Our final Tastemaker introduction of this holiday season is Founder and CEO, Pamela Munson. Her eponymous brand, Pamela Munson, is a straw handbag and resort line founded in 2017. Her handwoven bags are known for their signature design elements that strike a modern balance between strength and femininity.
Pamela partnered with Dogwood Hill Artist, Shanna Masters, to create the tropical illustrations found throughout the Isla Bahia Collection of photo cards, stationery and gift wrap.
Pamela wanted her Tastemaker collection to evoke a “traditional holiday meets resort” aesthetic. Her accessories line, with its classic style and use of natural materials, was the creative springboard for the suite.
Shanna loved creating the art elements for the Collection. “I wanted to keep the collection classic Christmas, like the inspiration board she sent me, while also incorporating some of the materials from her accessories line, including straw, raffia and bamboo. These materials were used for patterns and borders, as well as in the spot art pieces throughout the suite. I softened things up by incorporating the mistletoe pattern, velvet bows and ribbon,” Shanna said.
Continue scrolling for a preview of Pamela’s holiday tastemaker collection as well as our Q&A with her.
You can shop the entire Pamela Munson Tastemaker Collection on our website.
Holiday Q&A with Pamela:
What was the inspiration behind your holiday suite? Part holiday in the tropics, Part home for the holidays traditional Christmas. I have spent an equal amount of holidays in Florida with my grandparents and extended family, as I have in New York. My holiday suite is a dance between these two sensibilities.
What was the process like designing your holiday suite with the Dogwood Hill team? What was your favorite part about the process? It was a pleasure working with the talented Dogwood Hill team. I have long admired Shana Master’s art so I loved being able to work together on my holiday suite. I created a moodboard with inspiration and then Shana brought my vision to life throughout her beautiful, dreamy illustrations.
What do you love most about the holiday season? I love the feeling of wonder, magic and merriment of my children.
What is your favorite tradition? My favorite tradition with my family is going to a nearby nursey and picking out our Christmas tree. Our children have strong opinions about their favorite tree and then we decide on our favorite as a family. The day we bring the tree home, we decorate it and look through our ornaments, listen to holiday music and drink hot chocolate.
What is your favorite holiday song? ‘Last Christmas’ by George Michael
What is your go-to holiday hostess gift? Our Pamela Munson candle with notes of bergamot and lavender along with fresh baked cookies. There are several cookies we make that my mother and grandmother made before us.
What kind of holiday shopper are you – Black Friday, Christmas Eve or year long stasher? I aspire to be an all-year-long stasher but I’m normally a December shopper with Black Friday as the kickoff.
Are you team real tree or faux tree? I grew up with a faux tree but my husband and I created a tradition with our family of picking out a real tree each year. I love the fresh tree scent and how the tree is unique.
Are you team white lights or colored whites? Team white lights but my children beg for color each year! I tell them when they have their own home and family someday, they can choose the lights.
What are you most thankful for this year? I’m most thankful for moving with my family to Florida this year. We are acclimating well and enjoying this next chapter.
What is one item on your wishlist this holiday season? Diamond earrings. Let’s hope my husband sees this.