Peruvian textiles have seeped into bohemian, hippie-chick wardrobes lately, popping up in boutiques from San Diego to San Francisco. But in Orange County, one of the leading brands slinging gorgeous, authentic Peruvian accessories is Pamela V. Made in and inspired by Peru, Pamela V specializes in jewelry, but it also offers leather bags, dresses, belts and travel gear for the boho girl on the go. And if you lurk the store's Instagram (@pamelav_kukulys), owner and designer Pamela Vilchez showcases more of her wares, from strappy, pompom-decorated sandals to pillows and blankets, all made in the bright, multicolored fabric native to the Andean nation (because fuck culturally appropriated clothing ripping off indigenous patterns, right?).
Vilchez, who immigrated to the States at age 15, mixes her free-spirited sensibilities, fashion adoration and love of her native culture. Traveling back and forth to her home country and around the world, some of Vilchez's most inspired items are her leather purses, which range from luggage to pocket belts (a hipper alternative to the fanny pack) and are either accented with a Peruvian fabric, fringe, silver jewelry or all of the above. The textured Arequipa tote and the braided-leather Olga bag are gorgeous and made in small batches, so stake your claim as soon as you can.
Pamela V's jewelry designs are equally bold and have been spotted on Hollywood elite including Vanessa Hudgens, Steven Tyler, Ashley Tisdale and Kendall Jenner. Giant, rustic silver pieces deck out rings, layered necklaces, chokers, earrings, even belts for incredible, old-world sophistication. Beads and crystals adorn smaller accessories such as bracelets, chokers, rings and bolo ties.
To keep your folk-inspired look fresh and colorful for fall, search for Pamela V's products at local boutiques such as Shop Laguna (1020 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949-715-8308), Prism Boutique (406 Termino Ave., Long Beach) and Elison Rd. (211 1/2 Main St., Seal Beach, 562-296-8022), or shop online at www.pamelavjewelry. How chévere!
Aimee Murillo is calendar editor and frequently covers film and previously contributed to the OCW’s long-running fashion column, Trendzilla. Don’t ask her what her favorite movie is unless you want to hear her lengthy defense of Showgirls.