With an internationally respected Houston based showroom, a website that caters to global collectors of estate jewelry, fine watches, designer handbags and accessories, GIA diamonds, rare coins, and antiquities. Donae Chramosta stays busy, but, behind the scene, she has made it her mission to give back to Houston. Swoon Memorial Magazine recently got a chance to sit and learn more about the remarkable lady behind the brand.
Swoon asked: Donae – You are known around town as the Vintage Contessa, what is the Vintage Contessa?
The Vintage Contessa name stemmed from my Italian roots. My passion for fashion, accessories and the luxury retail industry as a whole was born from the dynamic influence of Europe and its many incredible designers. My friends coined me “The Vintage Contessa”, so when I left my family’s business to pursue my true calling, it seemed like the perfect name for my showroom. The Vintage Contessa is a one-stop-shop, highend showroom with vintage and estate pieces. My husband, Rob, and I source estate jewelry, fine watches, designer handbags and accessories, GIA diamonds, rare coins, and antiquities from all over the world. The Vintage Contessa has been a beautiful way to blend my past and present and it has been rewarding to build relationships with people who have supported my dreams along the way.
Swoon: You and your husband recently rebranded your company The Vintage Contessa with his – Timeless Pieces. Tell us about it.
The rebranding was the most natural “next-step” to take for both of our brands. My husband has over twenty years of experience as a numismatist, watch purveyor, estate jeweler and GIA diamond specialist. Combining that with my twenty plus years of luxury marketing experience and the fact that we have been operating under the same roof with separate names, it became very clear that joining forces just made the most sense! We’re excited about the new look and feel. Our logo is an infinity sign because it means never ending; everything we sell is timeless and the beauty of our pieces is never ending. Our brand is all about authentic, timeless, luxury, and that is what we want people to feel from the moment they click on our website or walk through our doors.
Swoon: There has been talk in luxury brands about counterfeit or “knock” offs. How do people know what they are buying is real if it doesn’t come from the brand store?
We understand how much of a concern this is in the industry, especially when it comes to purchasing something so special online. We always take the time to reassure our potential clients of the 100% authenticity of our products. There have been times where I pass up on something that might be real just because I don’t want to take that risk. We personally purchase and assume ownership for every item that we then offer to our customers. This means that each and every piece is not only rigorously inspected by our team of experienced specialists before we purchase it, but also that it is housed in our showroom, until it leaves with a customer. Honesty and integrity are the pillars of our business and we make it our priority to build trusting relationships with our shoppers.
Swoon: Charity is big part of who you are and what your company does. How were you able to marry the two for the good of the causes that are dear to you?
Through our business, I have been fortunate enough to meet and form relationships with philanthropic individuals. I believe when you work with good people, you do good work, and my husband and I have seen that in full. We have been involved with a number of charities and organizations in the Houston area and are so grateful that we have continually been able to fulfill our passion of giving back to those in need. Whether I am chairing an event for KNOWAutism or donating resources to The Women’s Home after Hurricane Harvey, I am always trying to find a way to give back to the community because it’s something near and dear to my heart.
Swoon: You and your daughter Bella who is 10 wrote a book called “The Vintage Contessa and Princessa”- what inspired you and any other books on the horizon?
I am proud to present my first children’s book, The Vintage Contessa &
Princessa, written in collaboration with my creative and fashion forward then six year old daughter, Bella, with inspiration from our former Cavalier named CoCo. A portion of the proceeds of every book sold goes to cancer charities throughout the country.
Set against a fashionable and luxurious backdrop, the story is a journey of discovery for young girls, exposing them to what is truly important in life. It seeks to celebrate beauty growing from within yourself while sharing special moments with friends and family. We read about building integrity and creating resilience while following our passions, overcoming challenges, and giving to friends in need, specifically a friend with cancer.
When Bella and I first thought of writing the book we knew we wanted to give a portion of the proceeds to help children in the midst of challenges. We had been touched by the sadness of cancer as we watched my then 7 year old god-daughter fight and win her battle with the disease. She has completed all of her treatment and is happily attending school in Manhatten, riding horses every moment of spare time she finds. Watching her journey, we discovered that despite the challenges, there are moments that ARE precious. We realize now that a smile, a laugh and a rolling of her beautiful blue eyes are one of life’s most prized possessions for us.
The book tries to share with it’s readers, both young and old; that life is not about perfection, and that the word ‘luxury’ can be applied to the smallest, most beautiful of moments.
Now that we live with cancer in our family, we would like to reach out to other families living with cancer and walk with them in their journey by connecting with charitable organizations in their communities.
Swoon: Ok Last question… What is the hot luxury item of this season?
Her resonse:
The Top Five Hot Luxury Items of the Season are:
1. Louis Vuitton Neverfull in Monogram or Damier Colors. Women use them as a handbag, a travel carry-on or an everyday business bag, starting at less than $900.00
2. Classic Chanel Double Flap handbag in small, medium or jumbo size in either calfskin or caviar leather in a multitude of colors, starting at $2500.
3. Cartier Love Bracelet in white gold, yellow gold, rose gold either with or without diamonds, starting at $4000.00
4. The Holy Grail of Handbags, a Hermes Kelly or Birkin in a variety of sizes colors or leathers, staring at $5000.00
5. Preowned Rolex Watch for women or men with prices starting at $2000.
