AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
Urban Cottage
Urban Cottage began as a popular pop up home décor shop in Wellbottom which lead to a highly successful boutique on Front Street and has recently grown once more into a new St. George’s branch store. Proving she certainly has a Midas touch, owner and style maven Nicole Golden has carefully crafted her niche in the specialty décor and apparel market. Every item she carries in the store evokes her personal style—earthy, edgy, eco-conscious and woman-positive—and her passion for supporting talented local clothing and jewellery designers shines through. Equally vintage and modern with just a touch of the eclectic tossed in, Urban Cottage’s overall aesthetic has been resonating with locals and visitors alike— she’s even been featured on websites like AFAR Travel, Suitcase and Black Tomato, just to name a few. Oh, AND Urban Cottage received a mention in Garden & Gun’s Bermuda feature last year!
Ebony Magazine’s feature on Stretch Your Summer in Bermuda had this to say about the Front Street store: “Urban Cottage is the place to shop. Owner Nicole Golden has created a retail space with a retro-futurist vibe that mixes cool new products (the urban) with timeworn, vintage Bermuda items (the cottage) effortlessly. From top to bottom Urban Cottage is filled with all of Nicole’s favourite things: flirty dresses and edgy jewellery, throw pillows and wine glasses, gummie worms and bread mixes, just to name a few. In typical island fashion, you can often find Nicole showing off that famous Bermudian hospitality by pouring wine for her guests as they shop and helping to pick out the perfect souvenir for loved ones back home.” We couldn’t have said it better.
Somers Building, 11 Front Street, Hamilton. 296-3039. info@urbancottagebermuda.com
MEN’S BUSINESS WEAR
The English Sports Shop
It’s the “home of the original Bermuda shorts” and, for those that dare to bare the knee, they carry their locally designed version in both linen and brushed cotton with classic navy jackets and bright ties and knee socks to complete the look. For those who prefer a more formal style, the second floor features ready-made suits from Hugo BOSS and their Alexandre of London label as well as made-to-measure bespoke suits. Inside tip: Don’t miss their two-suit specials and famous January sale for the best deals.
49 Front Street, Hamilton. 295-2672
WOMEN’S BUSINESS ATTIRE
Marks and Spencer
Building a functional and beautiful wardrobe is essential for the busy working woman and no place offers a better selection than Marks and Spencer, say our judges. From good quality, neutral basics to this season’s latest silhouettes and trends in fashion, M&S can suit any style whether you are just entering the workforce or sitting atop the corporate ladder.
31 Reid Street, Hamilton. 295-0031
COCKTAIL/EVENING WEAR
Boutique CC
Nothing quite ruins a party like showing up in the same dress as someone else. To avoid that fashion faux pas, shop for your next cocktail frock at Boutique CC who only bring in a small handful of the same dress in different sizes and their helpful style gurus/sales people will certainly keep you informed of any potential clashes at the same bashes. Insider tip: Boutique CC have just expanded their offerings to now include bridesmaid dresses from Monique Lhuiller and Bari Jay.
1 Front Street West, Hamilton. 295-3935. bcc@tess.bm
MEN’S CASUAL WEAR
A.S. Cooper Man
Just because it is casual Friday, it doesn’t mean ripped jeans and stretched out, faded tees are acceptable in the workplace. For the man who keeps it casually fashionable from work to weekend, our judges say that A. S. Cooper Man carries all the labels they love whatever your style preference—from Calvin Klein to Vinyard Vines, Lacoste to DKNY and more.
29 Front Street, Hamilton. 295-3961 ext 201. www.ascooper.bm
LOCAL CLOTHING DESIGNER
Coral Coast
Leaving the 9-to-5 grind to create their own brand of adaptable men’s business attire was a dream come true for Adam Petty and Sam Outerbridge—the designers behind the Coral Coast brand of men’s button-down shirts, polos, swim trunks, ties and hats. Recognised by their angelfish logo design, the button-down shirts are designed to be formal enough with a tie and blazer for the office and casual enough to be untucked for weekends. They also feature contrasting cuffs on the underside so rolled-up sleeves are extra cool. Insider tip: Shop online and they offer free delivery.
