VIVA LOST VEGAS!
Hi Friends! It’s been one week since my beloved friend Brianna (whom decided to seize the day and come with me an hour before I left) and I drove from LA to Las Vegas for my first rodeo at COUTURE. It was everything I expected and more, a lot more, even for a maximalist like myself. With my big move to New York on the horizon, this trip felt decadent, a weekend to forget my endless “to-do” list and remember that work is a pleasure if you love what you do, so roll with it.
The sheer amount of talent, people, sequins, booths, coffees, steps, events, jewels, martinis and meetings was almost unfathomable. As a COUTURE rookie, eyes wide open, I felt everything deeply and have whiplash in the best way possible. I hadn’t been to Vegas since I was a pre-teen with my Dad Jim, a sportscaster, always commanding a room with his booming voice and recognizable features; me trying to keep up (he’s a fast walker and talker), a proud kid trying to catch his eye in the chaos of his broadcast… This trip was a homecoming of sorts, a walk in the casino with my inner child…
The tricky part for me on this trip, is that I always want to see everything, include everyone, embrace it all, and COUTURE was a lesson in making the most of the moment and remembering, you can only be one place at one time, even if your mind is a million places at once and your FOMO is flaring up. I’m still shuddering at the thought of all the exceptional jewelers I didn’t get to meet and wag my tail at, and/or snap tons of photos of, but as the King of Vegas himself, Frank Sinatra, said: “I did it my way”.
So on that note, I wanted to share some snapshots below, I have much more up my sleeve, but maybe the lesson from Vegas is less is more?… Just kidding.
Hands down to Vanessa Fernandez, the Miami based, super talented bench jeweler who made her debut at COUTURE this year and already won an award for her diamond ring in the Best in Bridal category. Not only is Vanessa the warmest soul, with the eyes of an exotic cat in the most insane green hue, she is also an artisan to her core, and a next level gem enthusiast and lover… She’s also always smiling. I love when good prevails, a win win! Seeing her jewelry in person is an experience, and I’m already chomping at the bit for my first ring by her… Stay tuned! PS… Fun fact: she’s also the jeweler for the White House.
The only thing better than staring at Harwell Godfrey’s collection is meeting the founder and designer, Lauren, and locking eyes with her. She’s the most effervescent woman, decked in treasures, and open for all the magic that surrounds her. She’s just as dazzling as this “watch” bracelet she made for COUTURE, since she “always knows what time it is.” It’s face, encrusted with the most insane rainbow pave work, reads 11:11, the magic hour. This piece had me at hello, and made me take a hot second to stand still.
Never have I ever been in the presence of my friend Ramya and not snapped multiple pics of her jewelry stack… Here she is, at COUTURE, showing The Wynn Hotel guests how to layer like a seasoned globetrotter, with a sharp eye for style… Wearing her Splendente R Pendant by Renato Cipullo, amongst other pieces by Lauren Rubinski, LAOLI, and Nina Runsdorf. Ladies and Gentlemen, Ramya “Razzle Dazzle” Giangola!
This may be short and sweet, not enough sparkles and gem gossip for all, but it’s literally impossible for me summarize COUTURE, oh and fix up a house across country, get my kids through their last days of school, take tender care of my ailing dog, say good bye to friends old and new and run a business… TGIF… But… I will say, for my first rodeo, I’m still standing, so cheers to that and happy Friday, folks.
Love always,
Victoria
Love love loved reading this! Sensory overload in the best possible way! This was my third year...💫💫
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