Bless Fashions offers an original look for style-setters

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 10: The unique clothing and accessories of Bless Fashions typifies the creativity of North Hamilton, according to a retailer.

Gina Thomas sources the wholesalers of New York City and Miami to find the latest designs for her customers.

And her emphasis on individuality means she only brings in one item of each design in each colour.

Creative

Miss Thomas said: “I try to bring in something different and creative. I bring in what no other store has.

“I don’t buy two or three of the same thing, because I know Bermudians want to look individual.

“They don’t want to see the same clothing on someone else.

“I go for bright colours — anything different — and check the other stores to make sure I don’t bring the same thing into Bermuda.

“People need to know there is more to ‘back of town’, so come out and see what we have for you.”

Miss Thomas also keeps items at under $50, mindful of the economic climate.

“A lot of people can’t afford to spend money on new clothes so we’re just trying to do something positive, to fit people’s pockets,” she said.

“I try to keep the prices reasonable so everyone has a chance to dress up and look nice.”

Miss Thomas co-owns Bless Fashions with Cubanhoe Tyrrell, tailor and former owner of men’s clothing store Tribal Quest.

She sells women’s clothing, bags and accessories, while Mr Tyrrell sells men’s jeans and pants, T-shirts, caps, wallets and underwear.

Miss Thomas is currently in the midst of restocking her range after a successful Cup Match holiday. 

Not only did her women’s clothing sell well but she sold more than 50 pairs of ‘homemade’ shades, at $20 each.

She hand-accessorized 60 pairs of black sunglasses, using bows, plastic butterflies, chains and spikes, and has just eight pairs left.

Funky

“They sold really well and it was a sight to see everyone wearing them at Cup Match,” she said.

“They were funky. I got the idea from Lady Gaga’s look and even had men buying them — particularly the pairs with ‘spikes’ on them.”

Miss Thomas said she also sold up to 70 Louis Vuitton-style handbags in the run-up to the holiday at $75-125 each.

“They are very popular because young people love fashion but can’t afford to spend $2,000 to $3,000 on a designer handbag. So these are great sellers.

“My jewellery range is also popular, and I keep each item at $5 each.”

Mr Tyrrell said his basics — T-shirts, boxer shorts and socks — are among his best-selling items.

He is also an experienced tailor, and can repair or alter any item of clothing for a reasonable fee.

Mr Tyrrell said: “I’ve been in tailoring and alterations for 40 years.

“I do sewing for the whole family and can work on all types of material, except for leather.”

Bless Fashions, 44 Angle Street, Hamilton, Monday to Saturdays, 10am-10pm. Contact 737-1449 or e-mail [email protected]. Miss Thomas also has a stall at the Olde Towne Market in St George’s.