Eclectic is the word Maggie Bijl, owner of the hip store Bohemia Boutique, uses to describe her personal style. This eclectic style is easily reflected in her store with its interesting mix of vintage couture and funky up-and-coming designers. Hidden away in the quaint town of Wailuku, Bohemia Boutique is the place where “those in the know” shop for clothes on Maui.
Whether you like to wear local designers like Rubi Moon or are looking for high end, gently used, vintage pieces by Chanel or Dolce & Gabbana, you’ll find it here. Bijl carries about 60% consignment and 40% new pieces. In addition to clothing, she sells jewelry by Lynn Jean Designs Honolulu and even recycled handbags by the eco-chic company, Green Handbags Hawaii. A strong supporter of local designers, Bijl even carries some furniture art pieces from Mendelson Harper Design, a funky design company which reupholsters old furniture, turning them into little works of art; my personal favorite being the two leopard-print chaise lounges which welcomes new customers into the store and adds a certain boudoir vibe.
Bijl herself is a designer, having graduated from the Illinois Institute of Art with a BFA in Fashion Design. She has designed for both Nautica swimwear and local Maui designer Tamara Catz. When not busy at Bohemia Boutique, Bijl designs for her own label, Maggabelle, a collection of children’s clothing. Bijl took over Bohemia Boutique in 2006, transforming the store from a knick-knack store which sold some clothing, to a fashion-centric treasure trove.
She also changed locations, moving from Kahului to the more pedestrian friendly Wailuku, where it sits on the corner of Market St and Vineyard. This move to Wailuku has certainly been a successful one, allowing Bijl to really connect with the local community. Once a month Bohemia Boutique participates in Wailuku’s First Friday events, featuring wine, pupus, live music, and my personal favorite… sales!!
-Nikki Arserio
