Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1480369
A haven for handsome handmade Asian textile creations, Sapana — which means "dream" in Nepali — is the vision of owner Jolie Helms, who discovered a passion for Indian and Nepali textiles while living in Malaysia. An avid Round Top show-goer for more than 20 years, Helms has been importing fabrics from Southeast Asia and turning them into wearable coats, quilts, and totes since she returned to Texas. Empowering artisan weavers in villages around Jaipur and beyond, Sapana transforms traditional Dhurrie rugs and vibrant Kantha quilts into garments and accessories imbued with mindfulness and meaning — the opposite of fast fashion. A regular exhibitor at The Arbors including the upcoming fall show, Helms is no stranger to retail, but the Henkel Square space will be her first solo venture. Customers flock to Sapana's booth and pop- ups in search of her one-of-a-kind blanket coats, colorful kantha quilts, sturdy Dhurrie totes and clutches, soulful fabric-wrapped journals, and sweet sari bags. Handcrafted Indian brass jewelry is also a draw. Rounding out the trio of retailers, Starr'z, on the second floor, showcases the talent of native Houstonian Starr Zaleski, who is known for home staging, antiques, and interior design. Zaleski — who has been tapped by Anthropologie as a consultant due to her gift of bringing time-worn finds and dramatic antiques into a home — was inspired by her late mother, Nancy Starr Alvarez, founder of the 1970s-era Garden Artists of Houston who was often featured in publications for her vibrant rooms decorated with nature-inspired artwork. Expect Starr'z to brim with vintage, retro and mid-century modern furnishings and objects, jewelry, handbags, and more. 105 N. Live Oak St., Round Top; southernbeasts.com, sapanadreams.com, starrzhome.com. SAPANA'S DREAMY NEW SHOP & SEEING STARR'Z Starr'z vintage homegoods on floor 2 Sapana totes in fabrics from handmade Asian textiles Sapana's Jolie Helms JORDAN GEIBEL MISSY GAIDO ALLEN BY CANDICE COWIN WITH CATHERINE D. ANSPON. PHOTOGRAPHY JORDAN GEIBEL. SHARING THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE MILL & LIVE OAK BUILDING 102