Duende With Maria Elba Torres
Duende With Maria Elba Torres
The vintage shop owner's memorabilia that feels like home.
Maria Elba Torres is one of my most fashionable friends — She has been in the vintage world for over twelve years, and recently opened up Torres Vintage shop in a favorite neighborhood of East Nashville. She was born in Guadalajara, Mexico but has a lot of roots in Zacatecas. She and her family immigrated to Tennessee when she was young, making Nashville feel like home.
Maria has an amazing eye for detail and special pieces, and her and her partner Becca’s space encapsulates joy, creativity and connection. They set an intention when they moved in a few years ago to have a well-lived home, and she can often be found in the garden or cooking for the ones she loves. Below, Maria shares a handful of meaningful souvenirs and her stories behind them.
Find Maria elsewhere:
Instagram
Torres Vintage
Torres Vintage IG
Love,
Elise
Ellie Caudill, Floral Painting
This painting was a gift from my partner by my favorite local artist Ellie Caudill. They also painted and designed the horse mural on my storefront.Vintage Olympus Film Camera
This camera was a gift from my partner, too. I have had many cameras but this one is the most special to me.
Ceramic Double Fluted Vase
I just love the shape of this one. It's fun to add a wildflower into it here and there, but for the most part I just admire it.
Flamingo Estate, Douglas Fir & Ancient Vetiver Candle
I love to burn a candle or incense — whether it's at the shop or at home, you can find me near a burning candle. Right now, we're burning the Clarity candle.
Mexican Yellow Gold Rings
I wear these two rings every day. The one with the ‘7’ is a ring representing luck. It has a Lucky Number 7, an Evil Eye to ward off negative energy, a Lucky Horseshoe, an Elephant, and a Four-Leaf Clover. Originally, it belonged to my ma. The second I received is a Moon surrounded by planets and shooting stars. I plan to continue to wear these for the rest of my life.
Wonky Ceramic Vase
I love this small vase for its texture and imperfections.
Antique Table Lamp, Fruit Motif
This is my favorite lamp! Just look at those colors — I fell in love with the colors of the fruit and blue throughout. Currently, it sits on my bedside table. I love waking up to it in the morning when my eyes are adjusting to a new day.
Piel, Nubuck Leather Jacket
People think I have an extensive closet because I have a vintage shop, but in truth, I have a very petite personal closet at home. This jacket was a gift from one of my tías when I was a teenager. At the time it was stiff and boxy on me, so I put it in my closet for many years. I later came to understand that this is the perfect jacket. I love the way the leather has worn in to shape to my form, and is developing markings from the movement of my arms or the way I turn my neck. It becomes softer with every wear. Not only do I love the way it fits, but this jacket always makes me feel closer to home and to my extended family that I wasn't always able to be close to.
Hand Blown Glassware, Guadalajara, Mexico
These two cups are selected from a much bigger collection. They can be found in Guadalajara, Mexico where I was born. I love the way the color becomes alive when caught in sunlight.
Vintage Wooden Salad Server Set
I love hosting in our home, and these salad hands will always be found at our table serving our latest go-to salad recipe.
Silver-Plated Shell Dish
This catch-all piece is so great to put at the entrance of any door. Quick toss of keys or jewelry to keep safe.
Shiny Wooden 4-Candle Candelabra, 1992
I love hosting candlelit dinners at our house, and this is such a special piece. I find it beautiful the way the wood brings warmth to the table and how the intention shines through making a centerpiece like this one.
Duende is the mysterious power of art to deeply move a person. It means a quality of passion and inspiration. With this bimonthly feature, we celebrate and honor our most meaningful possessions that go far beyond the physical — preserving memories, shaping identity, encouraging ritual, embodying experiences and loved ones. The things that surround us are not simply functional, beautiful, or aspirational, but encompass a soul and presence all their own. View past publications here.
Photo Credit: Duende custom collage designed by Meg Towle, featuring pieces from the home of Maria Elba Torres. Portrait of Maria by Emily Moses.