Style Hermosa: Shop Locally, Dress Globally

Most fashion-lovers dream of waking up to global shopping jaunts in the Rues of Paris, bazaars in the Middle East, or the design epicenter of Milan, Italy. In Hermosa Beach, Sevan Achikian turns this dream into a reality with her boutique Salvator's on Pier Avenue. 

What began six years ago as a shoe repair and dry cleaning service transcended to an international shopper's utopia. Just last year this chartreuse yellow store expanded to selling international collections of clothing and accessories. With genuine leather handbags from Santiago, Chile, to Murano glass pieces from Venice, Italy, Salvator's is proving that everything ripens with age.

"The vision for this store was so limited when I started," Achikian reminisced, before adding that she had the help of her husband who owns a 29-year shoe repair store in Manhattan Beach.

With his business savvy and her sophisticated style, Achikian said that her goal was to bring a unique selection of handbags, jewelry, women's clothing, and artwork to Hermosa Beach.

"I always try to bring something different," Achikian said. "I do my shopping around town and whatever I see that local businesses have I try not to bring the same into my store."

The intricate jewelry pieces found in Salvator's are beach city rarities that cause window shoppers to stop and stare. Hermosa Beach residents Jli Allen and her mother, Janel, fell victim.

"I saw this ring through the window and had to go in," exclaimed Jli. 

Achikian confessed that she began integrating more affordable items in the store's collection when she realized that younger shoppers were flocking to the boutique.

The ring Jli was admiring and other jewelry ranges around $30 to $60. Prior, only fine jewelry could be bought for around $200 and higher. Handbags in the store cost around $300 and clothing items range from $50 to $100.

As Achikian wore an urbane one-shoulder black top while organizing a row of glass rings on display, it was clear that the jewels, and other store items, reflected the Syrian native's personal style. A style exotic to the South Bay, where Achikian said khaki and neutrals are beloved.

"The atmosphere is different and much warmer here," she said, before adding that she appreciates the local customers who support her international flair.

"If it weren't for them, we would be closed," she said.

For more Hermosa Beach style, check out our photos of street fashion around town on Facebook. The photo album is updated daily, so please "tag" familiar faces.