New pieces from Kaval are available in-store and online at Workshop!
Japanese-based Kaval designs clothing meant to be cherished. Using antique sewing machines and time-honored methods, every piece they create is intended to last a lifetime. Right down to the stitches, their line is steeped in handicraft. From the revival of 200-year-old kimonos for the fabric to the traditional hand-painted ceramic buttons, an attention to detail catches the eye from every angle. Whether carrying its own history or enriching the wearer’s, a piece of Kaval is just as it should be: thoughtful, elegant, and forever timeless.
With a specific focus on subtle details and a muted palette, German designer Annette Görtz delivers classic style with a modern spirit. Her dedication to purist aesthetics is apparent in both the choice of fabrics and the tailored fits. Throughout her line we find a relaxed approach to clothing that transitions easily from work to play.
New pieces have arrived from f Cashmere and are now available in-store and online at Workshop!
F Cashmere is dedicated to every facet of extraordinary knitwear. Dreamt of along the Italian Riviera, the third generation of Fissores have carried their grandparent’s legacy proudly into the 21st century. They work their cashmere and linen yarns by hand to create deliciously soft sweaters, cardigans and wraps. The hand-dying and painting of each piece has resulted in a distinctive and vibrant color wheel of relaxed, lightweight knits. Juicy pinks, lush blues, and verdant greens melt together to create a collection perfect for a summer rich in tropical fruit.
New napkins, bowls and plates from Bertozzi have arrived in Wild Life. The ceramics that were delivered arrived in Bruno, Bianca, Giallo, Bruno Luce, Russo and Verde. They will be available online soon!
Avant Toi knitwear has always been adept at bridging the gap between contemporary and classical. In some designs, distressed edges add a carefree and urban flair. In others, felted floral details deliver a feeling of delicacy. In all, the plush tactility and vivid color capture the true power of Italian knitwear– evocative, personal and full of emotion. This Avant Toi new arrivals collection includes sweaters in colors of pavone, husky, and smeraldo.
New pieces from Maison de Soil have arrived in Workshop. They will be available online soon!
Established in 2009, Maison de Soil is a Japanese line that blends luxury and comfort with handcraft and tradition. The collection offers clothing with a warm unique quality, created from hand-stitched and hand-dyed work made by skilled artisans.
Maison de Soil’s brand concepts are genuine, handcrafted and leisurely. Designs are inspired by vintage costumes without being too eccentric or showy. They are all extremely realistic and attempt, first and foremost, to bring out the best qualities of the material itself. Most of the products use traditional fabrics and materials from different parts of the world and are hand-stitched and hand-embroidered patiently by skilled artisans. The finished products therefore exude the warmth unique to things made by hand.
Nam Tsang and Pauline Yuen create clothing for those who care deeply about the soul in each stitch. Their design studio, A Tentative Atelier, is based in the center of the East’s tailoring capital: Hong Kong. From here, they have built a reputation for romantic styles that embody intention. Their collection is found in cutting-edge stores across Russia, Europe and North America. Thoughtful details, delicate embellishments and a nostalgic approach to craft illustrates their devotion to design.
We are pleased to announce that Santa Fe Dry Goods will reopen on May 22nd with an abbreviated schedule. Our hours will be Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 11-5pm for the time being. There will be limited access to Workshop and Wild Life during these days as well.
The health and safety of our clients and staff remains our top priority. While we ready for the new world ahead, the following changes will be applied to our daily practices:
• We will limit the number of customers in the store to maintain social distancing. While we will be leaving the doors open for maximum ventilation, you will find a small string across the door to limit capacity.
• We will require everyone entering the store to wear a mask, and will have masks available for those without.
• Hand sanitizer will be available at the entrance of Santa Fe Dry Goods and throughout the stores.
• Any items tried on but not purchased will be steamed before going back out into the store. Items that cannot be steamed will be put on hold for 24 hours.
• We will continue to follow strict cleaning guidelines per expert recommendations. High-touch areas will be cleaned after each customer exits the store.
In addition to the measures above, we now offer a variety of distanced browsing and delivery options:
Virtual Shopping Using Facetime or Zoom, you can now browse our stores from the comfort of your home. Our staff will walk you through on a virtual tour of Santa Fe Dry Goods, Wild Life and Workshop. Please let us know of any designer or fit preferences beforehand and we will set them aside for your viewing.