Thirty Two 64, 15 Front Street, Hamilton. 707-7729. info@coralcoastclothing.com
WOMEN’S FASHION
ModBlu Boutique
We love their super woman-positive, self-love message almost as much as the beautiful clothing, accessories and gifts they sell at ModBlu. Interspersed with uplifting sayings, gorgeous local models of all varieties and gotta-have-it outfit inspirations, their carefully curated Instagram feed is a fashionista’s dream to follow.
46 Reid Street, Hamilton. 405.3250. www.modblubermuda.com
WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
Sunny Road
What started out as an interior design business for Ashley Ferguson and Jyna Heinicke, evolved into a furniture store next to Island Trading and has now become known for their stunning and unique women’s apparel, lingerie and accessories. A Facebook reviewer summed it up perfectly: “It’s like Pier 1, Urban Outfitters, Free People and Anthropologie rolled up into one.”
91 Reid Street, Hamilton. 232- 4440. sunnyroadbermuda@gmail.com
TIES
The English Sports Shop
Their great selection of both fun Bermuda-inspired ties on the main floor and trendy main-brand ones available upstairs, gives The English Sports Shop the edge on best ties again this year. Designed to suit any man’s individual style, both the neckties and bow ties they carry range from fun and funky to classic and formal.
49 Front Street, Hamilton. 295-2672
MEN’S BOUTIQUE
The Edge
J Founded by Ronnie Baksh over 20 years ago, and run with his mother Patsy, The Edge has long served a loyal clientele of fashion-forward local men. At press time, The Bermudian was saddened to learn of Ronnie’s passing at an all too young age. His acumen for retail and his numerous Best of Bermuda Awards over the years, are a testament to the kind of business Ronnie built. May his legacy continue for many years to come.
25 Reid St., Hamilton. 295-4715
FASHION-FORWARD FINDS
Urban Cottage
At The Bermudian, we remember fondly when Urban Cottage first popped up as our neighbour in Wellbottom selling unique home décor and reclaimed masterpieces. Since their successful move to Front Street a few years ago and now a new store in Bridge House in St. George, the store has expanded to include apparel and accessories carefully curated by owner Nicole Golden who has a unique flair for selecting the most fashion-forward treasures. We especially love her passion for showcasing locally designed jewellery and apparel.
Somers Building, 11 Front Street, Hamilton. 296-3039. info@urbancottagebermuda.com
PLUS-SIZE FASHION
Gibbons Company
As women come in all shapes and sizes, so should fashion. When our big and beautiful ladies are looking to enhance their wardrobe they head to the top floor at Gibbons Company for a wide selection of necessary basics as well as trendy pieces to make them look as good as they feel. Insider tip: They have both a personal shopper and a style and image consultant in-store if you ever need professional services.
21 Reid Street, Hamilton. 295-0022. www.gibbons.bm
THRIFTY FASHION FINDS
Orange Bay Company
With each piece in-store carefully selected to meet their standard of unique and quality fine clothing and accessories, Orange Bay Company features an incomparable collection of vintage and contemporary fashion. And because it is all on consignment, the prices simply can’t be beat! Dig through the racks and discover an ever-changing selection of the finest name brands—from Pucci to Jimmy Choo, Prada to Louis Vuitton, Mango to True Religion, the names go on and on. And bonus! You can feel great about your purchase as it is as good for the environment as it is for your wallet.
Magnolia Place, 45 Victoria Street, Hamilton. 295-5400. info@orangebaycompany.com. www.orangebaycompany.com
LINGERIE
Eve’s Garden
While they may be best known for their selection of naughty bedroom accessories that could make even Christian Grey blush, Eve’s Garden also has an impressive selection of sexy and beautiful lingerie for all sizes—including busts up to size K in their Bra Boutique. With everything from the sexy to the practical available, Eve’s Garden has been keeping their customers satisfied since 1994.
Emporium Building, 69 Front Street, Hamilton. 296-2671
WORKOUT WEAR
Pro Shop
There are those who love to work out and those who, well, tolerate it. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or a reluctant participant, it always helps when you look good while sweating it, and for that our judges awarded the best to be found downstairs at The Pro Shop. With over 40 years in business, they listen to their loyal clientele and consistently offer the best in yoga, running, tennis and football clothing, shoes and accessories.
17 Reid Street, Hamilton. 292-7487
DRY CLEANER
Just Shirts
Wrinkles should be saved for movie titles, not suits for the office. For that crisp, clean look day in and day out, our judges say Just Shirts is the best place for all your dry cleaning, laundering and alteration needs. With complimentary pick up and delivery around Hamilton, you don’t even need to leave the office to get your wardrobe perfectly pressed. Insider tip: You can save 10 percent when you pre-pay on Tuesdays and Thursdays!
