: a project that is not yet finished : a concerted effort to make things better, brighter and more beautiful : our weekly updates on retail to detail and everything in between
Fashion may be aspirational, but it’s ultimately reflective of the times we live in. The way we dress, both as individuals and as a community, inevitably evolves as we ourselves grow. With so much to accomplish in-store and in the world, there is hardly time to rest on one’s laurels. Like all things, it takes concerted effort to move the bar forward.
It may be hot, but we are dreaming of an English summer—particularly the fresh green palette that presents itself across the UK this time of year. Sprawling meadow grass punctuated by shoots of wild wheat and dainty, flowering bushes flourish beside the cool touch of crumbling, stony cobbles piled near an old farmhouse. Perhaps the sound of fuzzy, well-tended sheep bleat in the distance. This is a place where texture reigns, and captures our imagination with ease. Amblẽme’s silky bohemian slides (pictured above) may be at odds with this vision of pastoral idyll… but a closer look at the collection sees clean lines and and a classic approach to leather that can go from field to formal. Besides… what is a pop of color if not to heighten contrast?
In April, the USA’s elevated “reciprocal tariffs” were put on pause for 90 days–barring governmental intervention, this deadline comes to roost on July 9th. While we have experienced higher than usual tariff rates over the past few months, we have worked diligently to keep the impact from raising the price you see on a tag. However, this means we are also trying to get our pre-fall and fall into the stores as quickly as possible to beat the impending hike. Many of the collections are already here! Vendors are also lowering their margin to avoid passing on the cost, such as Officine Creative who just announced no increase to their retail pricing for Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
This latest delivery of Greig Porter’s jewelry highlights the dynamic beauty of blue stones such as sapphire and topaz. His newest earring design is akin to crocheting gold–small details that intertwine spin-set stones to create layered movement across each dangle.
Even with temperatures high across the US, Pre-Fall is keeping us cool at the stores. Among these arrivals are some very special lightweight cashmere pieces from Iris Von Arnim that are all but butter to the touch: loose, latticework cable knits, brushed cashmere tees and the sweetest little collar shawl that has us craving sweater weather.
Have you ever wondered why so many of Daniela Gregis’ designs specify whether the fabric is washed? For designers like Daniela, a quick bath of water is the first step to creating a piece that looks as good now as it will in ten years.
To love (and love wearing) natural fabrics is to accept the quirks that come with caring for the fibers. Cashmere can pill and needs to be brushed, the sericin luster of silk can mellow if tumbled in a hot dryer and cotton and linen fibers tend to shrink a bit in water. For the latter textiles–cotton and linen–the most shrinkage happens in the first wash. This is largely unnoticeable, but may become apparent along seams and hems where the fabric can pucker or feel a touch shorter on the form. While many designers accommodate this fact of fabric in their designs, studios like Daniela Gregis tend to go the extra mile: washing their cottons and linens before they are sewn. This not only lends Daniela her signature crumply finish, but ensures that her pieces will keep their initial shape, wash after wash.
Every year, it feels like we blink and it’s suddenly June again. Lucky for us, this means that soon comes Santa Fe’s International Folk Art Market, and one of our favorite events of the year: the Mieko Mintz Trunk Show in Santa Fe Dry Goods. Please join us in-store Thursday, July 10th through Saturday, July 12th to meet Mieko in person and explore her vast collection of colorful, one-of-a-kind kantha stitched coats and jackets. We hope to see you there!
While jewelry can be an elegant form of self-expression year-round, there is a distinct benefit to wearing it in summer. With an abundance of brighter, more intense sunlight during the day, gold and chromatic jewels tend to really gleam. Diamonds are particularly well-suited given their natural inner fire–an optical phenomena that can cast small rainbows and glitter in direct light. At the TAP studio, husband-wife designer duo Todd and Debra Pownell explore the vast possibilities of diamond jewelry.
Todd and Debra are infamous for their willingness to eschew the traditional and experiment with their settings. From their bench, we see a magnitude of presentations: spiky, reverse-set stones, undulating channel settings and hammered interlocking links among their favorite motifs… all of which achieve cohesion even in the most unusual shapes.
Dainty trapezoid-cut diamonds are like dew drops on an 18K chain, the links connected directly to small drilled holes in the stones. By suspending the diamonds rather than bezeling them, the maximum amount of light to passes through and refracts against the skin to add an additional dimension of texture.
In one of their most striking cocktail rings, ten marquise diamonds are nestled against an oxidized silver. The distinctive ovaline shape of this cut is typically used in the singular to give a piece of jewelry a “big” diamond feel. However, Todd and Debra set a cluster of smaller stones to maximize the glitter factor.
: a project that is not yet finished : a concerted effort to make things better, brighter and more beautiful : our weekly updates on retail to detail and everything in between
Fashion may be aspirational, but it’s ultimately reflective of the times we live in. The way we dress, both as individuals and as a community, inevitably evolves as we ourselves grow. With so much to accomplish in-store and in the world, there is hardly time to rest on one’s laurels. Like all things, it takes concerted effort to move the bar forward.
Any brand focused on the handmade will espouse the virtues of owning fewer, but better and more beautiful things. This is not only the nature of our business, but a great philosophy for living. A capsule wardrobe, a small, tightly curated collection of versatile wearables, can be the most helpful when it comes to what’s in your closet. Items that work best are high-quality goods that are timeless, adaptable and feel great on the body. Think a favorite paper cotton shirt that can be tucked into multiple pairs of slacks, worn loosely with a cheeky jean, tied up at the waist to show off a long skirt or tossed on over a summer dress as a cover up.