Private Appointments For those who would love to peruse the stores in person, private in-store appointments are now available. Enjoy the entire store to yourself while accompanied by one of our staff, who can offer advice and recommendations.
Curbside Pick-Up If you live locally and would prefer to pick-up your items directly from the store, curbside pick-up is available from all three of our stores. When checking out, choose “Curbside Pick-Up” under “Pick-Up and Delivery Options”. Orders are available for pick-up between 11am-5pm Monday-Friday, and available same day if the order is placed before noon
Our webstore remains fully operational and we will continue to bring you creativity from around the globe week to week. For any additional questions, please reach us at help@santafedrygoods.com.
Finally, we want to thank you for your generous support while we were closed. It was a pleasure to speak with many of you and we look forward to seeing everyone on the Plaza once again.
To be one-of-a-kind is to have an undeniable rarity. Often, it has a central material that demands a unique and entirely specific design approach by the artist. It is unequaled, unprecedented and unlikely to be found or seen in the same form again.
Ram Rijal, a London-based goldsmith, crafts modern, unique jewelry inspired by ancient design. Having gotten his start working for Pippa Small, Ram worked for many jewelry designers before striking out on his own. His work is carried primarily by small galleries throughout Europe and Harrod’s in London. Unique pieces, like his Black Diamond Triangle Ring, are imbued with a timeless style. Known for his use of diamonds and gemstones set in 22K gold, Ram infuses his work with a history of beauty that knows no borders.
Especially in a time of quarantines and distance, jewelry remains a mark of celebration, a token of affection, a symbol of memories. Ram’s pieces are fundamentally simple. The art is in his hand: how he balances the shape of the shank with the bezel, his choice of curved or angular details, the fine or heavy touches of gold. It is through delicate design like this that we find beauty in simple living.
Mieko Mintz’s commitment to sustainability permeates everything she creates. From recycling vintage sari fabrics to carrying on the South Asian tradition of Kantha, Mieko is dedicated to longevity in every form. For Spring/ Summer 2020, her signature cotton kimonos and jackets are born anew in eggshell whites and cool blues. The previous life of the fabrics are distinct in their presence, delicately held together by tonal stitching throughout the garment. Whether worn as the center of an outfit or complementing other pieces, a Mieko Mintz is as ever-sustainable as it is everlasting.
Danish designer Henrik Vibskov is a creative jack-of-all-trades. From drumming to designing, everything he creates drips with innovation. For his Spring/ Summer 2020 collection, traditional patterns blend effortlessly with asymmetrical cuts and fun silhouettes for a look that is simultaneously classic and daring. Known for transforming the unconventional into everyday practicality, Henrik Vibskov’s identity blurs the line between carefree style and intellectual chic.
In the latest delivery of Rundholz Black Label SS20, softly pleated shirts and dresses deliver visions of summer, whether in the islands or the city. Bright royal blues accent deeper cobalts, blacks and greys. The effect is sheer, delicate, layered and asymmetric without losing the recognizable strength embodied in Rundholz clothing. Above all, the fresh take on pleats nods to Japanese design and creates an unmatched flexibility in the style.
As Spring rekindles creativity in Santa Fe, we explored the intersection where art meets summer classics. Washed silks and cottons from Daniela Gregis and hand-painted linens from Replika add a splash of color. Paired with Peter O. Mahler’s modern-with-a-twist stretch linen pants and the elements come together for a composition fresh and creative
To be one-of-a-kind is to have an undeniable rarity. Often, it has a central material that demands a unique and entirely specific design approach by the artist. It is unequaled, unprecedented and unlikely to be found or seen in the same form again.
Interview with Designer Greig Porter
Can you tell us more about your Grasshopper Turquoise Ring?
Greig Porter: This particular ring has a really amazing, wonderful stone. You know, it’s one of those things. As a jeweler you have to be constantly aware when you find something really rare. You have to keep your eyes trained to recognize when you do find it. This a beautiful stone certainly, one that I haven’t seen in shape, color or matrix in my career. In cases such as these, I am fond of turquoise set in higher karat gold to set off the richness of the stone’s natural color.
Why do you design so much with Turquoise?
