Kari and Peter England: Classic designs rooted in years of family tradition

It was love at first sight, and the rest, as they say, is history. The couple opened Peter England 10 years later and it was eventually passed down to their son, Peter Junior, who now proudly operates the family-owned shop with his wife Amy.

Wanting in on the family fun, Kari England opened her own boutique just a few steps away from her brother’s. The two boutiques situated along a picturesque white shell path are filled with handmade clothing in original designs, from sweaters to pants to dresses and more.

Both shops carry unique and timeless pieces that are designed by Peter, Amy and Kari. Peter England is known for its classic design of luxury knit sweaters and shirts, while Kari England boasts a beautiful collection of dresses, blouses and skirts which all radiate a feminine energy.

“Peter England is like Jackie O stylistically and Kari England is like Marilyn Monroe,” Amy said with a smile.

New to Peter England this summer are linen and silk pieces for both men and women, which Amy said “have worked out perfectly because it’s been such a hot summer,” noting how breathable the pieces are.

In addition to timeless clothing, Peter England sells handbags from various designers, including DokKim which once had its own shop on the wharf.

Peter and Amy are also very excited to be featuring the paintings of Amy’s mother, Diane Hunt, this summer.

“She’s worked in oil-based painting for over 60 years,” Amy said.

To celebrate this summer, the first time that Diane has shown her work on Nantucket, Peter England will host a meet and greet with the artist Thursday, Aug. 8 from 5-7 p.m.

Just a few steps down the wharf, Kari plays with multiple different textures and fabrics, introducing several new designs each summer.

The minute you step into Kari England you feel a sense of beachfront femininity. With open doors on both sides of the shop, the Nantucket sun perfectly exemplifies the beautiful colors and fabrics hanging within the store.

Kari enjoys making pieces that are fit for all types of occasions such as her standout piece from last summer which was a stunning fuchsia dress that on one side was linen for the daytime but could be reversed to be a silk evening-wear dress.

From FaceTiming her clients for a personal tour of the merchandise to creating personalized designs, Kari prides herself in customizing her store and her shoppers’ experience.

“You get to know your customers.” Kari said. “We have clients who have shopped with us for 30 years and have come back every summer with their friends.”

When asked if she has ever seen a friendly rivalry between the sibling duo, Amy laughed, saying, “In the past we’ve had a friendly rivalry between the brother and sister stores but mostly we really support each other as family and often bring customers from one store to the other.”

The family business has extended into the next generation as Peter and Amy’s 20-year-old daughter Ella has been helping out at Peter England for years.

“I like helping my family,” Ella said. “It’s special to be able to help them and is very rewarding.”

The family business of Peter, Amy, Kari and now young Ella is looking ahead to Peter England’s 50th anniversary next summer.

“We’re planning a big celebration for our 50th anniversary,” Amy said. “On our 40th anniversary we had a fun Labor Day event where people wore their oldest or favorite Peter England sweater.”

The family is hoping to spend next summer honoring the decades that the Nantucket community has been supporting both Peter and Kari England.

Peter England, 3 Old South Wharf, (508) 228-1977; and Kari England, 11 Old South Wharf, (508) 228-2557.