Lingerie shop features natural fibers

By Paula Rath
Advertiser Staff Writer

Morgan Beret, a boutique featuring fine lingerie and linens in natural fibers, opened July 5 in the Kahala Mall. Left: Silk embroidered lace bra and bikini by Argentovivo. Right: Leigh camisole and tap pants made of Calais lace. Deborah Booker • The Honolulu Advertiser

The shop is in space formerly occupied by Cielo, near center stage. Owner Julie Hassel has put together an eclectic collection of quality lingerie, ranging in price from a cotton Hanro panty for $11 to the ultimate in Italian silk and lace, La Perla, which can cost $250 for a bra.

A lot of thought and research went into the lines carried at Morgan Beret. At the New York lingerie market, Hassel kept her eyes open for innovative new lines as well as known favorites. Several are hers exclusively in Hawai'i: Eres lingerie and swimwear from France (whose parent company is Chanel), Leigh lingerie, Furstenburg swimwear, sexy lingerie by Argentovivo of Argentina and French cottons and silks by Marie Claude Fremau. Morgan Beret is the only shop in the nation that carries Fremau and Charmor, a line of cotton nighties made by women in Croatia. Among the better-known lingerie lines are Hanro, La Perla, Chantelle, Wacoal (and Wacoal Petite) and Le Mystere.

Hassel is not new to retail. She worked as a buyer for Bon Marche (owned by Federated, also the parent company of Macy's) and for 10 years as a buyer at Liberty House. Before coming to Hawai'i, she owned Nancy Meyer Fine Lingerie in Seattle, a shop that is still in business under another owner. Hassel's assistant, Jennifer Bolivar-Ventresca, worked for La Perla for five years before joining Morgan Beret.

Asked how Hawai'i customers differ from those in Seattle, they agreed that, in general, Hawai'i women prefer more cotton and a more casual look, are more price-sensitive and require smaller sizes. We also are less seasons-oriented. "And women in Hawai'i don't want to pay for dry-cleaning," Hassel added.

Morgan Beret also carries fine bed linens in Egyptian cotton with a thread count of 350, elegant travel accessories and a subtle fragrance line. The store has software that enables it to keep track of sizes, style and color preferences, birthdays and anniversaries. Hassel also plans to hold Men's Nights, during which only men can shop for gifts for their significant others while enjoying refreshments. Call 735-8600 for information.