Greig Porter: One, I like the stone. It’s very colorful and has many variations. So it’s not like a diamond, in which there’s a difference of clarity and size but beyond that there’s not much diversity. Whereas with turquoise, it can be radically individual in color, texture and raw personality. The other reason why I like it is that I associate it with people who live close to the land, either in the Western United States or Tibet. They are in touch with the land’s cycles, how it ebbs and flows, and turquoise is a part of that. I was once at an annual parade in the town of Leh, in Ladakh. And there were just unbelievable amounts of beautiful turquoise; it was layered into the people’s hair, clothing, saddles and boots as part of who they are. Just beautiful!
What makes Grasshopper Turquoise so special?
Greig Porter: The Grasshopper Mine is in Nevada, south of Tonopah in the southern part of the state. There is a gentleman here in [Santa Fe] who has the mining rights. It’s a very small mine that was closed for 30-40 years after it was discovered. Now the amount of production is very small so it’s not a well known or widespread product. Something nice about it, of course, it has a wonderful spring green color to it that you don’t find almost anywhere else.
About Greig Porter
Greig Porter designs jewelry with a clean, classic look full of global inspiration. Greig’s compositions are perfected through his brilliant understanding of tone and color. In each design, he allows the natural power and beauty of the stone to stand alone. While his pieces are approachable and fundamentally minimal, they are always innovative in their texture and combination of colors. For over twenty years, he has been the designer with the largest following at Santa Fe Dry Goods. Greig works and paints in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Crafted using fine materials like cashmere, silk and hemp, Mirko Ghignone designed Avant Toi to capture the true beauty of fine Italian knitwear. In his Avant Toi SS20 botanica collection, watery botanical prints evoke a secret garden; a myriad of blossoms bring the promise of a new beginning. Mirko bridges the gap between classic style and contemporary flair, creating flowy tops, lightweight sweaters and sheer scarves that wear perfectly whether you’re relaxing at home or out under the sun.
Change has rekindled a free spirit. Pushing through creative boundaries we mix Kyushu-born Mieko Mintz with Taos jewelry designer Miranda Hicks and layer it over Brazilian hand-dyed Gilda Midani linens. The mix is part bohemian, part edgy. This feeling tied in with a reemergence of the natural world and the attitude insisting on a new, better state of being. Explore a global blend from three inspiring women designers whose work is relevant around the world.
“As a pianist uses a piano to compose beautiful music, so does Mieko use Kantha to compose beautiful clothing.”
Miranda Hicks
Miranda Hicks exemplifies contemporary American jewelry. Hailing from Taos, New Mexico, Miranda has long been inspired by the history of Native American jewelry and Southwest silversmithing embedded in the community there. From her integration of raw materials to handmade chains, her work has been lauded by women from all walks of life. Miranda crafts exceptionally bohemian pieces that function well on their own or layered for a more free-spirited look.
London sisters Erica and Faye Toogood understand poise as deeply as they understand the comfort of a pure fabric. In their most recent Spring collection, smooth cottons in bold cobalt, subtle flint, and calming powder blue manifest an unmatched confidence in the wearer. Erica and Faye approach their work obliquely, creating their intellectual yet grounded line with a certain amount of passion, poetry and aesthetic honesty brought to every piece.
A Toogood state of mind exemplifies the close connection between the intent of the maker and the use of the wearer. Kaval utilizes old machinery and recycled kimono cloth to drive a human touch into their garments, reminding the wearer of traditional Japanese dress that becomes at one with the person to whom the item belongs. Aboubakar Fofana intends for the wearer to feel how his work is derived from the earth’s natural processes. The wearer becomes connected to “Living Blue” and the earth’s natural creation of indigo dye.
Danny Kaplan’s passion for ceramics was shaped by early exposure to the traditional pottery of Aix-en-Provence, France. His sophisticated yet simple ceramics are inspired by the light colors and organic textures found in his surroundings. From decoration to serveware, Kaplan’s work is the quintessential combination of beauty and utility.
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for you, our community of bold and independent people who find refuge and enjoyment in beauty. In order to prioritize health and wellbeing, we are temporarily closing Santa Fe Dry Goods, Workshop & Wild Life.
In the meantime, santafedrygoods.com is in bloom! Our web store will become our canvas for art and creativity while closed. We will continue to send out a selection of emails to introduce our newest designers and products that are arriving daily. If you would like to arrange an in-store appointment, please call 505-982-6192 or email help@santafedrygoods.com.