20 Bermudiana Road, Hamilton. 292-3063. jshirt@northrock.bm
WATCHES
Jordan Roberts Jewellers
Opening only last December, Jordan Roberts Jewellers in the Walker Arcade is already making a strong name for itself in the watch and jewellery business. Perhaps it has something to do with the well-known quality one expects from its parent store, Swiss Timing, or the fact that it caters more specifically to how younger generations prefer to shop. Regardless, with brands like Certina, Ingersoll, Escape, Daniel Wellington, Obaku and Invicta all available, the new store is already proving widely popular for watch lovers of all ages.
12 Walker Arcade, Hamilton. 292-0123. jordanrobertsjewellers@yahoo.com. www. jordanrobertsjewellers.com
LOCAL JEWELLERY DESIGNER
Alexandra Mosher
Launched in 2005, artist Alexandra Mosher’s collection and her fame as one of the island’s premier jewellery designers has grown substantially over the years and even more so recently with the opening of her new award-winning flagship store on Front Street. Best known for her iconic pink sand pieces, Mosher also creates other Bermuda-inspired jewellery including textured 14k gold wedding bands, fun “Bermy Verds” silver pendants, and several collections of unique local flora and fauna designs. Insider tip: If you are looking for something completely unique for your wedding or special occasion, book an appointment to discuss a custom design.
5 Front Street, Hamilton. 236-9009. hello@alexandramosher.com. www.alexandramosher.com
SCENTS-ATIONAL SCENTS
Bermuda Perfumery/ Lili Bermuda
While the sense of smell is often underrated, it is known to be a direct link to our memories and can even affect how we feel about a person or place and our connection to it. For the last 86 years, Lili Bermuda has been capturing the unique fragrances that Bermuda offers. From the fragrant frangipani and jasmine flowers to the spicy cedar tree, the scents created by perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone are a compilation of distinct connections to our island home helping you fall in love with it, over and over again.
Stewart Hall, 5 Queen Street, St. George. 293-0627. Butterfield Place, 67 Front Street, Hamilton. 296-2885. www.lilibermuda.com
WOMEN’S BEACHWEAR
FH For Him / For Her
Featuring NOVAH Swimwear – a brand founded by Bermudian designer Madeline White, FH is a new luxury store based in Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club that caters to beach-loving babes with an adventurous side. Along with gorgeous and fun big hats, bags and other essential beach gear, FH is sure to help you stand out at the next raft-up, beach day and the Non-Mariners non-race!
Hamilton Princess Hotel & Beach Club, 76 Pitts Bay Road, Hamilton. 298-6095. www.luxury.bm
SHOE STORE
Trends
“They went into my closets looking for skeletons, but thank God all they found were shoes, beautiful shoes,” said Imelda Marcos, who famously owned more than a thousand pairs of them. While your closet may not be so substantial (and hopefully not so controversial either), we hope you can find your own beloved selection of beautiful shoes at Trends— the best shoe store according to our judges.
The Walkway, 22 Reid Street, Hamilton. 295-6420
JEANS
Gibbons Company
“I want to die with my blue jeans on,” said Andy Warhol. While the rest of us may not necessarily agree with that sentiment, all can agree that life and style are much better when you finally find the perfect pair of jeans. With a great selection of the top name brands—like DKNY, Gap, Calvin Klein and Levis—available to try on, our judges said that Gibbons Company is the best one-stop shop to find that life-changing pair of jeans.
21 Reid Street, Hamilton. 295-0022. www.gibbons.bm
COOLEST SHADES
Sunglass & Watch Shop
Emilio Pucci, Ray Ban, Dolce & Gabana, Oakley, Maui Jim, Prada, Versace, Michael Kors… all the top name brands in all the latest styles can be found at Sunglass & Watch Shop. And they are more than just a fashion statement —sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, wind and debris, they reduce glare and improve vision for safer driving, and they also reduce headaches and eyestrain and even help prevent premature eye wrinkles. Need we say more?
13 Reid Street, Hamilton. 292-7933. www.sunglassandwatchshop.bm
HONOURABLE MENTION
Mystiques Unique
When you care less about a brand name and more about cutting edge, funky fashion, Mystiques has a selection of unique sunglasses that simply can’t be beat!
