Dear Santa Barbara
xx Tierney
THE MATADOR Timo Nuñez has been the face of flamenco and Fiesta since age 8, when he started dancing in historical locations like Casa de la Guerra for Old Spanish Days. The Santa Barbara native has traveled the globe representing the arte de flamenco, yet, he says, “to work with an artist of Tierney’s caliber close to home is rare. Participating in projects like this demonstrates how powerful traditional culture can be.”
Tierney Gearon’s visual diary of her personal collection of vintage Hermès towels becomes a traveling explosion of color, creativity, and a story that has been unfolding through her work for years
Styled by Lawren Howell
HANGING OUT Sheila Márquez, model and mother, picnics with her sons, Lucius and June, at her home in Ojai (with an added spurt of joy from Louisa Moller). “Tierney is very fascinating. She locks in on a moment; she has a vision and directs her surroundings to capture that perfect imperfect moment while finding the most beautiful light.” OPPOSITE: Born and raised in Santa Barbara, retailer Kate McMahon’s beach lifestyle is effortless, casual, and classic. “Tierney is a true creative. She’s intuitive, quirky, and knowing. Trusting in the spontaneity of the process, her unique vision comes alive.” Clothing by COVET, paired with vintage Levi’s.
“Tierney especially inspires me as a woman using her voice through her art.”
WRAPPED UP Ana Pincus is a documentary filmmaker and advocate whose work focuses on socially conscious storytelling, centering women’s voices, resilience, reclamation, and empowerment. “I deeply enjoyed experiencing the magic of Bellosguardo and the sense of freedom and creativity the location inspires.” Dress by Tracy Feith. OPPOSITE: Heidi Clements is a 65-year-old pro-aging writer and content creator who believes the term antiaging needs to be removed from messaging. “Society treasures old things like these stunning Hermès towels—but not old women. Age makes things valuable and women invisible. It’s an exhausting double standard and the reason I am so proud to be a part of this project.” Dress by ace&jig.
“This group of portraits is the ultimate example of Tierney’s expertise; seeing how she selects towels from her beloved stockpile, and directs people to interact with them, is all part of what makes this collection interesting and autobiographical.”
LE SURF Having lived in the Ojai/Santa Barbara region for more than a decade, the Howell-Moller and Getty-Oster families have always gravitated to Rincon Point. Whether for its beach parties at Bates or bonfires at the river mouth, it has been the backdrop for years of magical memories of escaping the summer heat. FROM LEFT: Roman Oster; Louisa Moller; Lawren Howell; Anna Getty; Scott and Bodhi Oster; Peter, Kris, and Phoebe Moller.
PLAYING THE FIELD Postpractice at the barn with the Quite on Z polo team members (from left) Alecia Seidler, Santino Magrini, Patrick Uretz, Inda Llambias, and Hilario Figueras. OPPOSITE: Argentine polo players Santino Magrini and Hilario Figueras in Carpinteria.
HIDE AND SEEK Kris Moller and Scott Oster swing Bodhi on the sand. OPPOSITE: Phoebe and Peter Moller’s backyard tepee fun.
WILD THINGS Sheila Márquez wears vintage Lilly Pulitzer with a vintage Hermès towel. OPPOSITE: When Belle Hahn met Tierney earlier this year, “we just connected instantly on mental health and beauty and all things Hermès towels.” She and her sister, Lily Hahn Shining, are benefactors of Bellosguardo and its recent restoration of the lath house. “So here we are—up in a tree—a whole garden full of characters and biodiversity!” Don’t miss The Collection, a gallery show of Tierney Gearon’s summer project at Howell & Co., June 6 through the end of August.
