While thousands of Bermudians beef up their wardrobes on overseas shopping sprees every year, there’s still plenty to please fashionistas in Hamilton’s stores. Boutiques such as Longchamp, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Nine West, and Stefanel abound, and two remaining department stores, A. S. Cooper and Gibbons Company, carry a wide range of labels and styles. Be warned that variety and sizes are often lacking, however, compared to larger urban centers, and prices are higher due to import duties.
Atelerie (6 Dundonald St. at Cedar Ave., tel. 441/535-1361, heather [at] atelerie [dot] com, www.atelerie.com [1], noon–6 p.m. Mon.–Fri., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Sat.) is slightly off the beaten track, but oh-so-worth the wander. A girlfriend who used to live in Tribeca says it’s like going to New York without the hassle of Customs. In fact, you probably couldn’t find a Manhattan boutique stocking this many unique designers in a single space. Joe’s Jeans, Paige Denim, Rebecca Taylor, Shoshanna swimwear, Velvet apparel, Frye and Joie boots, Mystique sandals, Havaianas, Foley and Corinna bags, Christianne Celle Calypso fragrances, Kenneth Jay Lane and Asha by ADM jewelry—Bermuda’s women never had it so good. Artist-photographer Heather Macdonald launched her store out of a tiny downstairs room in her Paget cottage, but it was such a hit, she moved to Hamilton in late 2008. Cozy PJs, seamless lingerie, silk scarves, scented candles, and artful datebooks make it a trove of endless treasures.
For that Pucci scarf or little black dress you simply must have, join local cocktail mavens at Cecile (15 Front St. West, tel. 441/295-1311), purveyor of the latest European catwalk designs including evening and corporate suits, slacks, swimsuits, and handbags. Sister stores are Boutique C.C. (Front St. West, tel. 441/295-3935) and the ultra-chic Lusso (51 Front St., tel. 441/295-2928), where Fifth Avenue labels like Prada and Jimmy Choo feel quite at home. Ask to be shown the sale products, including top designer shoes, as discounts sometimes are unmarked.
Sisley (7 Front St. at Par-la-Ville Rd., tel. 441/295-2112 ext. 121), Max Mara (57 Front St., tel. 441/295-2112 ext. 130), A. S. Cooper (59 Front St. West, tel. 441/295-3961), Nine West (23 Reid St., tel. 441/295-0022) and the next-door Twenty 5 Reid (25 Reid St., tel. 441/295-0022) all carry modern urban fashions, including eveningwear, plus shades, shoes, and accessories.
Good men’s stores are few, but include A. S. Cooper Man (29 Front St., tel. 441/295-3961, www.coopersbermuda.com [2]), English Sports Shop’s Nautica boutique (49 Front St., tel. 441/295-2672), and French Connection (15 Reid St., tel. 441/295-0022, www.calypso.bm [3]).
Bermudians head to Calypso (45 Front St., tel. 441/295-2112, www.calypso.bm [3]) every spring for their new bathing suits—from string bikinis to racing backs. Makin’ Waves (75 Front St., tel. 441/292-4609) is another favorite swimsuit supplier for men and women.
For shoes, Lusso (51 Front St., tel. 441/295-2928) and Voila (Butterfield Walkway, Front St., tel. 441/295-2112 ext. 120, www.calypson.bm [4]) have the most stylish selections. Casual Footware (14 Parson’s Rd., in North Hamilton, tel. 441/295-9968, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Mon.–Fri.) sells comfortable Birkenstocks, Mephisto, Oakley, and Hogan footwear for men, women, and kids.
Teens and club-hoppers like Stefanel (12 Walker Arcade, tel. 441/295-5698), French Connection (15 Reid St. at Washington Ln., tel. 441/295-2112), and Zig-Zag Boutique (31 Dundonald St., tel. 441/295-0785).
For lingerie, Women’s Secret (14 Reid Street, tel. 441/295-2112 ext. 150, www.womensecret.com [5]) and Gibbons Company (21 Reid St., tel. 441/295-0022) are the island’s primary purveyors.
Links:
[1] http://www.atelerie.com
[2] http://www.coopersbermuda.com
[3] http://www.calypso.bm
[4] http://www.calypson.bm
[5] http://www.womensecret.com