In Ziggy Chen’s newest collection, Gnartricate (a portmanteau of “gnarled branches” and “intricate”,) the designer draws inspiration from the intertwining plant roots that feed a long-lived and thriving tree–a reference to the unseen, yet foundational elements upon which beauty and stability flourish.
While we are big advocates of jewelry year-round, there is a distinct benefit to wearing it in the summer. With an abundance of brighter, more intense sunlight during the day, gold and chromatic jewels tend to really gleam at this time of year. Diamonds are particularly well-suited for summer wear given their natural inner fire–an optical phenomena that can cast small rainbows and glitter against the skin. As the summer wardrobe tends to be lighter and simpler, a glimmer at the neck or wrist can add visual interest without the need for another layer when it’s hot.
An intensely versatile brand, Daniela’s elegant, simplified designs can be adapted for many environments and body types. Her latest collection emphasizes the classics: muted colors and clean silhouettes that will wear well for a lifetime.
Known for his bold, sometimes tensely graphic shapes, Brâncuși is often referred to as a “pioneer of modernism.” Gilda Midani’s own artistic hand is deeply influenced by his work—particularly his relationship to geometric lines and symbolic allusions. We see Brâncuși most clearly in Gilda’s Star pattern, wherein the Brazilian designer ties and waxes the fabric to resist a full dyeing of the cloth. This method, similar to Shibori, exposes the pure white cotton and linen fibres to create a figurative starburst across the final garment. Similar visual allusions appear across Gilda’s oeuvre, wherein she manipulates color and shape to evoke waves, cliffs and clouds.
This weekend marks the end of our Summer Sale and our return to few, if any, discounted pieces available in-store. If you have had your eye on something special, now is the time to acquire it at a steal.
In this last breath before the busy season, we are relishing a bit of quiet. Santa Fe is serene at this time of year–green and languid, with birds chirping as flocks finish their northern migrations. We, as a team of prototypical Type As, like to use this quietude as an opportunity to prepare, perfect and ultimately get ahead. In addition to scrubbing the basements, organizing the stores and mapping out our summer events, we are also locking in our merchandise for 2026. Next week, Shobhan and Phat take off on the buy, to London to visit several prospective artists, then to Milan for Pre-Spring and Resort 2026.
This past weekend, Phat and I sprinted to New York for a quick buying trip. Given the retail calendar in Santa Fe, we are typically too busy in the summer to get away–so we have to take every opportunity to sneak off and see our vendors when we can. Sometimes the buy feels like our night gig after closing the doors for the day… made completely worth the effort when we are able to bring in the best of the best. Here is a small update… and we look forward to sharing with you the spoils of our hunt come next spring!
With just 24 hours in NYC, we had to prioritize quickly… and this weekend was all about Santa Fe Dry Goods. As Etro is coming back to our stores this fall, we took the opportunity to make selects from the studio’s SS26 collection. We were excited by what we saw: strong colors, prints and silhouettes that speak to the brand’s deep roots in couture.
In between cups of coffee and a shared plate of very spicy noodles, we also stopped in to see two new-to-us labels, Jason Wu and Max Mara S, both of which we will be receiving for the first time for Pre-Fall 2025. Our trip was rounded out by recent favorites, Iris Von Arnim and Munnu the Gem Palace, for a thoughtful, classical touch.
: to share an understanding or alignment : an experience of heightened mutual awareness : our exploration of the different ways to interpret design and the emotional power within
The eyes connect not just to the logical brain, but to the emotional one as well. Because environment, atmosphere and mood can be just as influential as an artist’s intent, it often takes extra care to communicate what happens in one person’s eyes versus another’s. Sure, we could wax poetic about the crumple of linen, the iridescence of a lacquered silk, or tell you that a garment transitions easily from day to night, but real comprehension lies in the personal, visual experience.
In this first missive, we present to you different ways to wear Daniela Gregis Spring/Summer 2025, a collection that just landed its last delivery in Wild Life. An intensely versatile brand, Daniela’s designs can be adapted for so many environments and body types–making her works a prime source for exploring personal style.
The International Folk Art Market is approaching quickly… With it comes one of our favorite yearly events: our annual Mieko Mintz Trunk Show in Santa Fe Dry Goods. Mieko will be in-store Thursday, July 10th through Saturday, July 12th. During this event, Mieko will share many new pieces–ranging from her signature kantha creations to her contemporary essential designs. These pieces will be available exclusively in-store. We hope to see you there!
The designers of Marsèll, three Italian creatives affectionately referred to as the Cima siblings, are masters of contrast. Clean lines are interrupted by bold cut-outs, sweeping silhouettes are cut into square toes, luxurious suede is brushed into near distress. The juxtaposed effect is subtle but impactful, with the ensuing contrast a foundation for the “unexpected” x-factor signature to the brand.
Marsèll Spring/ Summer 2025
Their latest arrivals continue the trend, with delicate sandals rendered in snappy silver laminate, rounded derbies with a cinched heel and Mary-Jane-esque flats transformed into a new favorite slide. Marsèll’s distinctive aesthetic is born from their creative process—a method that combines the Cima siblings’ innate artistry with the honed perfection native to Italian shoecraft.
Marsèll’s designs are often conceptualized free-form, as bold, graphic shapes rather than sheerly practical wearables. Once the silhouette is defined, the shoe is continually developed and tinkered with until it becomes something unbelievably wearable—while still maintaining the cool inventiveness endemic to the original idea. Each style is crafted in small, limited edition batches to best preserve the wild creativity of this process.
