Atelier Doré

We are bringing you this Three Looks with Taylor Simmons and her lovely brand, Coco Shop, in the hopes it has you dreaming of a little ‘island time’ sooner than later!

How would you describe your style in three words?

Modest, classic, unexpected.

Tell us a bit about your clothing brand Coco Shop, and it’s unique history to Antigua and your family!

Coco Shop is an Antiguan, printed, cotton clothing company that was founded in 1949 with the goal of supporting Antiguan artists. It had sixty wonderful years on the island and has always been about comfortable, fun and easy dressing. It incorporated, decades ago, elements that are becoming more common in retail today – deadstock fabric, zero waste and giving back to the community that gave it so much.

My grandparents lived close to and were friends of the founders, so my father and then brother and I grew up knowing the company, loving the company and wearing its clothing often. I’m excited and proud to be carrying on Coco Shop’s mission, while updating its clothing for today.

Can you tell us the history behind this phenomenal basket weave skirt?

This Basket Skirt was inspired by a multi-colored, really rainbow, skirt my maternal grandmother wore with a tiny, green crop top. The old photos of her are fabulous! It was truly a genius outfit. We’ll continue to make this skirt and a matching top in a variety of prints – maybe even a rainbow one someday too.

How does the island continue to inspire your designs?

In all of the ways – its colors, its wildlife, its flowers, its pace of life. The woman I picture when designing is in Antigua having a rum punch on the porch before dinner. What would she want to wear?

Who do you look up to and learn from when it comes to style and fashion?

I look up to my parents. My mother has always had a beautiful sense of style. She mixes her mother’s clothing in with vintage she has found, in with clothing she has held on to for a decade in with new, modern pieces. My father has his own sense of style too – He loves color and print and balances classic pieces with comfortable ones. Ultimately, I look up to anyone who has his or her own style. I think individuality in style, even if it’s not my own style, is what makes fashion fun and meaningful.