In Conversation with Bergfabel

For Klaus Plank and Barbara Cavalli of Bergfabel, design is not just an art form, but a way of life. They make their clothes not simply for others but for themselves, creating pieces intended to live in and look stylish doing so. Their collection is a love letter to the classics–well-made, tailored pieces with just the right amount of artful crumple. Their clothing is effortless and layerable, made with natural textiles that move seamlessly between seasons. While Shobhan and Tatiana were in Paris, they visited with Barbara and Klaus—who shared a bit more about the Italian clothing line’s inspiration and process. Read along for an interview with Bergfabel.  

Klaus Plank and Barbara Cavelli of Bergfabel

What is the essence of Bergfabel?

The essence of Bergfabel is a deep connection to nature, tradition, and craftsmanship. It tells the story of South Tyrol through high-quality clothing that reflects simplicity, family life, and poetic beauty. The brand values authenticity and timeless design, bringing the spirit of the mountains to the world.

How would you like people to feel when wearing your clothing?

We want people to feel connected to nature, tradition, and quality. When wearing Bergfabel, they should feel comfortable, confident, and surrounded by a sense of poetry and timeless beauty. Our clothing is made to bring warmth, authenticity, and a touch of the mountains into everyday life.

What compels you to create clothing?

I want to share the culture and beauty of my home, South Tyrol. Clothing is a way to tell a story—about nature, tradition, and a simple, poetic way of life. I believe in quality and craftsmanship, making pieces that feel timeless and personal. My goal is to create something meaningful, where people can feel connected to the essence of the mountains and the warmth of family life.

Can you tell us about how you source textiles?

My process of sourcing textiles is deeply personal and intuitive. I travel to select mills in Italy and Japan, searching for fabrics that have a special touch, texture, and story. I work closely with artisans who share our values of quality and tradition.

I believe fabric should speak to the senses—its weight, softness, and movement must feel just right. Touching and feeling each textile is essential before I decide to use it and it takes a  long time. Some fabrics are custom-made for us, inspired by traditional weaves and vintage garments, ensuring a unique character.

What is the inspiration behind your silhouettes? 

The inspiration behind our silhouettes comes from my past and my wife. Memories of traditional South Tyrolean workwear, the way people dressed in the mountains, and the simplicity of rural life all influence the shapes of our garments. My wife also inspires me—her elegance, her sense of poetry, and the way she moves bring a soft, timeless feeling to the designs.

South Tyrol, Italy

Can you tell us about how Bergfabel clothing is made?

Each Bergfabel piece is made with deep care and attention to detail. Some pieces are hand-finished, adding a personal touch that makes them special. I also focus on washing techniques to give the clothing a lived-in feel, as if it has a story of its own. Each garment is made to be worn and loved for years.

What draws you to shirting? 

I love wearing shirts, but I always felt they were either too classical or too sporty. That’s why I wanted to create something different—shirts that feel timeless yet modern, structured yet relaxed.

For me, the perfect shirt should be easy to wear, with beautiful fabrics that feel natural and soft against the skin. I focus on small details—subtle proportions, special textures, and handmade touches—that make each piece unique.

They should be effortless, with a quiet elegance that fits into everyday life while still feeling special.

And then I found the best paper cotton to make them—crisp yet soft, structured yet breathable. This fabric is incredible on the skin, with a lightness that makes it feel almost weightless. It has the perfect balance: sharp enough to hold its shape, yet comfortable enough to wear all day. I love how it changes with time, becoming even more beautiful as it softens with wear. It gives the shirts a fresh, effortless elegance—never too formal, never too casual, just perfectly refined in a natural way.

What inspired the color palette for Spring?

The color palette for spring is inspired by gardens—wild, natural, and full of life. I love how nature’s imperfections create the most beautiful harmony. Faded greens, earthy neutrals, soft florals, and sun-washed tones reflect the quiet poetry of a garden in bloom.

How would you describe your approach to jackets and coats?

