Always Summer: Cheers to an Endless Summer
This West Coast boutique is the finest blend of international fashion, one-of-a-kind jewellery and chic home decor.
— Cover: Melissa Odabash
Founder Sharon Oran follows her heart and loves to help customers do the same. With a degree in Fine Arts and experience in interior design, Sharon has a vast knowledge of textiles, and understands the importance of fine details and unique design. Inspired by the creative process, she is always on a mission to find brands that tell a story. When Sharon saw the scarves made by Coopérative Djiguyaso, in Mali, she recognised not only the beauty in their handicraft but also in their mission to support local women working in the textile industry.
Bl^nk London
Always Summer has often been described as a treasure chest in Barbados. Its treasures include crystals, hand-made leather bags, fine gifts and jewellery. Some of the featured jewellery are semi-precious stones, pearls and diamond accents with sterling silver and 22-karat gold-plated metals. Manuela Girone, also known as Mela, created her exquisite Italian brand on a summer evening in 2006. Driven by her passion and believing in her gift, Mela was inspired by the beauty of her home region, La Puglia.
“Always Summer is all about relationships. We want to communicate our brands’ stories and build relationships with our customers.” The designers that Always Summer features are manufactured by hand, made with love and inspired by culture. Australian designer Camilla finds inspiration through travel. “The destination and adventure are yours to fill with vibrant colour, digital print, bohemian detailing and intricate craftsmanship. All pieces are luxurious, individualistic and timeless, creating a sentimental place in your wardrobe and life.”
Barbados is a beautiful destination known for its beaches, food and duty-free shopping. At Always Summer you can find a beautiful cover up to wear out dining or an espadrille to explore the streets of Bridgetown. Soludos is a shoe brand built upon memories. “Founder Nick Brown spent his childhood summering on the Spanish Coast, and as an adult, he found himself missing the traditional rope-soled espadrilles he ran around in. In 2010, he launched the company with the Mediterranean-style shoe and it became a quick success, getting picked up by Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.”
Agua Bendita
Camilla, Photography Julie Chalbaud
Another original jewellery designer, Mary Louise, was influenced at a young age by family gifts of jewellery brought back from the gold markets in Lebanon. Mary Louise has always had a passion for exotic statement pieces. She uses baroque pearls from China, precious stones from India, beautiful metals from Istanbul, and druzys from Brazil, and travels the world to find the highest quality materials for her themed collections.
Some of the clothing and accessory companies are dedicated to the development of handicrafts in underdeveloped countries and support social development projects in crafts and manufacturing. Whether you purchase these pieces as a gift for your favourite somebody or yourself, the most important thing is to love what you buy. “Wear what you love. Love what you wear”, says Sharon. “Our store is inspired by these global brands and the amazing customers from all over the world who come searching for their simple treasures.”
Camilla, Photography Julie Chalbaud
Melissa Odabash
