‘Le Bazaar’ is indeed bizarre, a markedly unusual place that seems to be the talk of the town, particularly at night when Gustavia comes alive. Located in a traditional wooden Caribbean house, this fascinating boutique is owned by Loana Junco who warmly welcomed me to drink maté and hear her wonderful story of loving and giving …
What exactly is ‘Le Bazaar’?
Loana Junco (Manageress): Le Bazaar is a wonderful opportunity to fulfil a dream – it came to us like a gift from heaven. It’s a boutique ‘with a difference that likes to make a difference’ to the world and others in it. Le Bazaar is a space where creativity flows and flourishes. We sell clothes, jewellery, art and accessories in a whole variety of colours, textures and fragrances. Each item reflects the sincere passion of the artist or creator; these are people who make a positive impact on the world, which is why Le Bazaar has chosen to work with them.
What was the inspiration for Le Bazaar?
Loana: We wanted a name that could succinctly define and reflect the philosophy of the store, while crossing continents in its meaning and understanding. What initially springs to mind is the traditional bazaar in the Middle East, which is equally a centre of creativity representing the hard work of many artisans. A bazaar can also be a place to raise money for charity, which reflects our benevolent work ethic. Le Bazaar is based on authenticity and integrity, while seeking to make the world a better place.
Can you tell me more about the products you sell?
Loana: We offer our customers a wide range of beautiful products such as organic incense bundles, sparkling crystals, cultured pearls, artistic photographs, elegant bags, one-of-a-kind stylish clothes … all of which are handmade by talented artisans. Most of our products are created here on St Barts or in Latin America, and are often the outcome of a happy story or coincidence.
Are your products ethically and sustainably created?
Loana: Le Bazaar advocates ‘slow fashion’ whose production respects people, the environment and animals (as opposed to the industrial practices of ‘fast fashion’). Our suppliers are artisans who use eco-friendly sustainable materials to create small quantities of their merchandise. This practice not only reduces waste and preserves the environment but it also keeps local crafts alive, which in turn improves communities.
For example, our clothes are mostly made by women in Latin America who are protected by ‘fair trade’ practices (principally fair wages and decent working conditions). This provides women with an income and it helps them to be independent, at the same time as supporting their families and their creative traditions. What’s more, some of our suppliers are involved in reforestation projects – notably for the Palo Santo incense sticks that we sell in our store. Another supplier, based in Colombia, introduces disadvantaged children to the ocean for the first time.
Our suppliers share our values and our goals, particularly those that help to change the fashion industry … Fashion should not just be about the money, its purpose should be to help others, from source to consumer. Incidentally ten percent of Le Bazaar’s profits are donated to different NGOs.
What do you like to do in your downtime on St Barts?
Loana: St Barts inspires me to write, to take photographs, to enjoy the sea, to be creative, as well as simply reading or meditating. I am also an actress, so I love to act whenever I can, including a recent course in Madrid – but that is a whole other story.
What message would Le Bazaar like to convey to Coccoloba readers?
Loana: We would like Coccoloba readers to know that Le Bazaar promotes the positive energetic flow of giving and receiving. Our products are made with love and represent benevolence … they all have a poetic story to tell. We at Le Bazaar respect life and the universe, and we consciously try to do nothing but improve it.
To quote the astrologer, Hubert Delamotte, when we sought his advice before opening the boutique: ‘You are going to sell love, while bringing together friends and creative people in a little corner on an island in the middle of the ocean.’
His prediction and our dream have become a reality!
Le Bazaar:
Address: 16 Rue Samuel Fahlberg (in the former tourist office, 50 feet from Eddy’s restaurant)
Telephone: +590 690 52 92 77
Email: Store@lebazaarstbarth.com
FaceBook: Le bazaar st barth
Instagram: lebazaarstbarth
