14/12/2025
Evelyn & Arthur
Forty Years of Style, Comfort, and Confidence
Article by Cheryl Ricer
Photography by M.Kat
When Cristy McKenzie, store manager of Evelyn & Arthur on Hilton Head Island, talks about the brand, her pride is unmistakable. “This year marks the 40th anniversary of the very first Evelyn & Arthur store,” she said. “That’s a big milestone for a fashion company, especially one that has stayed true to its mission all these years.”
In 1984, Evelyn and Arthur Lewis left the hustle of New York City for the easy charm of Palm Beach, Florida. Evelyn soon realized that her existing wardrobe didn’t fit her new lifestyle, so she created one that did. From that spark of inspiration, the first Evelyn & Arthur boutique was born.
Today, the company remains family-owned and operated by their daughter, Adrianne Weissman, and her husband, Fred. Under their leadership, the brand has expanded to six stores across Florida and one special outlier on Hilton Head Island.
“This December marks our eighth year here on Hilton Head,” McKenzie said. “We’re the only Evelyn & Arthur location outside of Florida, and that makes us pretty unique.”
While the industry has changed dramatically over the decades, Evelyn & Arthur’s mission has not. “They’re committed to providing fashion that fits the real lives and real bodies of today’s women,” McKenzie said. “Style should never come at the cost of comfort or confidence.”
The collections are designed with intention, offering pieces that move with women through every part of their day, whether it’s a relaxed brunch, a busy afternoon of errands, or a night out on the town. “Our customers are confident women who love timeless style with a little edge,” McKenzie said. “They want to elevate their look without sacrificing ease.”
One of the things that sets Evelyn & Arthur apart is the store’s blend of exclusive in-house labels and beloved designer brands. “We have about eight exclusive brands with our own label,” McKenzie explains. “Holland Avenue is one of our most popular. Frederique makes beautiful statement jackets, and we also carry customer favorites like Emily McCarthy, Nic & Zoe, Liverpool Jeans, Habitat, Planet, and Sympli.”
Each season, the buyers curate an eclectic mix, always searching for pieces that are fresh, flattering, and a little unexpected. “Our accessories buyer doesn’t just go out to find jewelry,” McKenzie said. “She’s hunting for the kind of jewelry everyone else doesn’t have – something unique, with a touch of whimsy.”
The store’s playful side shines through in its selection of gifts and accessories. “You’ll find funny tea towels, cocktail napkins, pickleball accessories, even IBKÜL golf clothes,” she adds. “We like to make shopping fun. You never know what you’ll discover.”
As the holidays approach, McKenzie says one line in particular has everyone talking. “Our exclusive brand Frederique has these incredible statement jackets with relaxed fits and adjustable wire collars,” she said. “They’re perfect for holiday parties, cruises, weddings, or any occasion where you want to look chic but feel comfortable. They never go out of style.”
It’s that balance of sophistication and practicality that keeps customers coming back. “These pieces last,” McKenzie said. “They’re timeless – just like our brand.”
Beyond fashion, Evelyn & Arthur is dedicated to making a difference in the communities it serves. “We believe every woman deserves to feel confident, supported, and seen, no matter her circumstances,” McKenzie said. “That’s why we partner with local organizations and women’s shelters to support underserved women in our area.”
The store also hosts private shopping events and fundraisers known as Sip & Shop. “Groups can bring their charity in for a private event,” McKenzie said. “Guests get 10% off their purchases that day, and we donate 10% of the profits back to the organization. It’s a win-win. It’s fun, it’s social, and it gives back.”
For a boutique with such a personal touch, Evelyn & Arthur is surprisingly tech-savvy. “Our owner, Adrianne, hosts a show on Mondays and Fridays on Facebook called ‘Almost Live with Adrianne,’” McKenzie said. “She showcases new arrivals and demonstrates how to style them with effortless sophistication. She’s funny, she’s authentic, and she puts her heart into it. I learn something every time I watch.”
This mix of tradition and innovation has allowed Evelyn & Arthur to reach new generations of women while staying grounded in the values that built the brand.
If there’s one thing McKenzie wants people to know about the Hilton Head store, it’s the commitment to customer service. “This story is all about customer service,” she said. “We want you to come in, see a friendly face, get expert guidance, and have that personal touch. That’s our signature.”
That personalized experience extends beyond the sales floor. The store’s loyalty program rewards shoppers for their continued support, offering $25 gift certificates for every $500 spent, early access to sales, and special birthday surprises. “We know there are other places to shop,” McKenzie said. “But our customers choose us, and we don’t take that lightly. We treat them like family.”
The Hilton Head location has cultivated a loyal following of locals and repeat vacationers alike. “We might be on a tourist island, but we have visitors who come back year after year,” McKenzie said. “They make a point to stop in and see us every trip.”
At its core, Evelyn & Arthur isn’t just about clothes; it’s about connection. “I think people come back because of my amazing staff,” McKenzie said. “These ladies are known in this community. We’re part of the Village at Wexford family, and we truly care about our customers. It’s more than a job for us – it’s a joy.”
As the boutique celebrates eight successful years on Hilton Head and 40 years as a brand, that sense of joy, confidence, and authenticity continues to define the Evelyn & Arthur experience.
Whether you stop in for the perfect statement jacket, a fresh accessory, or simply a good laugh over a funny tea towel, you’ll walk out feeling seen, styled, and supported – exactly as Evelyn Lewis envisioned all those years ago.
