A designer's guide to Antigua with Taylor Simmons
Designer of Antiguan Resortwear Label Coco Shop, Taylor Simmons, shares her ultimate guide to discover Antigua like a local.
Inspired by the Caribbean lifestyle, New York designer Taylor Simmons recently re-launched Coco Shop, a beloved Antiguan company that locals were proud to call their own. The brand is rich in heritage, having originally been founded in 1949 by siblings Pat Starr and Amos Morrill. Amos was an artist, drawing by hand many of Coco Shop's prints which capture the quaint aspects of island living, from the exotic flora and fauna, to its sea life. The company closed its doors two years ago, after 68 years in operation. And now, after spending much of her childhood in Antigua, New Yorker Taylor Simmons is working to revive the brand she grew up with. Joins us on her island tour and discover where to swim, eat, and get inspired.
Antigua. 8 am, where to wake up?
Wake up at Curtain Bluff, a beautiful, traditional place to stay on the island’s south coast.
How is Antigua an inspiration for you as a designer?
Mostly in the rhythm of Antiguan days – slow mornings, active afternoons, social evenings. No one wants to leave the beach early to spend time getting ready for the next thing, so what could one throw on, zip up and feel ready in quickly? I work to create sophisticated, polished, yet beachy enough pieces for whatever the evening’s plans are.
Where should we explore to get a good sense of Antigua’s artistic identity?
There are galleries and art studios all over the island, but I would explore the Fig Tree Studio in the island’s rainforest. They have a rotating assortment of work by local and Caribbean artists. It’s a wonderful place to discover and learn.
Favorite neighbourhood?
Mine is Freetown. It’s a happy, colorful town with an abundance of flowers. If school is in session, you can hear children learning and playing at Freetown Primary. Women in Freetown are skilled embroiderers, so we’re about to begin embroidering shirts near Freetown’s church. I can’t wait.
Where is brunch?
Garden Grill on the island’s north coast has everything from eggs many ways to yogurt and granola to beignets.
Where are the hidden spots to shop?
For shopping, I’d head to St. John’s. I love going on Saturday mornings when local vendors are selling their fruits and vegetables. I like visiting Sarah Fuller’s pottery outpost on Redcliffe Quay as well as Natura Honey and Jams and Miranda Askie’s jewelry. I also always walk by the Coco Shop’s original storefront on St. Mary’s Street. It’s a different clothing store now, but I like to be reminded of where the company started and where we’re hoping to return to.
Any other spots only locals would know?
Get lost among the docks at English Harbor and Falmouth Harbor – the sailing community is huge here. Take a ferry to Montserrat for a day. Don’t go back to the same beach twice. Spend too much time in the ocean. Buy fruit from fruit stands for an afternoon snack. Don’t leave without trying the local pineapple, guava jelly and Susie’s hot sauce.
Your all-time favorite restaurant for lunch?
Catherine’s Café, right on Pigeon Beach, is my lunch recommendation. Ingredients, such as the catch of the day, the lobster and the escargot, are fresh. There is often live music and lots of rosé and their location on the beach allows for swimming before, during and after your meal. It’s a fun to place to take your time, relax and enjoy delicious food with your family or friends.
Best street food for a casual bite?
Absolutely Tippy’s for a casual bite - It’s beach food, instead of street food. It is just steps up from the middle of Half Moon Bay’s beach with a sign that says The Beach Bum Bar & Grill. You can eat in your bikini and fit right in. The menu is simple, but has everything you’d want. There is nothing better than their grilled lobster in garlic butter and a Ting.
Where would we find you on a day off?
On a day off, you’ll find me swimming and walking around Half Moon Bay. I cannot get enough beach time. It’s the only time I read uninterrupted for hours and I am so thankful for it.
Needing inspiration. Any art galleries, museums or inspirational place to go?
For inspiration, I head to the beach with a pencil and paper. Being able to quiet my mind with just the sound of the water and the wind is immensely calming. The atmosphere allows my sketching to get really creative and then I reel everything back in when I’m back at my desk.
Where do we go for dinner with friends?
My favorite restaurant is Mauro’s Pizzeria. It’s a casual pizzeria with salads and a big, wood-fired oven. The pizzas are individually-sized and you eat on a beautiful, outdoor deck. I love it.
and for a date?
Sheer Rocks is a great date spot on the sunset side of the island. Tables overlook an ocean vista and the cocktails are wonderful.
How would you define the island’s style?
Antigua’s style is casual, colorful and natural.
The thing you miss most when you’re away?
The ability to slow down and get lost in my surroundings.
Antigua’s best kept secret?
Everyone knows Antigua’s incredible beaches, but I think its artists are its best kept secret. From Sally Harker’s paintings to Jo de Pear’s cyanotype prints, artists all over the island are doing their own thing and perfecting their art.
