Tag - Vali Belo Swim

Yesterday marked the launched of Villa Wanderlust- a pop up shop that featured a selection of Houston-based designers and boutiques. The event, which took place at Wicowork/Wired International‘s cool Midtown digs, was hosted by Sarrah Zadeh of La Mochi and Joy Kennedy of Priya. The featured brands were: Baanou, BellaJules, Brooke Feather, Elle Milady, Kandu Collections, La Mochi, Priya, Sweet Suri Jewels, Vali Belo Swim and {temple street}. They also featured local artists: Travel Photographer- Atessa Barazandeh, Painter-Tony Paraná and music by Cirque Noir. There was an EXQUISITE food presentation by Maple and Love, Roost and Lillo & Ella. I mean, it was literally one of the best healthy food varieties that I’ve seen at an event. There was also a tea bar by Mar-Tea-Na, where all the ingredients are natural and flavorful. William Grant and Sons provided a bar that offered Hendricks Gin, Milagros Tequila, Oncho Reyz and Solerno Blood Orange Liquor.

Wired International’s sister company- Wicowork “bases its goal achievement by creating dynamic environments, expanding networks and creating a working atmosphere that involves collaboration and sharing ideas. In Wicowork we strive to achieve our costumers goals and expand their businesses; this new movement is reshaping the work industry and transforming society, as we are.” The space, a beautifully renovated baby blue color home located in the heart of Houston’s Midtown district embodies creativity. The inside is inviting and bright, decorated with unique reclaimed and recycled materials (not to mention funky lighting structures). I hope this space gets utilized more in the future.

Takeaways from the event:

* Not only am I OBSESSED with caftans, but the ones at Elle Milady just upped my obsession ten-fold. I learned another fun way to stay the hem and to be daring when choosing a slip or whatnot to pair with the sheer ones. The owners- Nancy and Suzanne were extremely friendly and welcoming. Their dear Mother, who is an avid textile collector, even modeled a couple of the styles while I was there. The caftans and their billowy jumpsuit counterparts are made in the USA.

* La Mochi handbags are just lovely wisps of colorful, handcrafted goodness that come in forms of beaded necklaces and woven handbags. The fair-trade company was founded in 2013 by Sarrah Zadeh with a mission of collaborating with artisans and communities from all over the world. Some of the handbags I’ve seen were handmade in Colombia by women of the Wayuu Tribe.

* Priya jewelry was founded by Joy Kennedy in August 2011. She wanted to fill the need for high quality products while also supporting artisans from all over the world. In 2014, the company launched it’s namesake contemporary jewelry collection. In all, the brand awakens the spirit of the East, while dedicating itself to the structure and quality of the West. I loved Priya’s jewelry presentation, from the elegant necklaces to the druzy to the vintage Indian rings.

* The Brooke Feather gals were on hand, showing off a smidgen of what they offer at their River Oaks location. I loved some of their pieces (such as their sandals and a caftan by LemLem), which conveyed a relaxed, West Coast vibe.

* Layla Asgari of Sweet Suri Jewels was selling her best-selling rings, necklaces and bracelets to discerning clientele.

* BellaJules was founded by Marwah and John Fawcett, who love to travel and entertain. They formed this brand because they wanted to share their favorite entertaining items from near and far with their clients. We’re talking Brazilian agate coasters, recycled copper platters and mugs, rustic wood cutting boards and best of all- handmade wine soaps.

* Kandu Collections offers a variety of handbags and accessories in stylish leather and exotic skins. My favorite bags were the bucket bags by Alexandra De Curtis.

* {temple street} was founded in Fall 2011 by Ana Mae Holmes, who expresses her love of culture, travel and fashion into each handmade piece. She offered a stash of trendy druzy jewelry, along with other sweet contemporary pieces.

* Vali Belo Swim displayed several of their Latin-inspired posh beach and pool cover-ups and swimwear. I rather loved the “Blue Haven” bikini set and the “Silk Wind Palm Kimono.”

* The Baanou folks were in the house, selling their exclusive collection of designer apparel and accessories.

10% of the sales went to support The Priya Foundation and Renacer Colombia.