My approach to jackets and coats is about balancing structure and softness, tradition and modernity. I am inspired by classic workwear and traditional tailoring but reinterpret these ideas with a poetic, effortless feel.

For me, a jacket or coat should feel like a trusted companion—something you reach for every day, that carries stories and memories, and only gets better with wear.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about Bergfabel?

Bergfabel is about quality, not trends. It is about creating garments that feel personal, that become part of your story, and that only grow more beautiful with time. My inspiration comes from my home, my past, and my family, and I hope that when you wear Bergfabel, you feel that same warmth and authenticity.

Barbara Cavelli and Klaus Plank, with love from the mountains.

Studied Silk: Sophie Hong

Sophie Hong Silk

Sophie Hong’s accolades are too numerous to count. She is not only an internationally awarded clothing designer, but a textile researcher to boot, credited with the resurgence of traditional Guangdong mud silks in high fashion.

Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading

Sophie Hong’s clothing brand was founded nearly 50 years ago. Today, all manner of textiles flourish under her practiced touch. Of note in Sophie Hong’s latest delivery is a slate of intensely detailed silk jacquards with a raised, textured finish.

Silk Shibori Scarf in Indigo Blue

Find in this collection moments of the subtle extraordinary: glossy glass beads buttoning plackets, tiny seed pearls sewn along hems and stylish double collars on the shirting that is just oh-so-unmistakably Sophie Hong.

Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading
Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading

“Make the right clothes for the right people, wear the right clothes at the right time.”

—Sophie Hong’s motto

Our Global Impact

With your help, this year we were able to donate and support the following causes both at home and abroad. We gave to a variety of local and international non-profits, focusing primarily on areas of critical humanitarian need and global sustainability.

The entries here followed by a star rating have been vetted and assessed by Charity Navigator, an organization that evaluates the transparency, efficacy and impact of non-profits worldwide. Each charity they assess is assigned up to four stars based on the aformentioned criteria.

Planned Parenthood – $10,000

★★★★ – Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable sexual and reproductive health care for all people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With nearly 600 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect, and without judgment, striving to create equitable access to health care.

Read more about Planned Parenthood here.

Food Depot, Food 4 Kids Program – $10,000

★★★★ – 1 in 7 New Mexicans experiences food insecurity, a lack of consistent access to healthy foods. The Food Depot’s partner nonprofits and innovative hunger-relief programs provide food and support services to 40,000 people experiencing food insecurity. In 2023, The Food Depot’s fleet of vehicles traveled over 400,000 miles across nine counties. Our specific donations go to their Food 4 Kids program, which provides meals to children whose parents are unable to provide food for them at home.

Read more about the Santa Fe Food Depot here.

Center for Biological Diversity – $10,000

★★★★ – The Center for Biological Diversity (CBD) believes that the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence in our world of a vast diversity of wild animals and plants. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, CBD works to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. CBD does so through science, law and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that species need to survive.

Read more about the Center for Biological Diversity here.

Doctors Without Borders – $10,000

★★★★ – Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization that provides aid to nearly 60 countries. Their primary focus is people whose survival is threatened by violence, neglect or catastrophe primarily due to armed conflict, natural disasters, epidemics, malnutrition, or lack of healthcare infrastructure.

Read more about Doctors Without Borders here.

International Rescue Committee – $10,000

★★★★ – The International Rescue Committee responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises, including the conflict in Ukraine and the crisis in Afghanistan. The IRC helps to restore healthsafetyeducationeconomic wellbeing and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. And the IRC fights for a world where women and girls have an equal chance to succeed.

Read more about the International Rescue Committee here.

Zeitz Foundation and Segera Wild Life Refuge – $10,000

The ZEITZ foundation creates and supports projects promoting an inclusive, holistic paradigm of conservation that enhances livelihoods and fosters intercultural dialogue while achieving long-lasting positive impact and sustainability. One of their projects, and home to the ZEITZ foundation, the Segera Conservancy is a 50,000 acre wildlife refuge in the heart of Laikipia, Kenya. The ZEITZ foundation, Segera and The Long Run share a holistic “4C” philosophy balancing Conservation, Community, Culture and Commerce, geared towards delivering tangible and sustainable benefits for land, wildlife and rural communities. 

