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Shopping for the latest fashions is as essential a part of a St. Barths holiday as beach-hopping. Gustavia’s boutiques are an eye-popping, mind-boggling display, right on the harbor, rival New York’s Madison Avenue for upscale designer retail, including Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tod’s, and Bulgari. Gustavia’s Carré d’Or Plaza houses more top-notch galleries and shops, as do St-Jean’s La Savane Commercial Center and La Villa Créole. The entire island is duty-free.
Black Swan This boutique offers an unparalleled selection of bathing suits in a wide range of styles and sizes, a great selection of St. Barts T-shirts, as well as fanciful toe rings, anklets and other fashionable accessories. Le Carré d’Or; 011-590-590-27-65-16
L'Atelier de Fabienne Browse Fabienne Miot’s own striking jewelry, such as black pearls or semi-precious gems set in irregularly shaped gold nuggets, as well as works by renowned designers such as Kabana and Bellon. Rue de la République; 011-590-590-27-63-31
La Cave One of several fine spots for wine (more than 300 selections) this market also offers gourmet delicacies like foie gras from Périgord, as well as an admirable selection of hand-rolled cigars, including tempting Cubanos. Rue de Général de Gaulle; 011-590-590-27-63-21; lacave.stbarthfwi.net
La Ligne St. Barth This shop sells Hervé Brin’s line of beauty products and scents extracted from Caribbean flora such as frangipani and passionfruit. The Brin family settled on St. Barts three centuries ago and claims many concoctions have been passed down over generations; all are beautifully packaged in miniature glass flasks. Route de Saline; 011-590-590-27-82-63; www.st-barths.com/lsb
Les Artisans This gallery specializes in crafts, carrying everything from basketry to ceramics to whimsical jewelry; ask them about visiting individual ateliers of leading local artists such as Robert Danet and Jackson Questel (who creates assemblages from recycled materials). Rue du Roi Oscar II; 011-590-590-27-50-40
M'Bolo Browse this aromatic store’s local spices, flavorful rums, along with their hand-painted T-shirts, bags, blouses, and pareos (sarongs). Rue General-de-Gaulle; 011-590-590-27-90-54
Made-in-St-Barth A fine source for local artworks, this gallery carries vivid art naïf, local crafts from Latagnie, lovely glazed tiles and plates by J.Y. Froment, as well as locally made essential oils and infused rums. La Villa Créole; 011-590-590-27-56-57
Mia Zia Mia Zia sells dazzling Caribbean-hued knitwear, striped espadrilles, unique linens, and wonderful Moroccan accessories (including tasseled silk and cotton shawls, and caftans). Rue du Roi Oscar II; 011-590-590-27-55-48
Privilège Fragrances from Armani to Zegna waft out into the street from the island’s leading perfume and cosmetics store. There is another location in St. Jean as well (011-590-590-27-72-08). Gustavia; 011-590-590-27-67-43
Stéphane et Bernard Occasionally offering a better selection and/or prices than the individual haute couture boutiques, this shops soigné mannequins are draped with the latest handpicked Sonia Rykiel, Kenzo, Hervé Leger, Gaultier, and Thierry Mugler creations. 585 Rue de la République; 011-590-590-27-65-69; www.stephaneandbernard.com