: a project that is not yet finished : a concerted effort to make things better, brighter and more beautiful : our weekly updates on retail to detail and everything in between
Fashion may be aspirational, but it’s ultimately reflective of the times we live in. The way we dress, both as individuals and as a community, inevitably evolves as we ourselves grow. With so much to accomplish, both in-store and the world at large, there is hardly time to rest on one’s laurels. Like all things, it takes concerted effort to move the bar forward.
Have you ever heard of “tailgating” in your best theatre silks? It may sound like an oxymoron, but if you are a regular patron of the Santa Fe Opera, this is not an unusual concept. This famously open-air theatre is equally renowned for its informal runway, wherein attendees from all over the world dress to the nines to enjoy a tipple or two in the parking lot before the show. This is a tradition that is equal parts convivial and celebratory… and ultimately so Santa Fe. Other than the opportunity to really get dressed up (a favorite pastime of ours!) we look forward to opera season for the dramatic inspiration. Heroic feats, torrid love affairs, sumptuous costumes and set-dressing… What’s not to love?
This year, SFO debuts Wagner’s Die Walküre (The Valkyrie), the second opera in the composer’s legendary Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung.) Inspired by Germano-Scandinavian folklore, the tale explores themes of forbidden love, familial treachery and divine intervention. The imagery of Valkyries descending from the heavens is particularly potent. Strength, empathy and vigilance have been personified by feminine presence throughout written history… innate characteristics so otherworldly that legends have deified them to properly convey their power. So, until this opera opens in July, you may find us parading around the stores in Erdem and Biyan, humming Ride of the Valkyries as we tend to the plants.
Erdem’s Summer 2025 collection drew inspiration from The Well of Loneliness—Radclyffe Hall’s seminal queer novel published in 1928 that was banned the same year it debuted.
Erdem Spring/ Summer 2025
At the time, the novel was considered scandalous for its depiction of two women in love. Hall herself loved and lived with a woman, and was known to dress in typical men’s fashions, such as monocles, trousers and suit jackets. Designer Erdem Moralioglu calls upon Hall’s life and writing to explore the creative tension between masculine and feminine motifs. This latest collection seamlessly merges the hallmarks of the two, in a way that feels both modern and timeless. Suit jackets are trimmed with crystal embroidery, silk cocktail dresses hang from the shoulder by ratchet-like straps and traditional shirting is pinned at the neck with dainty collar bars.
This is ultimately a celebration of many people’s living truth: that identity is a fluid, personal experience shaped as much by the exterior world as it is the internal experience. In the words of Radclyffe Hall, “You’re neither unnatural, nor abominable, nor mad; you’re as much a part of what people call nature as anyone else.”
White is often the best choice as the season heats up, given its naturally light and heat reflective properties. While Lauren Manoogian and The Row tend to dominate our light colored offerings, we have found the newest additions to Santa Fe Dry Goods to be well-matched to the task. From Asciari and Ruohan, enjoy a classical, lightweight wardrobe rendered in rice paper, cotton and linen. The look seen here on Sita is finished with a pair of leather and cotton/silk slides from Amblẽme.
While Uma Wang called upon Brâncuși’s sculpture to inform her latest collection, Gilda Midani’s love affair with the artist’s work has endured for decades.
Known for his bold, sometimes tensely graphic shapes, Brâncuși is often referred to as a “pioneer of modernism.” Gilda Midani’s own artistic hand is deeply influenced by his work—particularly his relationship to geometric lines and symbolic allusions. We see Brâncuși most clearly in Gilda’s Star pattern, wherein the Brazilian designer ties and waxes the fabric to resist a full dyeing of the cloth. This method, similar to Shibori, exposes the pure white cotton and linen fibres to create a figurative starburst across the final garment. Similar visual allusions appear across Gilda’s oeuvre, wherein she manipulates color and shape to evoke waves, cliffs and clouds.
This weekend, we head back to New York to see just a few of our newest vendor’s in preparation for Spring/ Summer 2026.
On our trip, we plan to touch base with Etro, Iris Von Arnim and Jason Wu—the latter of whom’s first collection just arrived to our stores for Pre-Fall (and already has us hungry for more!) Two weeks from now, we will hit the road again to London and Milan to see longtime favorites such as Uma Wang and Avant Toi. Both trips precede our full Spring buy, which will happen formally in September… but with almost 200 vendors, we need to take every opportunity to get over to their showrooms and studios when we can.
Sometimes we love designers not for their futuristic innovation, but for their preservation of the past. AODress is one such line dedicated to the lost art of manual craft—particularly, specialized arts of Indian handweaving and beaded embroidery. Designed by Mitsunori Ishimatsu and Miho Kuroda, the AODress studio has spent the better part of two decades collaborating with intensely talented, independent artisans.
Thicker than the traditional gossamer linen favored in summer, AODress’ textiles are breathable and soft against the skin. The collection’s clean silhouettes are frequently decorated with meticulous embroidery and patchwork. Through careful decoration, Mitsunori and Miho achieve an effect akin to the paintings of Van Gogh—simple subjects rendered expressively.
Isabel Benenato Spring/ Summer 2025
Graphic, almost primitive, blooms thread across the handwoven linen fabrics via delicate beading and tonal sequins. Often using the same color for both embroidery and fabric, the achieved textural effect is subtle, but mesmerizing. Like taking in Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, one glance is not enough—it takes several moments of longing to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the maker’s hand.
: a project that is not yet finished : a concerted effort to make things better, brighter and more beautiful : our weekly updates on retail to detail and everything in between
Fashion may be aspirational, but it’s ultimately reflective of the times we live in. The way we dress, both as individuals and as a community, inevitably evolves as we ourselves grow. With so much to accomplish, both in-store and the world at large, there is hardly time to rest on one’s laurels. Like all things, it takes concerted effort to move the bar forward.
