‘Fashion is a part of us’

Jul 15, 2022 | Press, Small Business, Viva Downtown

Clamarney boutique opens in downtown Fall River.

FALL RIVER — There’s a new storefront filled with a one-of-a-kind, colorful collection of clothing that just moved into downtown.

Bertha D’Haiti recently stitched together the final pieces of her new venture — a work in progress for months and a dream for much longer — with the opening of Clamarney boutique at 540 S. Main St.

The Fall River resident said her passion for fashion started at an early age sewing with her grandmother in Haiti, where she was born and raised.

“Fashion is a part of me … no matter what other job I’m doing I’m happy when I’m sewing, when I’m making a piece of clothing, when I’m making somebody happy,” D’Haiti said.

And now she hopes to share that experience with others at Clamarney.

According to D’Haiti, the shop’s name holds special meaning. It is a combination of her three children’s names — Clara, 23, Marvens, 20, and Brittney, 17 — because “I always believed my boutique is like a baby to me, so it’s one of my kids,” she said.

In it, you’ll find “quality handmade products that can’t be found anywhere else.”

Most items are custom-made by D’Haiti, and include clothing inspired by her native Haiti — such as traditional Haitian karabela dresses, head scarves, handbags and men’s and women’s sandals handmade in Haiti — as well as African attire, such as dashiki for men and women and head wraps.

But D’Haiti said her shop is not just geared toward “culture wear.” Her goal is
to offer a variety of styles catering to the entire Fall River community.

“I want to be able to provide for every woman in our area … what the community is demanding,” D’Haiti said.

“I don’t want it to represent my style, I want it to represent the people,” she
added. She also aims to be a go-to for unique party and prom dresses.

“If you’re going to a party or somewhere you want something presentable and beautiful to represent you… we will provide that,” she said.

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