BlackSea Collection in Mexico with Clara Settje

BLACKSEA Partners with the Viceroy Riviera Maya for Preview of Mexico-Inspired Spring/ Summer 2017 Collection

Just as the weather in New York started to get cooler, we were excited to jet off with luxury handbag collection, BLACKSEA to sunny Mexico where the label previewed their latest collection for Spring/ Summer 2017, titled “¡Viva Mexico!”, at the stunning Viceroy Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. Set in a serene beachfront jungle, the award-winning all-villa resort was the perfect setting to get a first look at the brand’s latest collection.

 

Seeking to immerse a small group of friends in the vibrant culture and nature of the country that inspired the collection to celebrate its launch,BLACKSEA Founder and Creative Director, Jane Lerman, together with the Viceroy Riviera Maya created a 3-day itinerary which covered some of the highlights that have influenced the aesthetic of the latest collection.  We were first greeted with a Chef’s Tasting Dinner prepared by Chef Jorge Ildefonso upon arrival where the BLACSKEA SS’17 collection was displayed against the golden sunset on the beach. The following day, we started the day with yoga followed by some much needed, pre-election down time to indulge in the Viceroy Riviera Maya’s signature Mayan-inspired spa services and beachside relaxation. By late afternoon, we got the bonding experience of a lifetime by participating in a powerful purification experience via a traditional Mayan “Temazcal Ritual.”

 

“From the cleansing Copal incense and stirring Mayan chanting to the herb-infused healing steam inside our igloo-like traditional sweat lodge, the Temazcal Ritual is a restorative and awakening experience unlike any other,” says Viceroy Riviera Maya General Manager Pedro Lara. “Each time you participate the benefits are greater and your realization of the benefits accelerates.” The second day concluded with an incredibly informative Tequila and Ceviche Tasting, followed by a beach barbecue under the stars.

 

By day 3, we were ready to venture west, crossing time zones to visit the ancient Mayan city of Chichen Itza and spending the morning exploring the remarkable pyramids built by the Mayans thousands of years ago. The highlight of the day was a detour to take dip in an idyllic nearby Cenote (one of the many freshwater rivers and lakes signature to the region, and what the Mayans thought of as a gateway to the Underworld). We made a pit stop on the way back at the charming Spanish colonial city of Valladolid, visiting fashion-crowd-favorite perfumerie, Coqui Coqui before heading back to the Viceroy Riviera Maya for a farewell dinner at the resort’s La Marea restaurant.

 

“Our partnership with the Viceroy Riviera Maya for the preview of our Spring/ Summer 2017 collection was such a special experience,” said BLACKSEA Founder & Creative Director, Jane Lerman. “When places that touch your heart inspire the creative process, it’s nearly impossible to relay that inspiration with just words. I wanted to show our friends just why the country of Mexico holds such a special place in my heart and how it inspired the design process. From the vibrant nature and impressive ancient civilizations to its colonial past and incredibly warm people of today, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would want to build a wall to separate ourselves from our beautiful neighbor.”