Even though the meteorological change of seasons is still a month away, Memorial Day Weekend often marks the unofficial start of summer for us here in the States. Warm weather, extended sunshine and a calmer tempo encourage this feeling—a blissful, almost laissez-faire atmosphere as we switch from busily planting to actually enjoying the fruits of that labor.
This weekend also marks the beginning of travel season, with a strong temptation to take off to somewhere lush and beautiful. Whether you are adventuring abroad or at home, we recommend a wardrobe that speaks to summer’s ease: simple, well-made pieces as breezy as the destinations they are worn to.
As the sun sets over the mountains, a particular nostalgia descends on the landscape.
One of the key tenets we seek in buying for the stores is a strong connection to history—often the most beautiful pieces are those informed by traditional craft. We hold a reverence for these pieces not only because of our own fondness for the past, but because of the intense care for design and finish that defines the genre.
Cotton and linen textiles are first choice in summer for their lightness and breathability. In cool blues and whites, designers such as Bergfabel, Daniela Gregis and Péro achieve a coveted seaside style.
As we anticipate the arrivals of Pre-Fall over the next few weeks, we have put several styles on sale to make room for what’s next. Through Saturday, June 14th, find a selection of new markdowns across our stores, including Dries Van Noten, Gilda Midani, Golden Goose, Marséll, Sacai, Biyan and more. Should Santa Fe be part of your travel plans for the holiday, please join us in-store for the best selection.
Designed by Mitsunori Ishimatsu and Miho Kuroda, the AODress studio has spent the better part of two decades collaborating with intensely talented, independent artisans. The collection’s clean silhouettes are frequently decorated with meticulous embroidery and patchwork. Often using the same color for thread, bead and fabric, the achieved textural effect is subtle, but mesmerizing.
Aquamarine is particularly chromatic. High quality specimens of this beryl variant are cerulean and glassy—lending the stone its aqueous namesake. Keen designers leverage this unique characteristic to maximize shine, setting their stones in the round to allow more light to pass through.
Though we often favor the light and flowy at this time of year, there is an argument to be made for a wardrobe on the tailored side. Intentional and classic, structured designs command a well-deserved respect in daily style. Like the still-standing brickwork of ancient monuments, we find these pieces to be resolute and lasting.
Innovative interpretations of the classic neutral played across our arrivals for spring, manifesting in varied and unexpected ways: soft graphic prints, distressed silk knits and even a sequined snakeskin print.
As mentioned, a respect for history is core to our vision—a passion that manifests in everything we do from seeking traditional handicraft to sourcing antiques to renovating our 130+ year old building. Of course, this means that we are often surprised and energized by our own history coming full circle. Specifically, the return of Etro to Santa Fe Dry Goods this fall. In addition to other exciting new collections, such as Dušan and Alanui, we expect this brand to supercharge the “uptown” voice we have developed in that store over the past few years.
Isabel Benenato describes herself as “profoundly Italian.” Born in Naples, she was raised by a family of artists–painters, seamstresses and makers that would ultimately shape her own intuitive creative spirit. Today, she harnesses that inspiration for her self-named line, utilizing her lifetime of practice to catalyze darkly stylish essentials.
Though spring tends to be all about color, Isabel is not shy about her penchant for monochrome design. She intimates black as a representation of “mystery and sensuality,” while white encompasses “light and purity.”
Altogether, this capsule collection is one of Workshop’s best kept secrets. While we were most drawn to Isabel’s sweeping silhouettes and deft tailoring, we find those who freshly interact with her work to be enamored by the softness and draping of her fabric. This is a collection best worn against the skin– underpinnings optional.
Isabel Benenato Spring/ Summer 2025
Styling Notes:
Daniele Basta Handbags
In addition to adding a little sparkle with Miranda Hicks’ handwrought silver, we find Isabel’s work a perfect pairing with the rugged minimalism of Daniele Basta.
Leather Messenger in BlackLeather Silver-Dusted Tote Handbag
Lambskin Leaves Evening Bag in BlackStaple Crossbody Bag in Black
“I believe in most, you have to get completely naked to get dressed again in just the necessary. Maybe it’s a strange concept, but nowadays very few people reflect on the concept of harmony and beauty.”
: a project that is not yet finished : a concerted effort to make things better, brighter and more beautiful : our weekly updates on retail to detail and everything in between
Fashion may be aspirational, but it’s ultimately reflective of the times we live in. The way we dress, both as individuals and as a community, inevitably evolves as we ourselves grow. With so much to accomplish, both in-store and the world at large, there is hardly time to rest on one’s laurels. Like all things, it takes concerted effort to move the bar forward.
Does anyone else feel that everything is out of whack right now? While it is blessedly quiet on the streets in Santa Fe, the world at large churns as rapidly as ever. We don’t know about you… but we could use a break from the frenetic.
Artistry and innovation blossom during crazy times, however we are currently relishing calm wherever we can find it: namely, simplifying as much of our day to day as we can. In the modern wardrobe, this is best fostered by the minimalists: The Row, Lauren Manoogian, Frenckenberger, to name a few. A bonus to their streamlined, often one-color, designs is ease of wear. It can be almost instinctive to stock an entire wardrobe with just a handful of well-made minimalist pieces.
Daniela Gregis for Spring/ Summer 2025 juxtaposes simple silhouettes with sewn-in texture. The palette of the moment is in her lightly nautical designs–soft blues and whites akin to an afternoon spent on the ocean.
The House of Lyria textile archive is said to contain over 30,000 different fabrics, making their collection of soft goods as varied and unique as the people who love them.
