Award of Excellence
Atelerie
With a hat-trick of wins this year—for best Women’s Fashion, Boutique and Women’s Jeans—alongside their laundry list of awards earned over the past five years, Atelerie continues to prove its worth as one of the best local retailers. A combination of the French words atelier (boutique) and galerie (art gallery), Atelerie is the perfect mix of French boutique charm with clothes that are worthy of a gallery wall. Fittingly owned and managed by artist Heather MacDondald, the fashion-forward boutique exclusively carries some of the hottest designers such as Diane von Furstenberg, Helmut Lang, Rebecca Taylor, Rag & Bone and many more, making it a favourite among the young, hip and stylish shoppers. With superior customer service and a generous variety of unique accessories to compliment the designer fashions—including a range of popular Bermuda-themed pendants and bracelets—Atelerie has steadily earned the loyalty of its customers and the recognition it deserves.
Men’s Business Wear
The English Sports Shop
From classic Bermuda shorts and navy jackets to sleek, tailored suits in the Alexandre London department, the English Sports Shop has been the go-to place for men’s business wear since its founding in 1918. With the latest ties, sports coats, polo and dress shirts available, everyone from the CEO to the summer intern can get outfitted in style. (49 Front Street, Hamilton, tel: 295-2672)
Men’s Casual Wear
The Edge
One thing we know for sure, Bermudian men like to look as good as their female counterparts when out and about or on the town. For those looking for some casual yet mature fashion, our judges recommend the “boundary-pushing” styles carefully selected by owner Ronnie Baskh at The Edge. (20 Church Street Washington Mall Hamilton, tel: 295-4715)
Ties
The Island Shop
We love the locally designed ties by artist and owner Barbara Finsness at The Island Shop. Fun and whimsical in beautiful Bermuda colours, her selection of ties and bow ties are sure to stand out with your classic Bermuda shorts or make great gifts for friends and family overseas. (3 Queen Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-5292, www.islandexports.com)
Women’s Fashion
Atelerie
When it comes to the best in women’s fashion, our judges couldn’t recommend Atelerie highly enough: “I got my wife so many gifts out of that shop!” admitted one judge. With owner Heather Macdonald’s flair for selecting some of the most beautiful styles from sources across the world, both women and their generous partners can find the perfect outfit for any occasion. (9 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 296-0280, www.atelerie.com)
Women’s Business Attire
A.S. Cooper & Sons Main Store
With top brand names like Anne Klein, Even-Picone, Jones New York and Michael Kors in store—and at US retail prices—A.S. Cooper & Sons have the best selection of styles to suit every business and fit every body. From boardroom meetings to client lunches, you are always sure to be work-appropriate and in style when you shop the latest fashions at A.S. Cooper. (59 Front Street, Hamilton, www.ascooper.bm)
Cocktail/Evening Wear
27th Century Boutique
When you are looking for something extra special for a summer wedding or gala event, our judges recommend a visit to 27th Century Boutique. Celebrating their 40th anniversary this year, this beloved boutique continues to outfit local ladies with the finest evening fashions—and makes sure you look just right for whatever the occasion requires. (92 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-2628)
Boutique
Atelerie
With a fine blend of emerging and established designers to choose from—like DVF, Helmut Lang, Rebecca Taylor, Vince, Joie, Rag & Bone and more—shoppers at Atelerie are always pleasantly surprised by the range and variety available at this trendy boutique. Conveniently located at the end of the Washington Mall on Reid Street, Atelerie has quickly become the best boutique for Bermuda’s fashion-conscious shoppers. (9 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 296-0280, www.atelerie.com)
Honourable Mention: Reve en Vert
Not a bricks-and-mortar store, per se, the rise of Rêve en Vert (translation: dream in green)—an online sustainable fashion boutique based in London but owned by Bermudian Natasha Tucker—is certainly worthy of a mention. (www.reveenvert.com)
Local Designer
Alshante Foggo
Rising local designer Alshante Foggo had a pretty spectacular year last year—not only was she one of the best designers at the Evolution Fashion Festival, she was selected to represent Bermuda at the World Fashion Festival in Bahamas and, to top her year off, R&S superstar Chris Brown asked her to personally make him two pairs of designer Timberlands. With that celebrity recognition ratcheting up her Instagram followers from 1,500 to 40,000 overnight, we don’t doubt that Foggo will be continuing on her upward trajectory for some time! (instagram.com/designsbyalshante)
Fashion-forward Finds
Toxic Rose Boutique
The fashion-forward amongst us often know that to seek out something truly special you have to get off the beaten path and far away from the department stores. Our judges recommend heading down to the corner of Church and Victoria Streets where you’ll find Toxic Rose—a boutique featuring the most unique selection of sexy party dresses, flirty tops and perfect jeans along with all the latest in shoes, handbags and accessories to polish off your trendy style. (57 Court Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-4526)
Trendy Wear—Teens
Pirate’s Port
It is true that if you want to know what is currently trending in fashion, ask a teenager. Ours recommend Pirate’s Port in the Washington Mall for all the latest styles that local teens are keen to be seen in, in and around town. (Washington Mall, Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-1080)
Plus-size Fashion
Gibbons Company
Women of all shapes and sizes deserve to look good and feel great in their clothes. According to our judges, at Gibbons Company the curvy girls have the best selection of stylish fashions to choose from for work, play and everything in between. (21 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 295-0022, www.gibbons.bm)
Thrifty Fashion Finds
The Barn
Lovingly cleaned, sorted and lai
d out by size and season by the volunteers for the Hospital Auxiliary of Bermuda, the clothing at The Barn is surprisingly easy to browse through, and it’s easy to find something special when you are feeling particularly thrifty or want to do some good for the environment by recycling rather than buying new. (53 Devon Spring Road, Devonshire, tel: 236-3155)
Workout Wear
The Pro Shop
From yoga to tennis, football and running, whatever your chosen sport, the best workout wear can be found underground at the Pro Shop. We love their large selection of Adidas gear, great kids’ section and football team shirts for the whole family. (17 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-7487)
Dry Cleaners
Coral Cleaners
Ideally located next to City Hall parking lot where busy business people can drop off their dry cleaning on the way to work and then pick up their perfectly pressed shirts and suits on their way home, Coral Cleaners is the best local dry cleaner according to our judges. When the label says “dry clean only,” you can trust the dedicated staff there to handle your garments with loving care and get them back to you promptly. (9 Victoria Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-4059)
Men’s Jeans
Jeans Express
Original or skinny, straight or relaxed—however you love your Levi’s, you can find all the iconic styles and modern fits at Jeans Express. We love Levi’s, the inventor of blue jeans, for their ongoing commitment to sustainability within their manufacturing, even going so far as to recommend you wash your jeans “only when necessary.” So go on, get a pair and wear them every day. (30 Queen Street, Hamilton, tel: 295-0084)
Women’s Jeans
Atelerie
Certainly not your mom’s jeans, the trendy and flattering styles from hot designers like J Brand and Rag & Bone available at Atelerie are the best women’s jeans around say our judges. Let the chic and knowledgeable staff help you find the perfect pair to accentuate all your best qualities. (9 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 296-0280, www.atelerie.com)
Lingerie
Women’secret
When you are seeking something a little bit sexy and a whole lot comfortable, the best lingerie store in town is Women’secret. The Spanish brand—designed for contemporary women who desire beautiful and functional lingerie (and the men who desire the women wearing it)—is brought to Reid Street via the Calypso Group. (14 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel 295-2112 ext 150)
Children’s/Baby’s Wear
Gibbons Company
Take note trendy toddlers and fashionable tweens: the extensive selection of clothing and accessories at Gibbons Company makes it, in our books, the top shop for all manner of children’s wear. With top brands like Gap, Levi’s, DKNY and Toms to choose from, we know your Mini-Me’s will be outfitted in style from the playground to the party all year long. (21 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 295-0022, www.gibbons.bm)
Baby Gear
People’s Pharmacy
From car seats to strollers, diaper bags, slings, swings, bouncy chairs, blankets and bassinets (and let’s not even mention diapers!), it is certain that babies need lots of stuff. Whether you have a little person on the way yourself or are looking to gift an expectant friend, the best place for the most essential baby gear is the Little People’s section at People’s Pharmacy. Described by our judges as “clean,” and “easy to shop” with a “great layout,” People’s is the perfect place for all your baby needs—and they have baby shower registries and complimentary gift wrapping, too! (62 Victoria Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-7527, www.peoples.bm)
Shoe Store
Perry Collections
“I have enough pairs of shoes,” said no woman—ever! From sky-high stilettos to dainty ballet flats, local fashionistas can find all the latest trends and classic styles to round out any collection at Perry Footwear. We especially love the exclusive Stuart Weitzman in-store boutique. (Corner of Reid and Queen Street, Hamilton, tel: 296-0014)