Read more about the Zeitz Foundation here.

United Nations Relief and Works Agency – $8,342

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees provides services that encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance, including in times of armed conflict.

Read more about the United Nations Relief and Works Agency here.

World Central Kitchen – $8,000

★★★★ – Food is essential to life every single day, all over the world—and it is more important than ever in a crisis. The World Central Kitchen’s work is guided by the belief that food is a universal human right. World Central Kitchen teams across the world are deeply committed to serving delicious, chef-prepared meals to people with the dignity they deserve.

Read more about the World Central Kitchen here.

Santa Fe Interfaith Homeless Shelter – $5,000

Also known as Pete’s Place, the Santa Fe Interfaith Homeless Shelter offers a safe and secure place for the homeless as they overcome adversity and stabilize their lives. As the only minimal barrier shelter in Northern New Mexico, they provide a much needed respite for the most vulnerable and oft overlooked members of our community. In addition, they offer a range of support services, such as assistance with SNAP, health care, applying for work and substance abuse counseling.

Read more about the Santa Fe Interfaith Homeless Shelter here.

CAMFED – $5,000

★★★★ – The Campaign for Female Education is tackling poverty and inequality by supporting girls to go to school and succeed. Their model focuses on inequality and encourages wider social movement in the communities they serve by unlocking the benefits of girl’s education. Over almost 30 years, their education programs in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Ghana, Tanzania and Malawi have directly supported more than 3.3 million students and provided an improved learning environment for more than 5.7 million children.

Read more about CAMFED here.

Rainforest Action Network – $5,000

★★★★ – Rainforest Action Network preserves forests, protects the climate and upholds human rights by challenging corporate power and systemic injustice through frontline partnerships and strategic campaigns. RAN works toward a world where the rights and dignity of all communities are respected and where healthy forests, a stable climate and wild biodiversity are protected and celebrated.

Read more about the Rainforest Action Network here.

Breakthrough Santa Fe – $5,000

Breakthrough Santa Fe supports motivated public middle school students whose identities have been historically excluded from higher education on their path to college. In addition, the program provides high school and college-age young adults with a rewarding experience as teachers and mentors.

Red more about Breakthrough Santa Fe here.

Advocates for Trans Equality – $2,500

★★★★ – Advocates for Trans Equality fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in America. A4TE was founded in 2024 as the National Center for Transgender Equality (NCTE) and Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund (TLDEF), two long-time champions for the trans community, merged together as one organization. A4TE builds on their successes to boldly imagine a world where trans people live our lives joyfully and without barriers.

Read more about Advocates for Trans Equality here.

New Mexico Wildlife Center – $2,500

★★★★ – The New Mexico Wildlife Center connects people and wildlife through conservation education and rehabilitation because a world with wildlife is a better world. NMWC’s wildlife hospital treats between 650 and 900 injured and orphaned wild animals of more than 120 species annually, returning as many as possible to the wild. 

Read more about New Mexico Wildlife Center here.

Sheldrick Wildlife Trust – $1,500

★★★★ – As one of Africa’s oldest wildlife charities and a leading conservation organisation, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust (SWT) embraces all measures that complement the conservation, preservation and protection of wildlife. The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust operates the most successful orphan elephant rescue and rehabilitation program in the world.

Read more about Sheldrick Wildlife Trust here.

The Vera Institute of Justice – $1,000

★★★★ – VERA challenges racial and economic injustice and is committed to protecting basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in American society. They provide legal representation to those who have been illegally convicted, unfairly punished or abused in state jails and prisons. They also provide re-entry assistance to formerly incarcerated people and ensure their assimilation back into society is smooth and complete.

Read more about the Vera Institute here.

