Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/1526980
ROUND TOP SPONSORED PARTNER Via Vandi Cultivates Cultures for her Round Top Shop KOLTON KING JORDAN GEIBEL P erhaps no one embodies the global spirit of this tiny town more than Vandi Hodges of Via Vandi. The jewelry designer and textile maven has traveled the world, incorporating influences from an astounding variety of cultures into her work and collections along the way. A Texas native, Vandi began her travel jour ney backpacking through Europe at age 17, later living with tribal women in Peru and Africa and biking through Egypt's Valley of the Kings. Vandi's bohemian adventures found her freefloating down the Amazon, running with the bulls in Spain, and spending the night atop Mount Sinai. Her first introduction to design came from her travels in Scandinavia. The minimalist influence of the region is evident in her jewelry designs, including her bestselling Nudest collection of rings and earrings crafted with striking stones sourced from India, Colombia, Brazil, Madagascar, and the renowned Tucson Gem and Mineral Show. Nudest pieces feature sizeable emeraldcut stones —blue topaz, aqua chalcedony, rose quartz, black and green onyx, clear quartz, carnelian, and labradorite — set in silver or 24K gold vermeil. Vandi learned the European technique of vermeil (binding 24K gold to silver) in Spain. She spent six years in Ibiza, utilizing the slow seasons to continue her travels and work with a master designer in London to bring her jewelry visions to life. "After opening my own store in Ibiza, I fell in love with 24K gold," Vandi says. "It's here that I learned how to incorporate it into my line. All of my experiences came together while I was in Spain, and I claimed my unique style." Vandi ultimately returned to Texas and opened her Round Top store in the fall of 2021. Clients return each season to build their collections of Via Vandi pieces. Vandi is sought after for helping shoppers create a good "neck mess" and for her fine vintage and antique silk kimonos for men and women. "My kimonos are sourced directly from dealers in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo," Vandi says. "The collection of kimonos is from 1910 – 1970, all silk and luxurious. My favorite is the inner kimono, which is worn like Influence Global INSIDE VIEW: a flowing duster. I call it Kimono Courage — just wear it over your favorite jeans and a white tee, with a flipflop, slide, heel, or even your yoga clothes, and you'll feel instantly transformed." Via Vandi will be open daily October 5 – 26, 10 am – 7 pm. Don't miss the shop's Party on the Porch each Wednesday and Thursday of the show, 11 am – 6 pm, with complimentary champagne, discounts, and free gifts with each purchase. Via Vandi is open weekends yearround. Via Vandi, 109 Bauer Rummel Road in Rolland Square, Round top, 303.588.4476, viavandi.com, @viavandi. Candice Cowin 34