Clothing & Accessories
Iconic Bermuda Award: Astwood Dickinson Ltd. Jewellery
The Astwood Dickinson Bermuda Collection has been a part of Bermuda’s jewellery scene for more than three decades, with the first designs emerging almost 50 years ago. The designs have flourished in the Bermuda market and are based on traditional Bermudian themes. The Bermuda Collection is inspired by the island’s unique flora, fauna and landmarks, such as Bermuda cedar, Bermudianas, longtails, and the Bermuda fitted dinghy. The timeless creations are handcrafted in the Astwood Dickinson store out of 18 karat gold. Their relevance and their re-creation of classic Bermudian themes make the collection appealing to locals and visitors. The judges wanted to recognise the Bermuda Collection for paving the way in Bermuda jewellery, and for its classic, traditional look that has become a Bermudian staple. One judge stated, “The company is over 100 years old and was the innovator in Bermuda jewellery design. These are timeless pieces that are cherished through Bermudian generations.”
The Bermuda Collection is available at Astwood Dickinson Main Store (Orbis House), Astwood Dickinson Arcade Store and A.S. Cooper Main Store.
Innovation Award of Excellence: Alexandra Mosher
Attracted to Bermuda’s pink sand, Alexandra Mosher initiated a trend that swept the island. Each of her Bermuda sand pieces is hand cast, polished and finished in her Bermuda studio. Mosher and her team create the wax mould, cast in silver or gold and then set each minute piece of sand into jewellery-grade resin. Mosher launched her jewellery line in 2005 and since then has established a name for herself and her uniquely recognisable Bermuda sand jewellery.
“[Mosher] has managed to create something that not only speaks to tourists, but also to our local clientele,” said judge Kate Dunmore. “She has built her business from the ground up and continues to display new ideas in her collections. Each piece that she creates exudes a high level of creativity and innovation.” Judges noted that she created a product that did not previously exist and “put Bermuda’s pink sand on the map.” Judges were also intrigued by the process of Mosher’s new line of men’s bands. Once again, Mosher turned to the microscopic microcosms that are an integral part of Bermuda’s beauty. She found inspiration in the minutia of her surroundings and began to take moulds of palm berry stems, rusty boat chains, driftwood knots and salty rocks. Judge Megan Pitman stated her appreciation of the artist’s “clever plays with Bermuda materials and inspiration, as well as a diverse and clever business model which appeals and caters to to the gift, tourist and local markets.” Not only has Mosher led the way for her original pink sand collection to become an islandwide phenomenon, but she continues to innovate uniquely Bermudian products.
Alexandra Mosher jewellery is available online at www.alexandramosher.com or at her Washington Mall Boutique.
Finalist: Rebecca Little Jewellery
Judges described Rebecca Little’s jewellery as “contemporary and cool… progressive and edgy.” Her “au courant” designs have been flowing from her Bermuda workshop since 2012. However before arriving in Bermuda, Rebecca’s designs won several awards in the UK and were exhibited in “Collect” at the Victoria and Albert Museum and “Goldsmiths’ Fair,” London. Due to her fascination with the relationship between textile and metal, her unique technique involves casting in silver and 18 karat gold, in a way that reflects the movement and shimmer of woven fabrics. Her geometric designs take inspiration from the unique shapes of Bermuda’s architecture. She is particularly drawn to stepped roofs, welcoming arms and window eyebrows. Judges applauded her for a brilliant use of materials and her investment in the craft.
Rebecca Little Jewellery is available at Urban Cottage on Front Street and Davidrose in St. George’s, as well as online at www.rebeccalittlejewellery.com
Finalist: Coral Coast Clothing
Coral Coast Clothing was started by two young Bermudians who saw an un-tapped area in the Bermuda market for a more stylish office wear. Since then, their signature ocean-blue button has become recognisable throughout the fashionable young office scene. The company’s connection to the coral that surrounds Bermuda is evident, not only in the inspiration for designs, but in giving back a portion of profits to support the local charity Reef Watch. Judges celebrated the company’s ideology in supporting the reefs. Coral Coast clothing is made in New York which allows the company to maintain the high-quality of their apparel; this high standard was noted by the judges, in addition to the interesting and innovative presentation and packaging of the shirts. When naming their collection they chose Opening Bowl, having been inspired by the festivities of Cup Match, and each shirt bears a name drawn from local cricket lingo. Coral Coast is “one to watch,” as they steadily meet the demands of Bermuda’s young professionals with their intrinsically Bermuda-inspired designs.