New Arrivals from Suzusan

One of the most fascinating techniques on the planet is Shibori. Originating from Japan, the term refers to traditional resist dyeing methods wherein fabric is folded, binded or twisted to create complex, textured designs. For Hiroyuki Murase, the designer behind Suzusan, this concept takes on a whole new life.

As a fifth generation artisan, Hiroyuki’s family has been practicing this art for over 100 years. In fact, his hometown of Arimatsu, Japan, is a mecca of the craft. Today Hiroyuki Murase of Suzusan takes this centuries-old practice and translates it for the contemporary wardrobe, creating lush, sophisticated motifs across cashmere and alpaca knits. As the year winks closed, please enjoy this small, plush delivery of blues from the Suzusan studio.

Stephanie Schneider: Weaving Silver & Silk

Stephanie Schneider’s jewelry is a synthesis between the natural world and utilitarian imagination–a delicate union of the spontaneous and precise. With a background in both fashion and textile design, the Antwerp-based designer walks the line between sculpture and adornment. Though many designers string beads on silk, Stephanie Schneider takes the concept to a new level–using silver, gold and silk as interlocking yarns to create small, personal tapestries for the body.

After studying fashion and textile design in tandem, Stephanie Schneider opened her jewelry label, 17, in 2006. Her fascination with textiles is obvious within her line, which read as equal parts fine jewelry, futuristic weaving and mini chainmail. At the core of Stephanie Schneider’s practice lies a delicate yet powerful technique: hand-weaving. Drawing inspiration from Bauhaus designer Anni Albers, Stephanie Schneider elevates this humble practice with sterling silver and gold.

Stephanie Schneider choice of materials further amplifies the uniqueness of her pieces. Delicate seed pearls and black diamonds tumble from the interlocking chains, creating a precious spontaneity in each composition. The stones do not simply rest on the surface; they are interlaced with the metal–becoming part of the very fabric of the design.

Each bracelet, necklace, and ring feels more like an experience than an object, inviting a world of tactile enjoyment. Her shawl necklaces, in particular, embody this sensibility, wrapping around the neck in an intimate and unexpected way, with no clasp to break the fluidity of their form. In Stephanie Schneider’s hands, jewelry becomes a living, breathing entity—a natural extension of the wearer’s own style and spirit.

Attitude & Intrigue: Dries Van Noten Jewelry

Simon Dooney, the former creative director of Barney’s, once described Dries Van Noten’s effect as “transformative,” going on to say that wearing a Dries piece was a way to become “a more interesting, enigmatic, intriguing person.” In his Fall/Winter 2024 collection, the last designed by Dries himself before his retirement, the Belgian designer strived to blur the lines between precious and pragmatic.

In addition to his shimmering jackets and handbags indicative of the collection, Dries also delivered a handful of cheeky jewelry pieces in brass and silver–perfect for a little bit of glitter at the ears or the wrist.

High-optic strass jewels embed the pieces, complemented on several of the rings by creamy pearlescent studs. The accents are placed organically, the design akin to ore-dotted rock or rare, deep sea coral.

“It’s quite a strong woman, a woman who dares to cut her own fringe. She has an attitude, she enjoys contradictions, she wants to be loved but she wants control.”

–Dries Van Noten referring to this season’s muse.

Dressing with Dries

Evenings to Remember

As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves musing on color. This has been a jewel-toned year after all, it’s only fair we celebrate it with equal verve. Come the big midnight, you can find us heralding the new year in rich combinations, such as topaz and ruby or emerald and gold (with the appropriate shimmer to match, of course.) Work from designers such as Biyan, Scrives, and Stephanie Albertson pairs well with Avant Toi silks. We’re wearing Dries Van Noten with Prounis and Marséll, and mixing Sabina Savage with emeralds from Tenthousandthings and Greig Porter. In sapphire and cobalt we love Daniela Gregis’ washed silk coat with Annie Fensterstock’s Sapphire Scallop Earrings.