Riccardo Bruni, the creative force behind this studio, believes in infusing his designs with “structure and substance,” through muted palettes, organic materials and self-designed looming processes.
We tend to receive Lauren’s work in small spots over the course of the year, and she is a first pick for texture. In this delivery: soft cotton knits that are warm enough for a spring layer. The Fade Roll-Neck Sweater is of particular note, with a feel akin to a well-loved sweatshirt.
When it comes to simplifying, prioritize goods that are as easy to care for as they are to wear. Don’t get us wrong, the cherished one-of-a-kind silk organza piece (that needs to be delicately dry-cleaned and routinely inspected for snags…) definitely has a place in the rotation. However, for busy schedules and traveling, we prefer something on, off and into the wash without a second thought. Favorites in this sphere achieve style without embellishment and comfort without slouch, in durable, water-friendly fabrics, such as paper cotton and plain-woven linen.
Known for their clean silhouettes, Album di Famiglia’s collections embody simplicity… made all the more tempting with a few pieces now marked up to 50% off.
Our brief calm is self-induced and deliberate. Summer is on the horizon, marking the beginning of the high season in Santa Fe and one of our busiest times of the year. With this change of pace comes many things: margaritas and watermelon, markets and festivals, the sun staying out well into the evening and the celebration of our fortieth year of Santa Fe Dry Goods (can you believe it!?)
Speaking of time flying, fall deliveries are already on their way… and with them several new designers we are just itching to announce. Find us reshuffling the stores over the next few weeks to make space for their arrivals. In the meantime, Lauren Manoogian, Bokja, Ziggy Chen and the last delivery of Daniela Gregis are next to be unboxed. Stay tuned!
Our latest delivery from Christian Peau has arrived in all its shimmering glory. The colors of the silks sing—deep jewel tones of green and blue, earthy hues of terracotta and orange as well as a playful pink gingham.
Founder and designer Junji Koike works from the Christian Peau studio in Kobe, Japan, a harbor city nestled between Osaka Bay and the Rokko mountain range. Junji crafts his garments with incredible skill and attention to subtle details, such as a silk skirt with a pair of ribbon suspenders that double as a drawstring. The dresses, jackets and tops in this collection are tailored with a breezy silhouette, making them perfect for warmer days.
Junji works with golden silk—a textile is made by the golden haired yellow wild silkworm native to Southeast Asia. Golden silk is shiny, vivid and strong, in part because of its high levels of sericin which allow the silk to be washable while still preserving the vibrancy of the color.
: a project that is not yet finished : a concerted effort to make things better, brighter and more beautiful : our weekly updates on retail to detail and everything in between
This week we were heartened by rains that revitalized the landscape. Bright green leaves shone and water glistened atop flowering trees and bushes. The cool mountain air sharpened our minds and we found ourselves returning to the denim and light cashmere knits at the center of style and living here in the west.
When the weather heats up we are reminded of how nice it feels to wear natural fibers such as linen, hemp, cashmere and cotton. Japanese cottons are cool to the touch. Lightweight cashmere is a breathable layer that works in winter and summer alike. Designers have long drawn inspiration from nature, and many are also choosing to work with high-quality natural materials. As a source for high fashion, we seek out beautiful pieces made with natural fibers for the durability of the fabrics as well as the benefits they offer.
Made with lightweight denim and a special hemp cotton blend, these pieces are sun-bleached and hand-finished with patchwork and a myriad of stitching details. Toshiaki is known for using traditional materials as a guide and taking them in new directions.
While there is a great reverence for heavyweight raw denim, lately we have also seen many brands working to develop lightweight denims in a variety of weights. In particular this is an area where Cottle shines, with their 11.3 ounce selvedge denim. Denim is measured by the weight of a square yard of fabric. Heavyweight denim spans anywhere from 16-32 oz. and is typically used in workwear. Mid-weight tends to run between 12-16 oz. and is used often for jeans and denim jackets. Lightweight denim is anything that falls under 12 oz. We find that lightweight denim tends to be more comfortable to wear from the start and is an idealyear-round weight.
Edgy and with a soulful earthiness worked into the leather, Campomaggi bags are made by hand in Cesena, Italy. Marco Campomaggi’s mission is to create handcrafted leather bags that are true to the tradition of Italian craftsmanship. For Marco, this is not just a matter of quality, it is about bringing personality into each bag.
With its lofty yarn, cashmere is an ideal choice for all seasons. Designer and founder, Anne Schramm, works with only the best cashmere, knitting each sweater with an openness that allows for both warmth and breathability. We find Wommelsdorff’s cashmere sweaters perfect for wearing throughout the year.
Thankfully 95% of our spring deliveries arrived before April 2nd, and were subject to the old tariff rates. Since then, we have received three collections, one from Ōtzǐo, Astier de Villatte and our spring delivery from Cottle. For each of these designers, we absorbed 95% of the tariff charges—with the exception of custom and specialty pieces. In anticipation of the July 9th tariffs, we are working feverishly with our vendors to import as much of Pre-Fall as fast as we can.
We are putting the final touches on our renovations in Wild Life. Early next week we should be finished with the addition of two dressing rooms in the back of the store. This will open up a larger space for us to share clothing and home goods in Wild Life. We’re excited to complete version one of the new store and hope you’ll stop by soon to see for yourself.
One might not think of denim and the beach together, but in Kurashiki, Japan, these two go hand in hand. Kurashiki is home to both the neighborhood of Kojima, birthplace of Japanese-made jeans, and the beautiful white sands of Sami Beach. From their 130-year-old folk house in Kojima, Cottle founders Toshiaki and Yukari Watanabe design their clothing with a rich history and culture in mind.
