Locally Made Island Fashions

ST. CROIX

Looking good and feeling good are the cornerstones of ib designs. Local artist/metalsmith Whealan Massicott creates necklaces, rings and earrings using recycled and responsibly sourced metals with collection names like Gratitude, Circle of Life and Karma. Massicott’s musician background and love for nature also come into play in his designs, creating jewelry that has beautiful movement to it. A family-run business — Massicott’s wife and sons are part of the company — ib designs has been open in downtown Christiansted for more than 20 years. 

Whether it’s scarves with colors mirroring the blue waters of the Caribbean, butterfly-patterned fanny packs or fish-festooned leggings, all of the items at Debbie Sun Design Studio begin with the owner’s original silk paintings before they are transformed into textile designs. Debbie Sun, a St. Croix artist and designer, has a true passion for creating wearable art and home decor that reflects her love of the island. Her Official U.S. Virgin Islands Madras features joyful colors reflecting the islands, and can be found on hand fans, pocket squares and ties.

The Ginger Thomas flower — the official flower of the U.S. Virgin Islands — serves as the inspiration for a local clothing company of the same name. Located in Christiansted, Ginger Thomas offers a creative take on  yoga and beach clothing that captures the bohemian lifestyle of the island. You’ll find leggings in rich hues of blue, breezy dresses perfect for the beach or dinner at a restaurant, and chic cover ups. Its Glamour Grunge collection features soft sweatpants that can be dressed up or down.

Fun in the sun is at the heart of Christiansted’s Southern Saint, a luxury clothing and swimwear brand founded in St. Croix by Briana Casale Cox and island local Matt Ridgway. Responsible sourcing, including the use of recycled materials, speaks to the company’s ethos of reducing its environmental impact. Locally inspired designs are at the center of all Southern Saint pieces. The island’s mongoose finds representation in a variety of seersucker pieces, ranging from a reversible bucket hat and boy’s swim trunks to a plush beach towel. Signature fabric prints feature rich hues of peach and blue, a further nod to St. Croix.

Crucian Gold Jewelry has come a long way from its origins in the 1970s, when founder Brian Bishop channeled his love of sailing into tying sailor knots made from precious metals. Today, the Bishop family and its team of artisans handcraft original jewelry pieces in recycled and eco-friendly materials, including gold, silver and copper. Inside the Christiansted shop, located on the corner of Strand and King Cross streets, you’ll find a variety of earrings, anklets, necklaces, pendants and rings. Their Crucian Knot bracelets are a specialty.

ST. JOHN

Made in St. John captures the spirit of the island in its line of clothing, home goods and accessories. As its name suggests, Made in St. John pieces are made and printed locally, using premium fabrics that are screen printed with nontoxic, water-based ink. The result is one-of-a-kind items you won’t find anywhere else. On your visit to this Mongoose Junction boutique you might find a soft t-shirt embellished with a royal blue jellyfish or a tablet bag adorned with the silhouette of a whale.

There are lots of good vibes at Vibe Jewelry. This woman-owned business has a mission of supporting, empowering and fostering solidarity among women. The owners are also known for their support of St. John charities. Offering jewelry individually handmade for women and men by local skilled silversmiths, Vibe Jewelry features rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces. Colorful stones, including Caribbean larimar, topaz and quartz, can often be found in their unique designs.

With its prime Wharfside Landing location directly in front of the Cruz Bay passenger ferry dock, the colorful Freebird Creations is hard to miss. Freebird has been wowing visitors for more than 30 years with its creative pieces featuring sterling silver, gold, gemstones, pearl, coral and shells. You’ll find an exclusive selection of petroglyph jewelry, original Caribbean hook bracelets and jewelry made from ancient shipwreck coins. A sandal-themed collection, known as the St. John Running Shoe and inspired by St. John’s annual race, is especially popular.

Bursting with bold colors, the whimsical hand-painted clothing and wall art at Sloop Jones is crafted by island locals. Located in the East End, this unique boutique celebrates the island’s natural beauty, laid-back vibe and beloved, quirky characters. Founded some three decades ago by a couple passionate about the St. John lifestyle, Sloop Jones has become an island staple, known for its wearable tropical-themed art made with 100% cotton and linen. The shop also offers Shirt of Art Workshops, where visitors can embrace their inner artist and create their own island souvenir.

ST. THOMAS

The tiny Nicci’s Boutique at Yacht Haven Grande is known for its thoughtfully curated selection of local women-owned clothing brands and jewelry designers. Beloved brands such as Fianna Swim (swimwear made from recycled ocean plastics), Sugar Apple Design (island-themed accessories and small home goods), Femme Royale (clothing for active women) and Vina La Pina (activewear made from recycled materials) are all featured among the neatly arranged racks outside and inside the shop.

Working with gold and platinum in their raw forms, the European-trained master goldsmiths and designers at Okidanokh create stunning jewelry with unique textures and designs. Rings, bracelets, chains, pendants and earrings can all be found at this Palm Passage boutique. Okidanokh was opened some 40 years ago by Abel Fabri with the mission to create timeless pieces of wearable, precious art. Custom pieces made with an array of rare and beautiful gemstones are also available.​

After visiting USVI for years, three friends decided to move to St. Thomas and launch an island-inspired boutique. Open since 2008, Fish Face in Palm Passage features a mix of clothing for men and women, art by Caribbean artists, and housewares and gifts. Then there’s the jewelry made by local artists. Third Eye Transcend crafts colorful bracelets handcrafted with healing stones and vegan leather. Pendants from Elizabeth LaPlace depict various island elements (turtles, pelicans, sailboats) crafted in silver and mother of pearl. And local artist Denise Turner creates colorful earrings referencing a mandala, the spiritual Asian symbol.

There’s a lot to love about Tillett Gardens, which is equal parts artists’ enclave and community center. Located on the east end of St. Thomas, this old Danish farm was transformed into an island gem back in the late 1950s. Mystic Valley VI gift shop sells a selection of artisan-made clothing, jewelry and unique gifts. Regular pop-up shops, including a holiday bazaar, offer one-of-a-kind items from local designers. The on-site Roots Garden Lounge features Asian fusion cuisine and an outdoor patio with live music.

With roots in St. Croix dating back to 1954, Cardow Jewelers is the oldest family-run local jeweler in the Caribbean. Its flagship store in Charlotte Amalie offers 6,000 square feet of Virgin Island-themed jewelry, including a huge selection of 14k gold items (chains, anklets, charms and pendants) and its world-famous collection of sapphires, diamonds, rubies and emeralds. Cardow’s exclusive Island Jewelry collection of earrings, rings, bracelets and necklaces (available in high-quality sterling silver, rhodium, and rose or yellow gold plating) features a cutout profile of the three U.S. Virgin Islands, making for an elegant vacation memento.

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