Topaz & Ruby

Bronze & Copper

Emerald & Gold

Sapphire & Cobalt

Colorful Silks for Layering

Kaval: A Gift for the Senses

In the headiest, busiest time of the year, anything not decked to the nines and dripping with tinsel can be a breath of fresh air. In the midst of hanging lights and wrapping boxes, we have received a small, textural collection from Kaval. In the delivery are gifts for the senses, such as cashmere shirting, blanket stitched coats and a cheeky tufted vest made from sheep and reindeer fluff—all rendered in deep earth tones.

Kaval is a studio that marches to the beat of its own drum. Rather than being tied to a traditional fashion calendar, this small, Japanese studio sends their collections to us as they are completed (to be obvious, after carefully hand-making each piece with their antique sewing machines.) This particular, slow method is so intrinsic to not just their garments, but who they are as a label— a studio as thoughtful and studied as they are special.

Margery Hirschey’s Luminescent Opal

Following the rare black opal, boulder opals are the most coveted varietal of their stone, and among the most difficult to find. As opposed to developing in veins that can be mined with a pick, boulder opals form within massive ironstone boulders—hence the name—that need to be cracked open to reach their prismatic ore. Working from her Colorado studio, Margery Hirschey has used this gem in her latest collection to create a one-of-a-kind pendant.

In 22K gold, the opal itself is a slice of the night sky. Hues of blue, green and lilac wash together in an aurora of color, buffeted by slivers of dark ironstone from the gem’s earthy origins. The surface, though polished, is naturally irregular, making the glossy highlights read as stars in their own miniature constellation.

Of note is the bezel that cradles the stone, which has been carved and shaped to fit the stone’s original curvature without the need to alter the stone.The asymmetric, fluted presentation is simultaneously opulent and humble—it could as easily evoke the framed paintings in a museum’s Renaissance wing as it could the markings on a hand-whittled ornament.

In addition to the pendant, we have received a few more pieces from Margery, including a stunning emerald ring and a pair of boulder opal chandelier earrings. Each is as unique as Margery herself, who is an unbridled creative force in the world of fine jewelry.

One-of-a-Kind Keshi Pearls

From Greig Porter’s storied collection of jewelry, a spotlight on two pieces in particular: his 5-Strand Keshi Pearl Necklace and his matching Seed Pearl Mini Chandelier Earrings. Seed pearls are very small, off-round varietals of this natural gemstone, favored for their delicacy and soft color. 

Keshi pearls are a particular subset of this species from Japan with a high luster. While historically these stones have been used as embellishments in Baroque artwork, they make a divine bead for contemporary jewelry. By stringing together dozens of this gem, and punctuating their creaminess with 18K gold, Greig Porter creates unique, elegant jewelry with impact.

“Great things are done by a series of small things brought together.”

— Vincent Van Gogh

Natural Phenomena: Gemstone Jewelry

There is a rare meteorological phenomenon known as diamond dust, where microscopic ice crystals will fall from the sky on an otherwise clear day. While it occurs most often at high elevations or the poles, it can happen anywhere the temperature ducks below freezing. Perhaps you have experienced it firsthand… found yourself suddenly surrounded by a glimmering flurry suspended in air. It was surely a moment to savor, as if the entire world were frozen in time. We find gemstones much the same, a tiny miracle to carry with us (maybe just a bit more literally).

Key Piece

DIAMOND DUST: A stand-out for both shape and character, Lauren Wolf’s Salt & Pepper Snowflake ring shines among a collection of already exceptional diamonds. Part of our first capsule delivery from the Bay Area designer, this piece features a brilliant, kite-cut varietal set in platinum, flanked by a halo of champagne teardrops.

Explore more

Key Piece

MORNING GLORIES: A favorite in-store, Greig Porter’s collection is most coveted for its devotion to color. In this single-strand necklace, dozens of emerald beads slowly graduate forward, punctuated by an array of 18K gold beads. An echo of royal collars of antiquity, this style emphasizes elegance.

