Hydrangeas and Emeralds Are Always a Good Idea

By Amy Elliott | July 22, 2021

And even better together. Case in point: These beautiful campaign images highlighting the new Resort 2022 collection from Colombian-born and Miami-based designer Vanessa Arcila.

Hydrangeas are a high-summer staple of the cottage gardens where I live in New England—marvels of nature in classic electric sky blue, creamy antique white, variegated pink and green, and lavender to vivid purples. They are voluptuous, showy, and picturesque on a level that the most evocative Instagram filter can’t even begin to approximate.

I was surprised to see them taking center stage in Arcila’s Resort campaign—but also delighted.

“Hydrangeas are a symbol of gratitude, grace, and beauty. This is why we picked this flower for the campaign,” says Arcila. “They’re wonderful—my favorite flowers.”

She has named the collection E-Volve, taking inspiration from snails and butterflies with representations that alternate between faithful and suggestive. A spiral stands out as a central motif, as it’s a sacred symbol of transformation, rebirth, and metamorphosis, and thus a beautiful metaphor for the nature of the life cycle.

And did I mention the emeralds? The Colombian variety is Arcila’s signature stone—as well it should be, considering she is the worldwide ambassador of the Colombian emerald, a title bestowed on her by Fedesmeraldas (the National Federation of Emeralds of Colombia) in 2014.

Vanessa Arcila portrait — *Designer Vanessa Arcila*

This distinction, and the success of her line since it started in 2011, has helped shed light on the creative potential of the Colombian emeralds in modern, affordably priced jewelry pieces made by the country’s artisans. Overall, Arcila seeks to recover pre-Colombian art and culture and inspire new generations to hold these traditions dear.

And with that, please enjoy these summer-perfect combinations of stems and gems.