Cottle’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection is inspired by the beach lifestyle. Working with lightweight denim and a special hemp cotton blend, these pieces are sun-bleached and hand-finished with patchwork and a myriad of stitching details.
Toshiaki is known for using traditional materials as a guide and taking them in new directions. Working with a fabric called “itto unsai” that was originally used to make tabi socks, Toshiaki experimented to create a similar hemp cotton fabric that could work for clothing. This old-meets-new fabric has a textured finish with the sturdiness of 100% cotton.
Cottle’s selvedge denim had a similar evolution. Toshiaki worked for three years to recreate an indigo and bengara dyed selvedge that was originally developed by Kichinosuke Tonomura at the Kurashiki Honzome Handwoven Research Institute. Toshiaki and his small team hand-dyed cotton thread with an iron oxide dye called bengara but found the thread was breaking. Through trial and error, they found that wax could increase thread strength, improving the flexibility of the thread without compromising the integrity of the natural dyes.
Every aspect of a Cottle garment is considered, from the mix of metal and kintsugi mother of pearl buttons to a delicate pocket sewn into the interior lining to the embroidery on the collar of a jacket, these designs are a uniform for living. Toshiaki believes “that there is an aesthetic sense of life and a richness in everyday style.”
Cashmere might be renowned for its softness and warmth, but it is also incredibly lightweight. The lofty yarn allows for air to move easily in the fibers, making it an ideal choice for all seasons. We find Wommelsdorff’s cashmere sweaters perfect for wearing throughout the year.
Designer and founder, Anne Schramm, works with only the best cashmere, sourced from producers who prioritize low stress for the animals and low environmental impact. To achieve Wommelsdorff’s rich colors, Anne sends swatches of inspiration to a long-time yarn supplier. Together they work intensively to develop the season’s palette. From there, a small team of knitters handknit every piece, rendering each cashmere sweater unique.
Uma’s earthy, provocative collection proves pattern does not have to be bright to be striking. Using atmospheric effect to her advantage, Uma Wang explores delicate brocades and subtle iridescent finishes that shift depending on the light.
Working closely with Italian textile mills—including Riccardo Bruni of the House of Lyria— to create the best fabrics, Uma’s collections are made with exquisite care in Italy. Uma takes a sculptural approach to her designs, from the high-necked drape of the Amana dress to the intricate gathered seam details on the Jacquard Camelot coat.
Layering Texture
All in the Details
Art of the Drape
“I like an element of surprise, of doing something a little bit wrong. If everything is correct, that’s just boring.”
In a flurry of new deliveries, Spring/Summer 2025 has arrived and with it comes vibrant color, playful patterns and eye-catching textures. Of note this week are satin neutrals from LA-based Jaga, delicate cherry blossom prints by Masnada, Officine Creative’s bright woven handbags and silk sandals from our newest footwear designer Amblẽme.
Jaga
Made in downtown Los Angeles, designer Jaga Buyen’s namesake line is our go-to for relaxed, cool sophistication. We received Jaga’s satin and linen layering pieces in a range of rich neutrals from chocolate and deep black to silver and antique gold.
Known for abstract prints, Masnada Designer, Angelo Iannello, was drawn to the garden this season. His elegant cherry blossom prints glow across silky grey and gold textiles presented alongside a tomato red pattern for a zing to the senses.
We’re excited to introduce the Italian footwear brand Amblẽme. Handmade in Milan with silk from Como and leather from Tuscan tanneries, these elegant and easy-to-wear sandals come in a wash of colors including midnight blue, mustard, burgundy and cocoa.
While Officine Creative’s footwear is always a standout, we were delightfully surprised by their selection of colorful handbags. Their leather totes and shoulder bags offer bold hues and hand-woven textures.
Daniela Gregis is a brand with a grip on the imagination–we often refer to her work as “aesthetic poetry.” However, she is also a true creative. In addition to mastering the mechanics of wear, her garments embody the seven principles of design: pattern, movement, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, balance and unity. We see these tenets blossom across her collection–most obvious when we receive a delivery in full, such as her newest arrivals for Spring/Summer 2025.
Daniela’s balance of brilliance and execution is one of the reasons we moved her from Santa Fe Dry Goods to Wild Life when we transformed that space earlier this month–a desire to expand the brand’s reach and spread her joy even further. Our vision for Wild Life is one of cheery simplicity. Daniela is indicative of the joyful, light, creative feel we hope to infuse into this store.
Pattern & Movement
Playful Prints
Rhythm & Emphasis
Tomato Red
Contrast & Balance
Glamorous Black
The most important principle of art is arguably unity–a sense of wholeness and coherence fostered when differing elements come together in harmony. Daniela achieves this by sprinkling color and motif throughout her designs. A strip of pattern across the yoke of a dress… matching collars across every top… leftover fabric scraps peeking out from the knots of a hand-crocheted tote. In all styles, we find her silhouettes to be as wearable as they are magically simple–rendered with just a few cuts and flattering on so many body types.
: a project that is not yet finished : a concerted effort to make things better, brighter and more beautiful : our weekly updates on retail to detail and everything in between
Fashion may be aspirational, but it’s ultimately reflective of the times we live in. The way we dress, both as individuals and as a community, inevitably evolves as we ourselves grow. With so much to accomplish, both in-store and the world at large, there is hardly time to rest on one’s laurels. Like all things, it takes concerted effort to move the bar forward.