Explore More

Key Piece

POLAR PEARLS: Last, but far from least, a spotlight for Jean Prounis’ Tahitian pearl collar. Classically set, this piece features a 22K, Mycenae-inspired fibula closure so detailed you may be tempted to wear it clasp-forward. A particularly dark and iridescent varietal, these pearls glow like the sky in moonlight.

Explore more

New Arrivals from Ziggy Chen

A treat for the weekend: new arrivals from Shanghai-based Ziggy Chen. This small capsule collection centers around a sophisticated palette of merlot– a warm, earthy tone perfect for the colder months. With just six new pieces, texture rises above the rest… and Ziggy Chen certainly doesn’t disappoint in rich cotton velvets and lustrous vegetable silk. The soft, tactile nature of the velvets in particular contrasts well against the collection’s minimalist lines and subtle tailoring.

For Sun Soaked Winter Getaways: Gilda Midani

Inspired Trips

Planning a getaway? Finishing the year always tempts us to take a break. Whether around the globe or around the corner, a getaway provides the rare opportunity to be carefree… and perhaps find renewal in intimate spaces, unique places and new faces. Gilda Midani’s light, layerable pieces are perfect for a midwinter skip to your own sun-soaked somewhere. Easy to pack and even easier to wear, they might be all you need to make a great escape.

SURROUNDED BY SEA
ASSOS, GREECE
WITHIN A HIDDEN OASIS
WADI RUM DESERT, JORDAN
ADVENTURING WITH IMPACT
CHUMBE ISLAND CONSERVATION, TANZANIA

Denise Betesh: Cherished Gold

When thinking of Denise Betesh’s jewelry, the first thing that comes to mind is her choice of stones: a devoted jeweler, her gems are not only conflict-free but of impeccable quality and character. The second is her metal—a distinct 22K gold handcrafted in her Santa Fe studio. These elements work together in easy harmony: the stones catch the eye, while the gold holds its attention. Paired with her seamless designs and keen sense for color, Denise Betesh harnesses the rare qualities of a prized heirloom: trendless, timeless, and like no other.

Core to jewelry collection is a selection of stackable rings set with richly colored stones such as tangy tsavorite and chocolate star sapphire. The latter is of particular note—not only is this a rare varietal within Denise Betesh’s collection, but the cabochons hide a secret star that is revealed with direct light.

With softly rounded edges and a rubbed matte finish, the stone settings ultimately lend an air of antiquity to Denise Betesh’s rings and earrings. Her forms are classic and layerable, all intended to subtly fit together like a predestined puzzle.

“What’s important is making jewelry that’s not a fashion statement, but something to be cherished and honored.” 

— Denise Betesh

Introducing Irit Design

For over 20 years, Irit Ehrlich of Irit Design has been designing focal, patina-forward jewelry from her Malibu studio. A self-taught designer, she balances edge and elegance by drawing inspiration from historical iconography. Ancient Viking bracers, Maltese crosses and Victorian starbursts all have their place in her stylistic vocabulary. In this first capsule delivery from Irit Design, find a small selection of stand-outs: from fishbone-esque dangles and tahitian pearl pendants to a studded diamond cuff reminiscent of the night sky.

The lion’s share of Irit Design’s jewelry collection is either one-offs or limited editions. Her designs are more like works of art than standard wearables, each infused with distinct and unshakeable personality.

Among the cultural luminaries who adore Irit Design’s jewelry, those with a penchant for rock and roll rise above the rest— Irit has coyly shared that Ringo Starr is often photographed wearing her diamond peace sign.

While Irit Design’s jewelry is highly sculptural—one needs look no further than her layered chain necklace to feel immersed in scale—they possess an innate sensuality. Perhaps it’s the play of mixed metals and diamond, perhaps it’s the organic, interlocking shapes. Something about her work feels spontaneous and tantalizing—a glimmer that remains in the mind long beyond first impression.

“My pieces suit a spectrum of humans, ages and lifestyles…complement[ing] the stylistic freedom of our lives and times.”

