T-shirts and novelty mugs are easy to come by, but Bermuda offers inspiration both to those who pass through and those who stay. Out here, you’ll find a community of artists, artisans and entrepeneurs that have made their beloved island their work. Here’s a glimpse at some Bermuda-made products that won’t gather dust at home:
Drawing from their surroundings, jewellery designers Rebecca Little and Alexandra Mosher have created collections that endure over time. The former takes a minimal approach with nautical rope-inspired knotted rings and geometric, tiered pendants – a nod to Bermuda’s white roofs. Alexandra Mosher Studio is best known for her pink sand jewellery, but many of her other collections also focus on the textures of the island. From bubbly boiler reefs to jagged limestone walls, the creations are realised in sterling silver that won’t break the bank.
1609 Designs
Capture the classic Bermuda-style, next door at Front Street institution The English Sports Shop. The original knee length shorts and socks can be found in an array of pastel colours. Polo shirts, knit sweaters, blazers and hats make up the rest of the requisite uniform.
At Brown & Co. or the Phoenix Stores you can find edible gifts such as Bermuda honey, spicy sweet Gombey Pepper Jam that pairs well with cheese and grilled meat or fish and the equally flavourful Chiko’s Smokey Rub blends, created by a local chef. At the corner of Reid and Front Street you’ll find the original Gosling’s store. As well as their signature Black Seal Rum, you can find a variety of blends including the Gold Seal and an aged Family Reserve Old Rum.
The Island Shop, City of Hamilton
To satisfy a sweet tooth, the Bermuda Rum Cake Company makes a traditional buttery sponge doused in the classic black seal and packed in a pretty box and heat-sealed wrapping in which to travel home. Dockyard Glassworks shares the historic space where you can witness master blowers at work. For other household items head to The Island Shop for artist Barbara Finsness’ signature printed ceramics, linens and glassware.
For heavenly scents look to Lili Bermuda. Soaps, candles and Bermuda-inspired fragrances are available at both the Bermuda Perfumery and the Front Street store. A sweet sample box is a great way to try them all. At Salt Spray Soap Co. in St. George’s, Genelle John makes shea butter soaps, scrubs, lip balms and moisturisers by hand. The names, too, have a whiff of Bermuda: Ship Wrecked, Pink Colada and Beach Blues are tropical in sound and smell.
Flying Colours, City of Hamilton
And if you really can’t leave without that t-shirt, Flying Colours on Queen Street should be your first port of call. This family-owned business stocks shirts in every style, bearing flags, crests, tropical motifs or simply Bermuda emblazoned across the chest. Across the street Brown & Co. stocks Bermunitees, a locally-designed range of soft tees that speak the lingo, urging the wearer to “Save Water, Drink Swizzle”.