We know it’s an oxymoron–luxury workwear. This genre of dress has traditionally been durable, high-construction pieces made to protect the body during hard work, such as construction or farming–industries not exactly synonymous with cake and champagne. However, designers such as Casey Casey and Toogood take inspiration from workwear because of what overalls and chore coats bring to mind: the satisfaction of doing things yourself, an innate trust in your materials and the mental reward of a job well done.
In pursuing these aesthetics, designers pay homage to their industrious inspiration and elevate the style with an artistic touch. We turn to workwear during planting season because we are planting–and need something that can be dragged through the dirt (literally) and still wear well after a wash.
Daniela Gregis’ garments embody the seven principles of design: pattern, movement, rhythm, emphasis, contrast, balance and unity. Her latest collection is all about high-contrast: classical, glamorous black juxtaposed against bright color.
In the words of Meryl Streep’s iconic sarcasm in The Devil Wears Prada: “Florals for spring… groundbreaking.” However, there is a reason botanicals grip our imagination at this time of year. The weather has warmed, the birds are singing and the first buds of spring have finally poked out of the soil… literally groundbreaking! Floral motifs motivate and inspire us, bringing a bit of the earth’s beauty and humility to the way we dress. Designers who do this best do it bold, allowing blossoms and blooms to grow across their work like vines on a trellis.
Based in Boulder, CO, Margery’s natural artistry shines through subtle asymmetries–contrasting rounded and angled cuts, shifts in color and types of stones for an ultimately bohemian feel.
One of our favorite deliveries this time of year is always, inevitably Péro. The collection is broad and feminine, defined by sensitive tailoring and floaty cotton and silk textiles… often dripping in hand-embroidered florals.
Spring is not often the time we see much texture in our clothing–woven leathers find their place here because they add a third, dynamic element to dress.
There is a reason that coming back to yourself is referred to as “grounding.” As we contemplate Earth Month and all that our shared world needs, we are also sowing seeds–literally and metaphorically. In potting flowers at home and at the store, we foster moments of joy now and for the future. This is the intention of Wild Life’s evolution, wherein our cheeriest designers, such as Daniela Gregis and Studio Xaquixe, sit together in quiet harmony. Because, to quote the great philosopher Rumi, “the garden of the world has no limits except in your mind.”
One of the most essential aspects of our commitment to beauty is supporting emerging brands. This effort includes the newest addition to Santa Fe Dry Goods, Ōtzĭo. Designed by Claudio Aritzu in London, the designs are incredibly fresh— as if they were conceived on the balmy shores of the Mediterranean rather than the UK’s stony cobbles. Claudio embodies the next generation of designers, having studied at the London College of Fashion, developed textiles for Schiaparelli and worked as the Head of Prints under Dries Van Noten.
Claudio’s Ōtzĭo is inspired by the concept of ōtĭum. This unusual latin term was used by Seneca, the Ancient Roman philosopher, to describe a particular kind of contemplative leisure, wherein the mind can wander down the garden paths of introspection and discover a higher form of creativity.
While this is a newer label, having only released two collections, Ōtzĭo has already made a splash with visionary designs and incredible fabric textures. Claudio approaches dress boldly, both with his plays of color and his use of textile as shape. This first collection is notable for its juxtaposition of two silk weaves: twill and organza. The weighted drape of the former falls like liquid over the body, while the stiffness of the latter fosters an architectural silhouette.
These designs may not be for the everyday, however we find them deeply prescient in the current moment. Times of intense upheaval tend to birth equally intense innovation and artistry. Designers like Claudio provide an inspirational, and often optimistic, path forward, wherein the fire of creativity acts as a salve for the mind (and heart.) There is little else that matters more than nurturing its presence in our shared world… and we have found that stoking the flames of inspiration is well worth the burn.
Welcome to Work in Progress, our weekly update on the stores, the buy and so much more. Join our team every Saturday as we dive into what’s going on in the world of beauty, both behind the scenes and on the global stage.
PATTERN PLAY
The Power of Motif
Solids and neutrals certainly have their place, but after a few weeks of plain cotton weaves, you will find us dreaming of, nay… craving, a change of pace. Enter pattern and print in all their ornamental, vivacious glory. Repetitive motifs, photographic reproductions, splattered paint… decoratives tend to dominate in times of both stagnation and strife (often as an emphatic acceptance of the self and a countermeasure to stuffy traditionalism.)
Historically, pattern has reflected the values, beliefs and aesthetics of their creators and wearers alike. Think floral brocades in Japanese kimonos to evoke elegance or Scottish Tartan representing clanship. In all their forms they are totally communicative, slyly sharing a vision of the self to all who behold it. Designers who master the wiles of this medium know this tenet well: to work with pattern is to celebrate expression.
Designer Chinar Farooqui envisions her pieces from the threads up, divining prints and patterns from traditional Indian textile methods such as Jamdani and Bhujodi weaving.
Dries’ full delivery for spring revives an intricate floral print from his archives–rendered in the tangy, jewel-tones we crave for spring. In classic Dries style, silver embellishments, such as snap buttons and hanging beads, are layered on top adding an edge of industrial cool.
This earthy, provocative collection proves pattern does not have to be bright to be striking. Using atmospheric effect to her advantage, Uma Wang explores delicate brocades and subtle iridescent finishes that shift depending on the light.
Pattern lies not only in what can be printed on textile or woven in contrasting fibers—it can be something as deceptively simple as a puckered length of silk. Artists who excel at the woven arts, such as Alabama Chanin, Walid al Damirji and Sophie Hong, recognize texture as a visual medium in itself, striving for pieces that delight the eye as well as the hand.
