I love the unexpected surprises that I find along my path especially when I am not seeking them out. Back in August I took a last minute trip to Santa Fe to lend support to a dear friend and although time was limited, I snuck away on an adventure to the local flea market. I made it as far as the second booth in my path where I was immediately drawn in and the next thing I knew I had spent the rest of my limited time foraging through Philomena at the Sea, a collection of re-purposed accessories and home decor.
I was excited to find out that Philomena lived in Malibu and created all of her collection there in her home studio as I was headed to Los Angeles directly after Santa Fe. The connection between the two of us was immediate and I left the flea market with that inspiring buzz that I always get when I discover someone that is creating something special and unique.
I couldn’t wait to visit her in Malibu and see more of her creations and I was completely entranced and connected with her aesthetic when I arrived.
Philomena creates a lifestyle of interiors, apparel and accessories that are all one of a kind created from re-purposed materials such as French grain sacks, indigo, military tents, leather from WWII, and many other amazing textiles she finds along her path. She got her start years ago as an interior designer and while creating custom pieces for clients, she began to develop her concept which has now developed into a full lifestyle range of products called Philomena at the Sea.
Wearing my Santa Fe flea market purchase, a poncho made from vintage french grain sacks. (she also has dresses made of these!)
Her house serves her aesthetic well with all of her pillows, furniture and collectibles displayed in abundance creating this unique world around her. I was mesmerized with her style and the way she has put it all together and I completely wanted to live there. An all natural palette with hints of African and Chinese art and objects are mixed with a touch of military and Native American references. I couldn’t be more connected to this aesthetic and the Southwest influence combined with the natural elements such as driftwood and antlers and shells sucked me in and made me feel right at home.
A collection of her vintage cowboy hats
One example of her amazing collection of vintage portraits
A signature of hers, she screen prints created imagery onto pillows
An abundant assortment of textiles for creating
Philomena’s entire property hosts her vision expanding to her outdoor space and working studio that sits in her backyard. This is a woman who is constantly in a state of creation, putting found objects together and assembling pieces that reflect her vision. She is always creating something new to add to what she has already done as she lets the objects and textiles dictate her next assembly.
Her back studio houses many of her materials and serves as a working space for her to create.
One of my favorite spots on her property was a little shed in the back that served as a great spot to display her collection of religious artifacts, many of which she created herself.
Crosses she created from found driftwood and shells
Philomena is at the beginning stages with her collection and is currently in limited distribution selling online as well as by appointment in her home studio. She has big plans in store for her collection and many exciting projects coming down the pike for 2014. If you are interested in carrying her line or finding out how to buy some of her one of a kind treasures, contact her via email at philomenaatthesea@gmail.com.