I discovered Christy Martin’s new lifestyle store, Encanto, on a first Thursday as she was just dusting off and unpacking her inventory. Her choices of items from hop furniture, linens, dishes, handbags, small leather goods, jewelry, candles, slippers, table wear, and art are finely choreographed without being over the top.
“After working in the interior design world for the past twenty-five years I thought it might be fun to go beyond interiors and into a little bit of fashion, as I am constantly being asked ‘where do you get that?’” Ms. Martin says. “Whether it is a dress, a shoe or piece of jewelry, it is really fun to share these things that I love,” she adds.
Some of the new stuff in the shop include Escama Studio bags and purses.
These beauties are made out of recycled pop tops by women artists in co-operatives in Brasilia, Brazil. Each piece comes with a hang tag, bearing the signature of the person who made it, so you can read more about this person by clicking on their photo on their website. They will even translate a thank you letter into Portuguese should you feel so inclined to write. Helping artists create beautiful wearable art. How much fun is that? www.escamastudio.com.
If scarves and silk is more to your liking she carries Avani Wild Silk scarves. These hand woven shawls and scarves are completely handmade, from the spinning and dyeing of the wild silk to weaving the finished product. Made by artisans of the Kumaon region of the Himalayas, these Avani textiles have won the UNESCO Seal of Excellence. www.tilonia.com.
Christy also sponsors and hosts events. On January 6th she hosted a Dale Kern of Milbesos Trunk Show the First Thursday Artwalk (part of the downtown Santa Barbara scene). The trunk show featured gorgeous handmade jewelry by Montecito resident Dale Kern. 15% of sales were donated to the Women’s Fund of Santa Barbara.
The next event will be, January 21st when Encanto and Saks Fifth Avenue Santa Barbara will be hosting "AGELESS DRESS" given by top stylist Sherrie Mathieson at 2 PM. Sherrie has written two Random House books: "FOREVER COOL" and "STEAL THIS STYLE". www.sherriemathieson.com.
Encanto is located in La Arcada Court, 1114 State Street, Suite 22, call 805-722-4338 or visit Ms. Martin’s design website, www.studioencanto.com.