A world of bohemia opened when we unboxed Ōtzĭo. In the shoot, Shobhan, Tim, May and Sita took inspiration from designer Claudio Artizu’s beachy aesthetic. Taking a page out of Dries’ book, they juxtaposed the silks wildly: mixing pattern, shape and finish before wrapping it all in a vintage Ifugao Ginuto shell belt from the Philippines.
Among the silky cashmere and soft cotton bouclé textures for spring, designer Mirko Ghignone has keenly slipped in a handful of upgraded floral prints into the Avant Toi collection. True to the style of this studio, the prints are stamped on raw fabric before being dyed by airbrush—a handwork technique that creates a unique spray of color across each piece.
Audrey Hepburn once said that to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow. We have spent the last week with our hands in the dirt… Shobhan, Morgan and May potted flowers galore to decorate the newly reopened Wild Life and our finally sunny sidewalks. Like Audrey, we find gardening useful for both meditation and manifesting… a practice that both calms and inspires the spirit.
Designer Melissa Morris describes herself as “passionate about creating elegant solutions for modern problems.” Since 2017 she has made this ethos her daily mantra, focusing her creative energy to create bags that can carry everything, everywhere and look incredible doing so.
Before turning to high fashion, Melissa studied sculpture and business at Emory—two educational tenets that would ultimately inform her luxury handbag label, Métier. The designs are achieved cross-border—conceived of in Melissa’s London studio and then brought to life by artisanal leather workshops in France and Italy.
Modular and functional, Métier’s handbags embody the ideals of high-taste accessory design—exceptional leather craft, elegant brass details and a trendless longevity. They have all the hallmarks expected from other couture greats, such as Mulberry, Loewe and Hermes, with special focus on daily practicality.
“Uber is my office, as is the airport lounge, as is right here, wherever that happens to be. Bags have to keep up with us all day, then into night, often overnight.”
Welcome to Work in Progress, our new weekly newsletter with short updates on the stores, the buy and so much more. Join our team every Saturday as we dive into what’s going on in the world of beauty, both behind the scenes and on the global stage.
OUR TRANSFORMATION
A Week in Wild Life
If you have stopped by Wild Life in the past few days, you may have noticed the space is a little different… less table linens and more wearable linens. After a week of construction, painting and re-curating, we have transformed it to present clothing and accessories alongside our existing offerings for the home. With this move, we come just a bit closer to our dream of the stores: three distinct spaces offering a clear concept for living. Our goal is for Wild Life to feel fun, airy and totally carefree.
We will still carry home goods, but now they have been mixed into all three of our spaces. Astier de Villatte is a perfect pairing with Péro in Santa Fe Dry Goods and Nobue Ibaraki sings in Workshop. Bertozzi remains one of our favorite studios, and matches perfectly with the smart but playful vibes of Daniela Gregis… a core label of ours which now lives in Wild Life (alongside Gilda Midani, Casey Casey, Bergfabel and more.) There will be much to share as the store stretches its new legs. In the meantime, we hope you will stop by and have a laugh with us—we anticipate joie de vivre to emanate from this space daily.
You must be sick of hearing about tariffs. We know we are! But the reality is, high taxes on foreign imports affects little businesses like ours all over the country. The good news: We are not raising our prices to absorb tariff costs. We are committed to bringing in the beautiful things of the world wherever they may be found, and supporting the dedicated artists who make them a reality. While the situation is ever-changing, we don’t anticipate altering the way we do things and we will let you know if the need arises.
Any price increases you experience in our stores are related to the cost of production—labor, materials and the like. In particular, we’ve seen an uptick in the costs associated with elaborate embroidery and other fine handwork. These are typically skills that are so specialized that they are not readily available and require intensive training to achieve. While we await a skill transfer to the generation of highly-accomplished master craftspeople, know that goods of this type will only become more valuable and rare as time marches on.
Speaking of fine embroidery, we invite you to lose yourself in the careful handwork of AODress. Sprawling across their handwoven linen textiles, these intricate pieces embody the magic of the human hand.
The main difference between commercial workwear and workwear as fashion is how much thought, effort and quality has been put into the designs. Studios that excel at the latter focus on sourcing the best cottons for their pieces, with an emphasis on weight, breathability, hand-feel… and even the sound it makes when you rub it between two fingers. You tend to see Japanese paper cottons often in workwear collections like these —not only is the material durable enough for heavy wear, but it feels incredible on the body. The full sensorial experience is as important to the design as how it looks… subtly helping you roll up your sleeves and get to work in whatever field you’re in—literally or figuratively.
Though this delivery hasn’t arrived in full, what is on the rack in Santa Fe Dry Goods already is well worth the attention. The first collection designed by the team in tandem after the departure of their namesake designer, this Spring/Summer delivery harkens back to the golden age of Dries: tonal and tailored, with just the right amount of embellished drama.
While we received a handful of jewelry pieces that are classic Lika (if you are a diamond and gold person, look no further,) we also had the pleasure of unpacking her gemstone work. The turquoise of note? Sonoran Sunshine — a gemmy, teal varietal mined in the desert of its namesake.
There is an art to finding the perfect handbag. It has to be as durable as it is stylish, as practical as it is easy—with all the bells and whistles required for your busiest of days. Designer Melissa Morris is committed to perfecting this art. She describes herself as “passionate about creating elegant solutions for modern problems,” such as a bag that can carry everything, everywhere for years and still look great.
The last of spring has made its way to us and the stores are alive with new things to love (and lust after!) In these last arrivals: Dries Van Noten, Daniela Gregis, Christian Peau and a new addition, Ruohan. We can’t wait to share them with you online, but if you are in Santa Fe in the coming days, please stop by and enjoy them in-store.
