W
henever I’m waxing poetic about COUTURE (and let’s face it, I’m always waxing poetic about COUTURE….), one of the things I bring up is that our designers and brands truly believe that they are exhibiting among their peers. They share information, trade war stories, celebrate each other’s wins and just generally have one another’s backs. The relationships among designers and retailers also transcend the merely transactional, with designers frequently staying with store owners when they’re in town for trunk shows and forming close, genuine bonds. The friendships between editors and designers, also, are often so warm, loving and supportive it could bring a tear to your eye.
Held at the home of the store’s owner, Katherine Jetter, our coverage of the Dinner Party of the Season will also serve as a kick-off to a regular series on the COUTURE site showcasing the many ways in which our community comes together, "Gem of a Friend."
All of this was brought to mind last week when I saw that designer Victor Velyan had partnered up with Jeff Feero of Alex Sepkus to not only have a co-located trunk show at The Vault on Nantucket, but also to cook an elaborate meal for some of the Vault’s top clients. Held at the home of the store’s owner, Katherine Jetter, our coverage of the Dinner Party of the Season will also serve as a kick-off to a regular series on the COUTURE site showcasing the many ways in which our community comes together, Gem of a Friend.
Victor Velyan and Katherine Jetter
Katherine is well-known as a quintessential hostess and entertainer. She is equally lauded for coming up with clever ideas for showcasing the work of the artists she represents in ways that are unique to their world views and highlight the nuances of their designs. Both Victor and Jeff are foodies who are partial to big flavors and bold presentations (kind of like their jewelry?!).
Jeff Feero, Katherine Jetter and Victor Velyan
Having been the recipient of both of their culinary feats over the years, as she was arranging her always robust trunk show schedule, Katherine had an “ah ha” moment and asked the two if they’d be willing to join forces to create a meal for clients whom she felt certain would vibe with both Victor and Jeff’s personalities, and subsequently, get greater insight into their creativity.
Victor with his Okinawa Potatoes
Katherine admits her motivations were also selfish, “The idea just didn’t feel like work. I love to cook, they love to cook, let’s cook together, invite some clients and it’s a win win!” It had been too long since she’d enjoyed that insouciance, she explains, “The first year I opened the store, Jeff and I had so much fun just hanging out. Since then, as we’ve gotten busier, everything has been a lot more work related. It’s been forever since we got to just hang out, and I’m sick of just working! This is something we would have done together anyway, so to be able to share our friendship with my friends and clients doing something we genuinely love was really special.”
Victor and Jeff in the kitchen
Working together in the kitchen highlighted the differences in their personalities. Both Victor and Jeff had the main components of their dishes shipped in from afar and noted the distance their ingredients had to travel as the biggest stressor in pulling off a successful event.
Victor and Jeff hard at work in Katherine's kitchen
Victor approached the challenges with the same fiery intensity he applies to his jewelry designs, a stalwart determination for perfection his singular focus, rejecting even the hint of a possibility that he may need to compromise his vision. Just as he refuses to consider a gemstone that doesn’t meet his exacting specifications, he couldn’t contemplate shifting gears when his main course missed several ferries on the way to the island.
Alex Sepkus also only utilizes the finest, hand selected materials in their collections, so it comes as no surprise that, for his contribution to the meal, Jeff had to source bespoke ingredients that could only be found in one part of the world. With strict marinating guidelines and transport requirements in mind, he took on the unforeseen complications as he does jewelry design and blueberry farming, a problem for which he must find a solution.
After all of the trials and tribulations of meal prep, four trips to the supermarket, a complete knife sharpening overhaul, and what I imagine was cooking fueled by Jeff’s signature blueberry tequila, the evening was a resounding success.
Blueberry tequila & hot-pepper dispensers
Hours of conversations and laugher were sprinkled with inquiries about how to get a hold of one of Jeff’s homemade, homegrown hot pepper dispensers and offers to hire the duo to cook Thanksgiving dinner were (jokingly?!) negotiated.
Tablescape created by Katherine Jetter
At 2am, with bellies full and copious amounts of home cooked food, wine, scotch and blueberry tequila, the guests gave their host and guest chefs a standing ovation, and the memories created are certain to resonate with all involved for years to come.