— Irit Ehrlich of Irit Design

Just Starting to Decorate Workshop

Finally, the time is here for us to break out our finest, because this weekend is for decorating. In the next few days, we will head to the woods to forage for pine branches. Natural elements and vintage glass ornaments alike will scatter Workshop’s tables, and strings of small, twinkling lights will wink through our windows. Come next week and find our stores fragrant with apple, cinnamon and clove. Should you find yourself walking the Santa Fe Plaza in the coming days, we invite you to Workshop for a bit of cider and cheer.

Mood-Setting Scents

Housed in their signature cast iron vessels, Mad et Len delivers candles of the moment. Mad et Len scents are delicate and exceptional, crafted from unusual aromatics such as champaka and mandarin tree. For something off the beaten path, try the amber potpourri in best-selling Spirituelle.

Tonal Textures

The season’s richest pieces are here to delight the senses—plush cashmere sweaters from Avant Toi, brushed suede handbags from Marsèll and handmade leather hats from Horisaki.

Shobhan’s Picks from Workshop

Miranda Hicks

Miranda Hicks’ handwrought sterling jewelry is great for a bit of textured sparkle. Her works are refined while still being substantial enough to stand out among the heavier layers of the season.

Album di Famiglia

Album di Famiglia’s velvet coats are delightfully mushy—easy to wear with a sweater and a leather boot for wherever your day takes you.

Marsèll

From snow-crunching boots to cocktail party flats, Marsèll bridges the gap between rustic and sleek. With a range of handbags to match, these pieces can be worn with anything for years to come.

Frenckenberger

Where would we be without cashmere in winter? Nathalie and Terry-Ann of Frenckenberger deliver some of the the softest sweaters in a palette of calm neutrals.

Avant Toi

The snuggly stylings of Avant Toi are a pick for us year-round…. though in winter they are a favorite for their silky tops and richly colored knits.

Raw Beauty: Miranda Hicks

Miranda Hicks’ jewelry embodies the untamed spirit of the American Southwest, blending rugged, natural elements with a bold, contemporary edge.  Made primarily in sterling silver, Miranda Hicks honors the traditional silversmithing techniques that have long defined our region, while still bringing a fresh sensibility to the medium. Working from her studio in Santa Fe, Miranda Hicks’ jewelry collection captures the strength and beauty of our high desert home.

At the heart of Miranda Hicks’ designs lie an earthy humility. Triangular, circular, and trapezoidal studs are cast and carved by hand, and then hammered and oxidized to create Miranda Hicks’ signature patina. The neutral-toned sterling silver offsets rare stones, such as black garnet, spirit quartz and apophyllite–all chosen for their raw, natural beauty.

Though grounded in traditional craftsmanship, Miranda Hicks’ earrings channel an aesthetic that is strikingly modern. Delicate yet powerful, her designs challenge the conventions of classical jewelry, embracing asymmetry and rough-hewn stones for an organic and spontaneous feel.

What makes Miranda Hicks’ work so distinctive is her approach to wearability. Her jewelry is as comfortable as it is captivating. With her earrings and cuff bracelets, Miranda Hicks quietly transforms appearances and spirits both– a testament to the power of art and nature in true harmony. Her pieces aren’t just accessories, but talismans… each crafted with its own story.

A Vibrant Spread: Biyan’s Lookbook

If Biyan Wanaatmadja’s spring was a lush symphony, his fall delivery is its resplendent crescendo. The Indonesian designer has deepened his visual foundation, layering sweeping silhouettes, vibrant prints and fascinating texture into his already maximal approach. Biyan’s palette oscillates from rich emerald and cobalt to luminous pink. The silk fabrics are smoothly embellished with gold and silver filigree. In celebration of this feast for the senses, please enjoy our lookbook of Biyan’s most incredible works for the Fall/Winter 2024 season.

Biyan Fall 2024 Lookbook

“I find inspiration everywhere around me… and mostly in the rich heritage [of Indonesia]. My forte is combining the richness of my culture and infusing that into modern wearable designs.”