2nd floor, Bermudiana Arcade, 27 Reid Street, Hamilton. 232-0222
BABY GEAR
Nest
For such small creatures, babies certainly do require a lot of stuff. Strollers, car seats, cribs, slings, high chairs, diaper bags, bath sets, oh my! And that is just the tip of the new parent iceberg… Keep afloat by checking out the sublime products at Nest, the maternity and baby store that is as passionate about kitting out your little bundle of joy as you are. Insider tip: Their registry is electronic, making the gift selection for your baby shower easy and effortless.
44 Reid Street, Hamilton. 296-6378. www.nestbermuda.com
HANDBAGS
Lusso
Handbags are like friends—you can never have too many. Italian for luxury, Lusso is the home of top international designers such as Coach, Ferragamo, Fendi, Jimmy Choo, Ted Baker, and their lines of trending handbags are a dream for local fashionistas who lust after their latest clutches and carry-alls. Insider tip: Join their mailing list or follow them on social media for exclusive invitations to upcoming launch parties and style sessions.
51 Front Street, Hamilton. 295-6734. lusso@tess.bm
FASHION ICON
Perri Furbert – Gold, The Label
A designer, marketer and content creator, Perri Furbert of Gold, The Label has been steadily making a solid name for herself in the fashion industry with her own fashion blog and working to curate looks for the Bermuda Fashion Festival, local photo shoots and lookbook catalogues—all while still a student in Toronto. Her Instagram page (@thegoldlabel) has nearly 4,000 followers who admire her unique style. Furbert also has her own “Girlfriends” tee featuring the names of the iconic sitcom’s main characters: Joan, Toni, Maya and Lynn.
www.goldthelabel.com
LOCALLY DESIGNED FASHION PRODUCT
BermuniTees
Once upon a time, no one would be caught dead wearing a “Bermuda” shirt in Bermuda. Now thanks to the clever and creative look of BermuniTees’s ubiquitous line of island-inspired apparel and accessories, shirts with the map of Bermuda plus the word “home” and the Swizzle & Gombeys & Longtails & Pink Sand shirts are taking over our weekend wardrobes and a requisite for all Bermudians living abroad to show off their Bermy pride. A new line of enamel pins featuring local icons like a Gombey mask, a fish sandwich, and codfish and potatoes, as well as the 50- and 100-dollar bills, have been added to the collection. Insider tip: You can feel good about your purchase as 15 percent of all proceeds is donated to local charities.
Available online at www.bermunitees.com, at Brown & Co, 35 Front Street, Hamilton, and at the Pulp & Circumstance airport gift shop.
JEWELLERY/EVERYDAY
Rebecca Little
Inspired by Bermudian architecture and lifestyle, the unique collection of jewellery by local artist Rebecca Little is a standout. Available at ModBlu, TABS and &Partners, the collections include Bermuda triangles, geometric buttery roof designs, nautical rope and knots and more in both silver and gold. While some of her pieces are definitely special occasion, the majority are ones you would certainly want to wear everyday and never want to take off. Insider tip: If you have something unique in mind for a special gift or even an engagement ring, Little also does bespoke commissions by request.
704-0766. info@rebeccalittlejewellery.com. www.rebeccalittlejewellery.com
COSMETICS/MAKEUP
A.S. Cooper
With experienced makeup artists on staff, regular specials and promotions, along with some of the most beloved brands exclusively in stock at the main store, A. S. Cooper’s beauty department is our judges’ choice for best cosmetics this year. From Bare Minerals to Bobbi Brown, Clinique to NARS, once they find their favourite, makeup addicts islandwide can’t get enough. Insider tip: Get on their mailing list for exclusive offers and to book consultations with visiting experts.
Ground Floor, 59 Front Street, Hamilton. 295-3961. www.ascooper.bm
CHILDREN/BABY WEAR
Urban Little One
It may be the new kid on the block, so to speak, but Urban Little One is already making waves among hip new moms. Owned by Feren Trott, the store is focused on sourcing the latest eco-conscious trends and functional design, many in gender-neutral styles. Many of the products are handmade, natural, ethical and sustainable in nature and come from as far away as Europe, Australia and South America—perfect for when you are looking for something truly unique for your precious one.