Coral Coast shirts are available at the Coral Beach Club and Rosewood Tucker’s Point gift shops, by appointment in their Bermudiana Arcade showroom or online at www.coralcoastclothing.com
Finalist: Airy Heights Designs
Elisa Stubbs is a self-identified gatherer, who collects shells, stones and other organic materials that inspire her jewellery designs. She casts these Bermuda- inspired designs in wax and works with a local goldsmith, taking pride in her product that is sourced and made locally by Bermudians. She is invested in the healing properties of the stones and metals used, sharing this in a note included with each of her pieces. The result is powerful, unique jewelry that speaks to the mind, body and soul. Airy Heights Design’s Sea Urchin
collection is inspired by shells, which Elisa found in Harrington Sound. She loves the intricacy of the sea urchin that lends itself to endless design possibilities. Airy Heights’s deep-rooted connection to the materials of Stubbs’s natural surroundings, both for their healing properties and as inspiration, impressed our Made in Bermuda Awards judges.
Airy Heights is available at four retail locations: Stefanel, The Island Shop in the Fairmont Southampton Hotel, Regali by Luxury Gifts Bermuda in the Tucker’s Point Hotel, and Petals, or by appointment at Stubb’s studio by contacting info@airyheights.com.
Food & Drink
Iconic Bermuda Award: Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers
Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers was first created over fifty years ago but the “sherry peppers’” themselves are indigenous to Bermuda from back when sailors fortified barrels of sherry with fiery hot peppers and traded them to Bermudians. Yeaton Outerbridge founded Outerbridge Peppers Limited in 1966 and began to commercially brew and bottle his Original Sherry Peppers sauce from the basement of the family homestead at Villa Monticello in Flatts Village.
Outerbridge’s Original is now a household product and is available at nearly every restaurant to spice up your fish chowder or stew. It is a Chef’s in America Awards Foundation Gold Medal winner, and our judges felt that this product should be recognised for its history, visibility and continuity. It is an iconic product that is identifiable in Bermuda and international markets.
Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers are available in grocery stores, gift shops and retail outlets throughout Bermuda and from the Airport Shops at L.F. Wade International Airport, or order online at www.outerbridge.com
Iconic Bermuda Award: The Original Horton’s Bermuda Black Rum Cakes
Horton’s launched Bermuda’s first gourmet food product 30 years ago. The concept was to create a tasty but shelf-stable souvenir that could be consumed on the island or that tourists could purchase and take home. Linda Horton pushed even further and sought beyond this market, taking her product global to the International Fancy Food Show in New York City. The Original Horton’s Bermuda Black Rum Cakes were commended at that show for excellence in “taste, packaging, presentation and profitability for retailers.” Made with Gosling’s Black Seal Rum in both original and chocolate flavours, the cakes come in four-ounce and 26-ounce sizes and are sold islandwide and online and can be shipped worldwide from the company’s distribution centre in the US. As the world’s oldest existing rum cake business, they are Bermuda’s first gourmet gift food export and have even been featured on the Food Network with celebrity chefs Giada de Laurentis and Bobby Flay. “Christmas would not be the same without a gift box or two of Linda Horton’s Rum Cake under the tree,” said judge Joe Gibbons. “I take them away as gifts, along with Outerbridge’s Sherry Peppers, as these two items best jog memories and initiate lively chat about our island and our food.” Judges wished to recognise Horton’s as an iconic Bermuda product because of its brand strength and its history in paving the way for Bermudian food in the industry.
The Original Horton’s Bermuda Black Rum Cakes are available online at www.hortons.bm or for tasting at the Bermuda Craft Market in Dockyard.
Finalist: Bouquet Garni Balsamic Onion Chutney
Bouquet Garni began in 1997 as a catering business but after a high demand developed for their products in the home, they transitioned to the gourmet food market in 2006. Though a small business, they have a highly visible presence in two grocery stores, a retail outlet at the airport and a café in Hamilton. They are most commonly found at Windybank Farm Market, where business booms. Bouquet Garni flourishes at the market, engaging with their customers for feedback upon which they base their new products. Despite having an extensive line of bottled and baked products, Bouquet Garni chose to submit for our judges the first product they developed. Balsamic Onion Chutney is made with local onions, which they simmer with select organic ingredients to create pure chutney. Judges respected the use of Bermudian produce to create this great local product.
Bouquet Garni products are available at the Windybank Farm Market or at bouquetgarni@northrock.bm.
Finalist: Alex and Pete’s Bermuda Artisan Ice Cream
The father and son duo of Alex and Pete’s Artisan Ice Cream has been making ice cream together for the past fifteen years. Since expanding to the commercial market, they have created an extensive range of Bermuda-inspired flavours, from St. George’s Black Rum and Ginger to Southampton Sea Salt Caramel. Judges praised Alex and Pete’s ability to fill this local niche market. Their ice cream is made with all natural ingredients and local products such as Gosling’s Bermuda Black Rum and Outerbridge’s Original Bermuda Rum Swizzle Mix. The “add-ins” are churned in by hand and no artificial flavours or colours are used. Judges praised Alex and Pete’s highly for the excellent quality of their ingredients—and for the names of their flavours, which embody the Made in Bermuda theme.
Alex and Pete’s Bermuda Artisan Ice Cream is available in many grocery stores and at the Meltdown ice cream parlour or by contacting food4thought@logic.bm.
Finalist: Barritts Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer
John Barritt & Son Ltd has been making soft drinks in Bermuda since 1874 and since then has been able to keep up with the demanding and ever-changing market. The company made a move to their Smith’s Parish plant in 1972, where Barritts Ginger Beer was produced in cans and plastic bottles and as fountain syrups. Due to rising costs, they transitioned from local bottling and canning in 2011. The popular, famous flavour of Bermuda Stone Ginger Beer comes from the syrup still made in Bermuda from cane sugar and special ginger concentrate. Diet Ginger Beer was created i
n the 1990s, and Barritts has recently created a new formula that contains no aspartame. When the design of the new Diet can happened to be the colours of the St. George’s cricket team, Barritts was quick to create “coolies” for Somerset fans. Judges commended Barritts on their history, great packaging and ability to constantly adapt to Bermuda’s needs.
Barritts is widely available in grocery stores and retail locations across Bermuda, throughout the US and the Caribbean, and online at www.barrittsgingerbeer.bm
Home
Honourable Mention: Nettleink
Nettleink’s retail line was introduced to the market in December 2014, offering an array of greeting cards, notelets, gift cards, invitation sets and textiles. Their exclusive custom textile designs are created in studio and printed on washable, quality fabrics. The pillows are sewn by a local seamstress and sold at Urban Cottage. Nettleink weaves inspiration from the island’s colours, history and nature into organic and relevant designs. Judges found that Nettleink’s sensational textiles were relatable to a Bermuda market and tap into something “wonderful and current.” One judge exclaimed, “Their interpretation of all things Bermudiana has hit the mark with abstract textiles referencing Bermuda’s iconic botanicals, cheeky island lingo and elegant and unexpected graphics.” If you’re looking for something authentically Bermudian that appeals to the contemporary eye, look no further than Nettleink’s textile collection.
Nettleink designs are available at Urban Cottage retail location or online at www.nettleinkbda.com
Finalist: Cloud House Studios
New to the textile scene is Fay Bush of Cloud House Studios who finds inspiration in the backyard of her Bermuda home. She has used her experience as a collage artist, photographer and interior designer to build a line that expresses her passion for the tropical aesthetic. Finding grace in bay grape leaves, palm berries, pods and palm fronds, she transfers this love of the environment into her designs, which range from organic botanicals to textured geometrics. With a chic sensibility and an island feel, these textiles could equally suit a Bermuda cottage or a Hampton home. The exquisite designs are printed on linen cotton and manufactured in the US; they are made available through her website. Judges raved about Fay Bush’s “unique, endless talent” in creating “world class Bermuda patterns.”
Cloud House Studios are available for order online at www.cloudhousellc.com
Finalist: Concrete Factory
The Concrete Factory produces one-of-a-kind, high-end, glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) products which the Made in Bermuda judges applauded for innovation and ingenuity. The Concrete Factory forms the moulds in their Wellbottom, Southampton, workshop, and their use of the strong GFRC allows the product to be thinly cast to create elegant outdoor pieces. As a result of this thinness, Concrete Factory’s bench is able to mimic the fabric of a cloth left with a natural finish to take on a weathered patina. Their lounge chair’s ergonomic shape was created for comfort and styled for fun. The designers at Concrete Factory created the mould and then added slots and a vibrant colour to make it unique and stylish. The fun design caught the judges’ eyes for its spatula aesthetic and they applauded the lounger’s comfort and its weight, which makes it durable and more stable in strong stormy winds—ideal for a Bermuda poolside.
Furniture by the Concrete Factory is available in Wellbottom, Southampton, or by contacting info@concretefactorybda.com
Finalist: Special Manufacturing
Special Manufacturing is a custom carpentry workshop owned and operated by Bermudian Tony Hodgson. The “King’s Table” is a one-of-a-kind, custom-crafted table commissioned by the Reefs Club to be a centrepiece at Royston’s Restaurant. Limited only by dimensions, Tony’s artistry rang true as he crafted the table from undressed lumber within two weeks. He was able to create this custom table to the liking of both the restaurant and the chef. We were able to catch the table at the height of its function, with an entire breakfast buffet spread on it, looking truly magnificent. Three words the judges used to describe the King’s Table? “Artistry, quality, genius.”
