On one late afternoon, we took a walk through "Villa Creole." A small cluster of shops on St. Barth. Right across the street from busy St. Jean beach. Windows were filled to capacity with the types of goods you would expect to see on this trendy island paradise. Bikinis, hats, bags, jewelry. Except at #8... Mia Zia (telephone: 590-275-548). A shop that looked like no other on our stroll. And like no other on the island, for that matter.
The deep reddish-clay color of the outside hinted at the theme. Mia Zia is a tropical "take" on Morocco, or is it a Moroccan "take" on the tropics? The shop is upscale & modern. And consciously designed in an orderly manner. Goods are lined up, stacked up and hung up, with an eye towards pattern and color. Stripes prevail. Different tones kept together. Cool purples & blues. Warm oranges & reds.
Marrakesh designer, Valerie Barkowski created a line of merino knit separates just for Mia Zia. Many tops and dresses. It was hard to decide on what to buy, but we took home striped silk and canvas shoes, a hat from Africa and a little striped silk pillow.
Accessories are held in big wooden bowls. Handfuls of silk, stretch bracelets and bandanas, in the same colorful tones. A few housewares are added to the mix. Natural canvas tent lamps. Pillows and a few pieces of pottery.
Gundi, our very charming salesperson, unfolded cotton bed coverings with oversized checks in rich, jewel-like colors. And she talked about the shop's very popular djellaba (caftan) in white terry with vibrant tassles. Great if you need another terrycloth robe. But we can't wait for the lightweight cotton-handkerchief version that will arrive at the shop soon.
Mia Zia is like a bit of mideastern spice added to your French island cuisine. Of course you love French food, but come on....everyone needs to spice it up a little now and then. And Mia Zia does just that!