– Biyan Wanaatmadja

From the Archive: Sabina Savage

Our latest delivery from Sabina Savage includes several pieces from her archive, specifically from Mýthos and A Tale of Tibet as well as a few more pieces from her latest Escape Into Edo collection. These scarves, shawls and even a velvet duster make beautiful gifts and they are also a beautiful expression of the self. Sabina’s storytelling is as timeless as it is human. As you explore, you may find one story or image resonates with you. This is part of Sabina’s true magic: a personal kinship with the animals and the silky dreams she spins.

Monies One-of-a-Kind Malachite

For Monies, each piece they create is a story—a narrative forged in precious stone that spans far beyond its time in the studio. Among their favorite materials to work with include 12 million-year-old geodes and in their most recent delivery, fascinating slabs of deep green malachite. Each stone is deliberately selected to heighten attention on both macro and micro levels.

At the Monies workshop in Copenhagen, they begin creating their one-of-a-kind necklaces by tiling flats of stone. They fit disparate shapes together as if they were making a mosaic. While some pieces develop effortlessly, led by the natural character of the material, others require a fiercely focused approach. It is not uncommon for the Monies family to spend hours poring over one composition, arranging and rearranging, cutting and recutting the stones to create the perfect collar necklace.

Monies works to honor the natural origins of their components while still carving space for intense artistry and expression. With each of the Monies statement pieces, color and shape spark an enchantment of the senses. For this malachite necklace, the undulations of mint and emerald provide a canvas for the stone’s natural inclusions and fissures. With each one-of-a-kind piece, Monies embellishes upon the material’s everlasting story, its stunning wearability an invitation for the next chapter.

Lauren Manoogian’s Soft Neutrals

As cute as the name sounds, “super baby alpaca” does not come from young cria roaming the Peruvian highlands while wearing colorful capes. The term, also known as royal alpaca, refers to the finest grade of alpaca fibers, harvested from the soft, downy undercoat of this species. Soft as cashmere but without any lanolin, this is a material favored by designers for its durability and plush hand feel. In Lauren Manoogian’s latest delivery, she weaves super soft baby alpaca into a collection of dreams: indulgently cozy knits perfect for fall’s most languid days.

While her garments come off as effortless, Lauren Manoogian herself is something of a scientist. Her attention to textile is obsessive and precise—a focus on micron weight and minute adjustments akin to an organic chemistry. This attention reaps reward in multitude. The unmatched loftiness Lauren Manoogian achieves far surpasses those with only a passive respect for the material.

Aside from her unflinching minimalism, a hallmark of a Lauren Manoogian sweater lies in its palette. Lauren Manoogian’s penchant for neutrals comes from both a practical and an ideological place. In Lauren Manoogian’s own words, “If you’re super-focused on color and brightness, you can’t have insane texture.” In line with her respect for base materials, Lauren Manoogian’s preference is to use undyed woolen yarns. By doing so, she relies on the alpaca and sheep from whom the fiber once grew—a soft, dynamic color presentation that shifts subtly from one inch to the next.

Asciari’s Atelier Approach

There is an art to dressing in the cooler months. Aside from the obvious temperature regulation, it can be difficult to strike a balance of just the right layers. Mass-market labels often sacrifice style for warmth and coverage, forgoing the satisfaction of good design for convenience. Enter a slow-and-steady studio practiced in the antithesis of this model: Asciari. Based in Sicily, this family-run clothing label has perfected the union of form and function with an old-world twist.

Designed by Pietro, Federica and Marta Mazzettini, Asciari’s collections feel like a favorite pajama despite their tailored cuts and clean silhouettes. Part of this magic comes down to the structure of the garments. Their jackets, dresses, and shirts are informed by centuries-old heritage of atelier design. Along with Asciari’s preference for exquisite Loro Piana fabrics this collection is greater than the sum of its parts. Asciari challenges contemporary notions of comfort over polish, arguing not only that you can have both, but that every occasion can, and should, be met with style.

“You can have anything you want in life if you dress for it.”

— Edith Head