Special Manufacturing products are available by contacting flyhodgson@gmail.com.
Crafts
Honourable Mention: Milton Hill’s Bermuda Model Ships
Milton Hill began to learn his craft when he started as a shipwright in 1957, at which time model making was integral to the shipwright trade. Mr. Hill’s knowledge of ships comes also from his time as a sailor; his deep understanding of the history and function of the ships brings life and finesse into his models. He began to give his intricate models away as souvenirs in 1967 and was happy to discover that they were enjoyed by both locals and tourists. It wasn’t until 1988 that Hill and his son Wallace started to make and sell the Bermuda cedar models to retailers. Since then, his spectacular creations have been in many local art shows and have been commissioned for the British monarchy, the Bermuda Historical Society and most recently, the Bermuda Sloop Foundation. Hill shares his artistry with younger generations through initiatives of the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs, youth groups and clubs. Judges felt Mr. Hill should be honoured for his excellent handiwork and craftsmanship, and his roots in history.
Milton Hill’s Model Ships are available by contacting 337-9114.
Iconic Bermuda Award: Shark Oil Barometers
Shark oil barometers are deeply rooted in Bermuda’s history and Albert Corday has been crafting shark oil barometers for 25 years. Each tiny vial, which he mounts onto a small cedar plank, requires an extensive process. He acquires the shark livers from local fishermen, bottles them in large glass jars and places them outdoors to allow the sun to melt the liver into oil. He then filters the oil into a small vial, which is sealed to protect the contents from moisture. Mr. Corday is passionate about his craft and, even more, loves giving the barometers to tourists as souvenirs. Judges raved that this craft was “uniquely Bermudian” and is a piece of Bermuda history they would all love to give visitors.
Shark Oil Barometers are available by contacting ajcorday@northrock.bm
Finalist: Bermuda Candle Company
Shannon and Lindsey Philpott began their business in 2012 with five original scents that they developed in their small apartment kitchen. With their success in finding a product that could be enjoyed both by locals and visitors, they were able to expand their line to 12 breathtaking scents. They currently sell to 15 retail locations and have a seasonal Holiday Collection that is released from October to January. Each unique Bermuda-inspired scent is created with high-quality fragrance oils and a soy wax blend. The Bermuda Candle Company packaging was particularly impressive to the judges; their top aromatic blend, for example, is hand poured into recycled glass jars and branded with their signature linen wine label and silver foil stamp. Take Bermuda’s scents with you wherever you go or boost your home with these luxury Bermudian candles.
Bermuda Candle Company Candles are available at Davison’s of Bermuda (islandwide), Duty Free Shops (L.F. Wade International Airport), Hand Made Bermuda (Dockyard) and many other resort gift shops, or contact info@bermudacandlecompany.com.
Finalist: Bermuda Cedar Gifts
Alan Murray has been woodworking for around 30 years, but his love of working with Bermuda cedar began 12 years ago. He came across a large pile of Bermuda cedar in his grandfather-in-law’s basement and fell in love with the wood for its scent and character. He began to make pens from the cedar for his family and friends and eventually set up his own little shop in Paget. Murray thinks that the Bermuda cedar reflects the nature of Bermudians: “We look like people everywhere but something about the soil here and the salt water makes us more resilient.” Judges acclaimed Murray’s Cedar Gifts for their beautiful craftsmanship and relevance to Bermuda. Today you’ll find Mr. Murray in his element talking to tourists at his booth on Harbour Nights about the history and beauty of Bermuda cedar.
Bermuda Cedar Gifts are available at www.bermudacedargifts.com or info@bermudacedargifts.com.
Finalist: Made in Bermuda Toys
Tricia Abott Walters began making her Handmade in Bermuda Toys over two years ago and since then has sold over 500 toys, ranging in price from $15 to $30. Each toy is unique and detailed. For her sea-themed toys, which include creatures such as whales, jellyfish and seahorses, she uses hand-painted batiks in hues of blue, pink and sea green. She never uses the same fabric twice for the same design and aims to buy her fabrics locally as often as possible, ensuring that no two toys are alike. Each of Tricia’s toys is branded with her “Handmade in Bermuda” label that makes it extra special for tourists to take away or locals to give as gifts. Her favourite part about making the toys? She loves seeing a child’s face light up when they find a toy they love.
Made in Bermuda Toys are available at the Bermuda Craft Market in Dockyard or by contacting triciaclairewalters@gmail.com
