Happy hour with bling: Vail gatherings showcase new jewelry collections

A sense of connection is a big part of why certain jewelry pieces or designers resonate with Jo Latham. It’s also what inspired the Texas-based curator and shop owner to launch social gatherings in Vail to showcase new collections.

“We work with 70-plus designers from all over the world. I’m very much drawn to what people are doing that relates to their perspective, their culture, their inspiration,” Latham says. “We work with independent fine jewelry designers infusing their own perspective and personality into their pieces.”

One such designer is France-based Nouvel Heritage. Nouvel’s Try Me collection features necklaces and bracelets made from thick yellow gold chain links that look as if they have been divided and reconnected.

“The chain’s intentionally broken and fused back together to symbolize rebuilding, resilience,” Latham points out. “When you choose to wear a piece of jewelry, it’s because you connect with something besides the materialness of it. Seeing it in a magazine doesn’t always allow you to do that. You don’t understand the meaning or the connection you might feel with pieces.”

To facilitate those deeper connections, Latham is hosting a trunk show from 2 to 6 p.m. July 17 at The Remedy Bar Patio at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail. She’s showcasing new collections by a couple of her favorite designers, including Nouvel Heritage, which is expanding on its Try Me collection as well as revealing a new line of mood bangles inspired by relatable experiences, like Monday Mood, My Best Friend’s Wedding and more.   

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“It struck a chord with us, how it’s very slow at the shop in Texas in the summer and everybody likes to escape to cooler temperatures. We realized how many clients and friends were spending time up here. We thought it would be neat to change it up, providing an experience where they are,” Latham said. “It’s something we’re seeing happening a lot in retail, especially in luxury retail; this shift to client experiences. It’s a way for us to connect in a different setting that’s not super transactional.”

The Friday trunk show will include light bites and “naughty milkshakes” as well as wearable art piece reveals. The display features the recent collection of another of Latham’s favorite designers – New York-based Ondyn. The new line, named Under Our Spell, features bedazzled, linear, rod shapes inspired by magic wands and glow sticks.

“They’re meant to move with you, flow with you, almost become a second skin,” Latham said. “The two collections will be fun to showcase together. When you wear something on a regular basis, it says something about you. We work in the realm of classic, timeless pieces, but someone creating something in their field very unique to them. I like people to be surprised when they see our collection, surprised and delighted.”