Just before her 20th birthday, jewelry designer Sara Beltrán left her home in Juarez, Mexico for Rome where she stayed for six months before coming back west to New York to study fashion merchandising at FIT. After graduation, Beltrán moved again, this time from Manhattan to Jaipur, India, where she now lives most of the year producing Dezso, her collection of fine necklaces, rings and earrings. During the other months, Beltrán is in Tulum, Mexico, where she sources Gorgonian coral for her line. Needless to say, the designer’s Vuitton and Prada carryalls have been working overtime.
Beltrán’s a bit of a workaholic herself, but even the most focused designers have to shop the local markets for inspiration and supplies. Vogue asked the bicontinental blonde to share her favorite shopping spots in her two adopted hometowns.
Jaipur, India
Hot Pink: “It’s really cool. They have clothes and home wares from Indian designers like Manish Arora.”
Narain Niwas Palace, Kanota Bagh, Narain Singh Road, 91 141 5108932; hotpinkindia.com
The Gem Palace: “Everyone, even if they’re not interested in designing jewelry, should visit Gem Palace. It has amazing collections of Indian, Byzantine and Greek jewelry.”
M. I. Road, 91 141 2374175; gempalacejaipur.com
Johari Bazar: “You can always find kitsch stuff in the bazaars, but you can also find nice things like sandals and housewares. You can have things custom-made in one day. I got glass boxes made for my thread, so I can see the color and keep it all in order.”
indianholiday.com
Tulum, Mexico
La Posada del Sol: “This store is a big inspiration place for me. They sell typical Mexican things by Mexican artisans, from candleholders to necklaces, bags, and dresses with embroidery.”
laposadadelsol.com
Coqui Coqui: “They sell really nice new and vintage scarves and also have their own perfume line and candles. The Italian girl who owns it, Francesca, is a friend.”
coquicoquispa.com