For Susie Hoimes, collecting has never been about ownership. It has always been about discovery.

Born in Kenya to British parents, Susie's earliest memories were shaped by a world rich in color, craftsmanship, and cultural tradition. As a child she gathered flowers to make patterns from their petals and learned to weave simple bracelets from beads and grasses alongside her Kikuyu caretaker. Her father, a physician specializing in tropical medicine, filled the family home with rare books and intellectual curiosity, while her mother, a former dancer, introduced her to the transformative power of costume, adornment, and beauty.

Life would carry her across continents, from Kenya to England and later to Iran and beyond, cultivating a deep appreciation for the artistry that defines cultures around the world. Those years gave her an instinctive eye for craftsmanship, authenticity, and the stories embedded within beautiful objects.

In 1990 she founded MDVII, named for the Roman numerals of her original San Francisco boutique's address. What began as a personal passion became one of the country's premier destinations for haute couture costume jewelry, where collectors, designers, and private clients have long sought her expertise in exceptional pieces by Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Schiaparelli, and other legendary houses.

Her eye has always extended beyond jewelry. Susie is an avid collector of Venetian glass, Native American art, Asian art, and antiques, drawn not simply to rarity but to objects that embody history, craftsmanship, and a distinct point of view. She is also a partner and co-founder of BuDhaGirl, a fashion-centric company that brings awareness and refinement to its clients through purposeful, mindful products and services.

Recognized by Vogue among the country's leading jewelry destinations and celebrated by Christie's for her eye and scholarship in couture costume jewelry, Susie continues to share her passion with collectors around the world. She believes the most compelling pieces do more than adorn. They connect us to artistry, memory, and the lives of those who cherished them before us.

For Susie, every object tells a story, and her greatest joy lies in helping others discover the pieces that will become part of their own.