129 Front Street, Hamilton. 292-5587. info@urbanlittleone.com. www.urbanlittleone.com
MAKEUP ARTIST
Afroditi Yiovreki
As famous YouTube makeup artist Michelle Phan said: “Makeup is not a mask that covers your beauty; it’s a weapon that helps you express who you are from the inside.” When you are ready to put on some war paint and slay at your next party, hot date or even your wedding day, our judges recommend hiring freelance makeup artist Afroditi to create your ideal look.
799-5085. yiovreki@hotmail.com
HAIR ACCESSORIES/ HATS
Calypso
In the business of fashion since 1948, Hornburg Calypso Ltd. has been supplying local ladies with classic and contemporary clothing and accessories perfectly suited to the island lifestyle for decades. Today women of all ages head to the Front Street boutique to seek out the perfect straw hat for beach days or a little something to top off their wedding outfit.
45 Front Street, Hamilton. 295-2112. customerservice@calypso.bm. www.calypso.bm
TRENDY-WEAR TEENS
Pirates Port Ladies
Located in the Washington Mall, Pirates Port has been a fashion staple for Bermudian young ladies for more years than we can remember. Whether it’s a new outfit for Cup Match, something special for that summer internship, or just the perfect casual look for hanging out with friends, Pirates Port continues to be the place to find exactly what your trendy teen needs.
Washington Mall West, 7 Reid Street, Hamilton. 292-1080. pirates@logic.bm
FINE JEWELLERY
Davidrose Studio
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then Davidrose Studio must be where the two first meet. With a selection of custom-designed, stunning engagement and wedding bands on display at their St. George’s and Hamilton locations, alongside unique, Bermuda-inspired silver and gold collections, Davidrose continues to be the best at what they do. As one judge put it: “They offer a little bit of something for everyone.”
20 Water Street, St. George’s. 293-7673. 47 Front Street, Hamilton. 295-7673. www.davidrosestudio.com
MEN’S BEACHWEAR
Bermies
With a change from the typical board shorts, the classic Bermies swim trunks were designed to be shorter and more stylish with a range of bold, island-inspired patterns and vibrant colours to suit any man’s style. Founded by young entrepreneur Uki Deane who spent summers in Bermuda as a child, Bermies were even featured on Shark Tank in February. While he didn’t get a deal as he pitched his brand in only a pair of Bermies shorts, the publicity for his island-inspired trunks will certainly help the brand’s success.
BEST FASHION BLOG/ SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE
Cici’s Secrets/Catherine Araujo
A great Instagram page is like spending time in an art gallery—relaxing, engaging and fascinatingly beautiful. The best take their time to carefully curate the content they share and keep a consistency in the quality of their images, as in Catherine Araujo, the blogger behind CiCi’s Secrets. The store manager, assistant buyer and social media manager for Atelerie, Araujo’s passion for fashion, beauty and travel is engaging and inspiring for all the right reasons.
www.instagram.com/cicissecret. www.cicissecret.com
LUXURY FASHION/ACCESSORIES
Atelerie
With well-known and cutting edge designer brands like DVF, Helmut Lang, Rebecca Taylor, Cami NYC and more, the contemporary boutique Atelerie is a mecca for hip, young fashionistas who want to look like a million bucks from head to toe. Along with all the beautiful fashion, the boutique also features fabulous collections of on-trend jewellery, handbags and shoes to complete your look along with a grand selection of great gifts for all your amazing friends.
9 Reid Street, Hamilton. 296-0280. info@atelerie.com. www.atelerie.com
BARGAINS, DEALS, DISCOUNTS
Buy it, Sell it,Swap it Bermuda
Their numbers are impressive: With nearly 12,000 members and over 2,000 posts a month, the Buy it, Sell it, Swap it Bermuda Facebook page is certainly chock full of the best bargains, deals and discounts available. Created five years ago by Danni Maisonneuve-Adams, the community group is the ideal marketplace to score major discounts on everything from cocktail dresses to diamond rings. And because buying and selling used clothing and accessories is better for the environment than buying new, it gets our eco-conscious seal of approval!
JUDGES
Jordan Smith • Windybank Farm
Damian Pitcher • commercial manager, Colonial
Victoria Esposito • marketing manager, Goslings Ltd.
Alyssa Rose • associate, Insight Visual Communications
To see the winners of the other 2018 Best of Bermuda Award divisions, follow the links below: