Original Print by Fernando Olivera

The Phoenix, with one of the richest histories in Georgetown, opened its doors at 1514 Wisconsin Avenue, NW in 1955.  After more than 55 years in business, The Phoenix is still owned and operated by the Hays family.   

The store began as a love affair with the vibrant folk art, fine art, jewelry and home décor of Mexico.  Now, The Phoenix also features contemporary women’s clothing, and fine jewelry from around the world.

Eileen Fisher tops our list of favorite fashion designers, which also includes Isda & Co., Fusun, Bryn Walker, Margaret O’Leary, and Cambio.  Italian leather bags by Carla Mancini and Hobo, and handpainted scarves by IRO of Boston and hats by the San Diego Hat Company complement the fashions.

John and Sharon Hays, and their daughter, Samantha, travel extensively to collect jewelry from US and international designers.  The Phoenix carries the work of Patricia von Musulin, known for her sculptural sterling silver clasps, Bernd Wolf, who creates contemporary European designs and Agnes Seebass, who combines modern and old world Mexican influences in her sterling silver collection. The Phoenix features exquisite stones and 24k gold from ARA Designs, contemporary sterling from Simon Sebbag and gemstone inspired pieces from Lulu Designs, to name a few.  Classic sterling silver jewelry, and hand-hammered silver serving pieces with inlaid malachite and rosewood come from Mexico.

John’s parents, Betty and Bill Hays, fell in love with Mexico over 50 years ago, and came home with a station wagon full of treasures to start The Phoenix.  

We still love Mexico, but The Phoenix has changed over the years-- now a whole world of fashion, gems, and jewels is at our fingertips, and we pass the best of it on to you!