Scents-ational Scents
De Oil Shop
For those who would rather create their own signature scent than smell like Justin Bieber or Britney Spears, our judges recommend a visit to De Oil Shop where customers can mix their own oil blend to create the perfect custom fragrance. Wear it all over or try one of their beautiful oil lamps or incense sticks to infuse your home with your favourite scent. (Washington Mall & 40 Middle Road, Southampton, tel: 238-8957)
Coolest Shades
Sunglass & Watch Shop
Celebrities and style icons have known for decades that you aren’t fully dressed without your sunglasses. Channel your inner Audrey Hepburn or James Bond in a new pair from the Sunglass & Watch Shop. With top designer brands like Emilio Pucci, Ray Ban, Dolce & Gabbana, Prada, Versace and Michael Kors in store, you are sure to find the perfect lens to finish off any outfit and turn you into the polished celebrity you know you are. (13 Reid Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-7933, www.sunglasswatchshop.bm)
Handbags
Lusso
From the store with a name that literally translates to luxury, the designer handbags found at Lusso are the little indulgence all local fashionistas dream of. In store you’ll find the latest from top European designers like Ferragamo, Fendi and Ted Baker alongside trendy brands like Eric Javits and Lilly Pulitzer. And they haven’t forgotten the men—from document bags to holdalls, they have the latest from Ted Baker, Armani and more. (51 Front Street, Hamilton, tel: 295-6734)
Hair Accessories/Hats
Accessory Box
If home is where you hang your hat, then the Accessory Box in the Washington Mall is where you buy it first. With a broad range of styles and colours to choose from alongside a wide range of other accessories, the little store is jammed full of the best items to top off that beautiful head of yours. (Mezzanine, Washington Mall, Church Street, Hamilton, tel: 295-9258)
Fine Jewellery
Davidrose Jewelry
If “a couple’s love shows through their jewellery,” as one judge commented, then any couple sporting a custom design by the talented David Zuill of Davidrose Jewelry will surely be together forever. The owner of the St. George’s boutique creates gorgeous bridal jewellery, unique statement pieces and luxury silver items for his local and international clientele making sure each piece is finished to the highest standards. If you are ready to make a proposal, we say, “
Make an appointment!” (20 Water Street, St. George’s, tel: 293-7673)
Trendy Jewellery
Rebecca Little
Recently returned to Bermuda, jewellery artist Rebecca Little has been inspired by the unique architecture, pastel hues and even the infamous triangle associated with her island home. Her latest collections reflect those inspirations with triangular shapes and architectural designs in silver and gold, incorporating freshwater pearls and colourful, semi-precious jemstones. Her trendy creations are available at Urban Cottage on Front Street, Davidrose in St. George’s and The Windjammer II Gallery at the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, as well as online. (www.rebeccalittlejewellery.com)
Watches
Crisson Jewellers
Sporty or sleek, classic or on-trend—whatever your watch style, you are sure to find what you are looking for at Crisson Jewellery. The official Rolex retailer for Bermuda, Crisson’s carries the finest in designer watches as well as classic and rugged styles to suit any wearer. And not only do they sell the top brands, they have experienced watchmakers on hand to service them, too. (55 Front Street, Hamilton; Queen Street, Hamilton; Clocktower Mall, Dockyard; Fairmont Hamilton Princess, Pembroke; and Fairmont Southampton, tel: 295-2351)
Cosmetics
M.A.C. Cosmetics
With trained makeup artists available for walk-in makeovers and advice, as well as all the eye shadows, liners, lipsticks, blush, foundation and powders you could ever imagine, M.A.C. Cosmetics is the go-to place for all girls who like to put on a little face paint now and then. (53 Front Street, Hamilton, tel: 295-8843)
Beachwear
Makin Waves
“Everything for fun in, on or under the water,” claims the popular surf shop run by childhood friends Stuart Joblin and Doug Patterson, and our judges couldn’t agree more. Voted hands down as best for beachwear, Makin Waves has an extensive variety of swimwear and swim accessories for men, women and children—all in their new store across the road on Church Street. (Church Street, Hamilton, tel: 292-4609 & Camber Road, Dockard, tel: 234-5319)
Bargains, Deals, Discounts
Orange Bay Company
Taking consignment to a whole other level, owner Delight Morris hand selects high-quality, gently loved furniture, accessories and designer clothing for resale at Orange Bay Company. With an ever-changing inventory of vintage and modern items from dining tables to antique decor, customers are always in for a treat when visiting the Mill Creek showroom. (4 Mill Creek Road, Pembroke, tel: 295-5400)
Wildcard: Worst Fashion Trend
It’s a classic: Sagging pants are still considered the worst by our judges. When will this “trend” end? And for the ladies, any shorts that show the bottom of her bottom have got to go.