Our mission is to bring you beautifully crafted goods from all over the world that have elements of comfort and simplicity, fine craftsmanship, rich textiles traditions, inspiration from nature, progressive notions of design and living, and, above all, optimism for the future.
To health, beauty & kindness, Shobhan and the Team
As we all navigate the impact of COVID-19, Santa Fe Dry Goods, Workshop and Wild Life are rapidly working to maximize the health and safety of our clients and staff. We believe we have to make extensive changes to meet and exceed the recommendations of the CDC and we also see these efforts as an important part of servicing our community at this time. Some of our efforts include scheduling additional deep cleaning for each store, disinfecting all hard surfaces 3 times per day, reducing inventory on the floor to ensure proper cleaning and care, disinfecting all surfaces and items touched by clients after their departure, steaming all new merchandise and monitoring the wellbeing of our staff.
While we will continue to reduce our hours and follow all recommendations from the city of Santa Fe, we are simultaneously working hard to increase the online availability of our designer’s clothing, jewelry and homegoods. You will see more and more available on our website as we unite our entire staff to provide additional services in store and via santafedrygoods.com.
Please join us in continuing to give support to the brave and rare voices in this world who are committed to the highest levels of craft and beauty. After health, art becomes essential to the human experience. In the face of COVID-19, we will be here to service both clients and vendors alike. Please contact us if you would like to arrange a local delivery or to schedule an after hours appointment with our Sales Associates.
Golden Goose Sneakers: The Rise in Popularity–It’s difficult to determine when sneakers became so popular. They got their start in the 1920’s when Converse signed Chuck Taylor to their brand to develop what we now know as their most classic style. Later in 1936, the Chuck Taylor Converse became the official shoe for the US basketball team as they participated in the Olympics.
It wasn’t until 1950 that sneakers began to bridge the gap between sportswear and casual wear. This was largely thanks to James Dean and his love for Purcell’s, a sneaker designed by former badminton champion in a style that was later acquired by Converse. These shoes were similar to Converse, but appealed to a different portion of society and widened their reach, as they were prominent in the rock culture of the time.
During the 1960’s and ’70s Adidas sports shoes rose in popularity. Later in the ‘80s sneakers became the hip-hop uniform of choice through Air Jordans and Adidas Superstars. Meanwhile, television reflected the growing obsession with white sneakers as they began appearing on stars such as Tom Hanks in Big, and Michael J. Fox in Back to the Future. For the time being, sneakers remained on the streets and sports fields.
Technological advancements, experimentation with color and layering didn’t quite resonate with the public, that is until Prada got involved. They released the PS0906 in 1996, which was originally intended as a yachting shoe, and later launched a single sneaker on the runway with their Prada Sport collection debut in 1997.
While sneakers attained their start in the realm of athletics, it’s only recently that they’ve wormed their way into high fashion. While men have been flaunting sparkling white sneakers for decades, it’s only within the last few that women have associated Balenciaga and other brands like Common Projects and Golden Goose with high fashion.
Golden Goose in particular, has attained success with the invention of their brand in 2000, as they were some of the first deliberately scuffed sneakers to appear on the market. In less than 19 years they’ve become world-renowned, creating a cult following and undoubtedly starting a trend. Created by two Venetian designers and fashion newcomers, Francesca Rinaldo and Alessandro Gallo, Golden Goose has gone above and beyond in producing innovative and spirited products. Today, the brand encompasses an entire lifestyle concept, with the idea that the “worn” quality of their sneakers sends a message that their footwear has been on a well-loved journey, encouraging the owner to keep exploring.
While their sneakers may look distressed, the aesthetic statement doesn’t sacrifice high-quality levels of material and craftsmanship. All of their shoes are hand finished by Italian artisans, and the leather is as soft as butter — giving it a truly luxurious experience sans the pain of breaking in new shoes.
This past year has seen sneakers in a variety of styles, from sneaker boots inspired by hiking shoes, to vibrant and colorful experimentations with proportion, as well as chunky soles. Thanks to how advanced shoe manufacturing has become, anything is possible. It’s said that the next trends to emerge will rely heavily on the use of texture, which is something Golden Goose has dabbled in, with more than one of its glitter-encrusted styles.
Their latest collection from SS’19 features vibrant pink and coral hi-tops that coincide well with the revival of neon colors and coral as the color of the year, as well as navy suede mid-star sneakers. Golden Goose also offers a twist on the classic white sneaker, which is typically worn in pristine condition. A staple in any wardrobe, their shoes come in styles with silver and pink glittered accents, and a lived-in patina.
Brands have finally realized that there is a lot to be earned through the creation of comfortable and stylish footwear. Luxury sneakers are being produced at a faster rate than ever before, and as a result offices, parties and even wedding venues are filled with sneakers in all shapes and sizes.
This is in part due to the evolution of professional women’s lives. Women are increasingly working from home, and as such the “working woman’s” dress code from decades past is becoming obscure. Even those who work a normal 9-5 job are experiencing a change in their workwear as many women trade their heels for comfortable footwear. Or so the statistics indicate, as women’s sneaker sales have surged 37% throughout the U.S. in 2017, and sales of high heels have declined 11%. At a time when women are re-evaluating their roles in society and demanding a desexualization of the workplace, sneakers feel alluring. Nobody is insisting that wearing high heels is an unfeminist choice, but expectations that women should dress a certain way for men are changing and as a result, women are prioritizing comfort without sacrificing style.
The most humble of footwear has held a stance at every price point you can imagine – from designer kicks costing hundreds of dollars to street sportswear that an average teenager can afford. They’ve been embraced by every group you can imagine, from women wearing blazers to those who stunt streetwear, to even high fashion stylists. In short, sneakers have become a classic and versatile addition to anyone’s wardrobe.
New and beautiful pieces from Sabina Savage is now up and live on our website! This Persian Pandemonium collection references the art and artifacts of ancient Persia, drawing on the rich, jewel-like color palettes, the intricate details and the beautiful craftsmanship of the region.
Historically, black diamonds were held in low regard. This changed during the late 20th century when designers began including them in work where they were complemented by tiny colorless diamonds in pavé settings. Their popularity has continued to rise as black diamonds have become incorporated into many engagement rings and necklaces.
Black diamonds take different forms, from those that are man-made to those that are naturally colored. As with any stone, those that occur naturally are among the most prized. Black diamonds are also known by their moniker “fancy diamonds”. A contrast to the refined qualities the name suggests, these diamonds become darkly colored due to the number of inclusions they contain. These inclusions allow traces of graphite, pyrite, and even hematite to become attached during the formation process. This means that a single black diamond is often made up of many smaller black crystals that are bound by their inclusions, creating a polycrystalline structure. Depending on the number of inclusions, the body color of a natural black diamond can be nearly colorless, to brown and even olive green.
Naturally colored black diamonds are often completely opaque, with a high luster that gives the stones a nearly metallic appearance. Because these stones have a high concentration of inclusions, cutting and polishing them can be difficult. This makes the cut of each diamond all the more special and labor-intensive as they must be set with great care. And because they are often so dark, they absorb more light than they reflect, so much of their beauty stems from their surface which is polished like marble.
Natural black diamond deposits are also rare. Currently, they can only be found in Central Africa and Brazil, making genuine natural black diamonds more difficult to source. Although it may sound like a far-fetched explanation, folklore states that black diamonds came from space on an asteroid that fell to earth millions of years ago. According to scientists at the Natural Science Foundation, this may be accurate because South America and Africa were once a single landmass. This would support the theory that an asteroid brought black diamonds to earth and is the reason why they are found in such concentrated areas, making them an interstellar rarity.
Join us in welcoming Santa Fe artist, Karen Melfi, to Santa Fe Dry Goods. Karen specializes in naturally colored diamonds that are polished, cubed, faceted and set with 18 and 22K gold. Her dynamic artistry is greatly inspired by the elegant lines of Japanese design and artifacts from around the world – Tibet, China and North Africa. These various elements are combined to create a handcrafted opulence that can be worn daily.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER
KarenMelfi has been living and creating in Santa Fe for nearly thirty years. She began selling her collection at her eponymous gallery on Canyon Road and in the years since has become renowned nationally for her work. She recently closed her gallery to devote herself to further developing her collection, which is currently being sold exclusively at Santa Fe Dry Goods.
Karen