Wil Stiles in Palm Springs isn’t just a clothing store—it’s a high-voltage fashion experience, a technicolor blend of retro glam, global edge, and signature whimsy. For over 15 years, this stylish boutique has brightened the Uptown Design District with its unforgettable looks, fearless color palettes, and joyful sense of self-expression.
A Fashion Love Story, Born in Palm Springs
As owner Wil Stiles recalls, the store’s grand opening was a perfect collision of style and serendipity. “We had decided, ‘Let’s just open the doors and make it the official first day,’” he says. “It was the same day as the AIDS Walk, and a marching band was outside. Carol Channing was sitting under an awning across the street—it was surreal. It felt like a sign. We knew we were in the right place.”
Wil and his wife, fashion designer Molly Bondhus, had made a spontaneous summer trip to Palm Springs and ended up buying a mid-century house within a week. “It was supposed to be a retreat,” Wil remembers. “But the energy of the town drew us in. Friendly people, stunning architecture, and the kind of small-town charm that makes you want to stay.”
From Retreat to Retail Powerhouse
After years in the Los Angeles fashion world, the couple was ready for something different. “In LA, we were always waiting for buyers, planes, and appointments. But in Palm Springs, we've got to slow down and focus. It gave us room to grow something totally our own.”
That "something" became a boutique that doesn't follow trends—it sets them.
Anchoring the Uptown Design District
When Wil Stiles opened, the neighborhood was just beginning to buzz. “We launched around the same time as Trio Restaurant, and it felt like a movement,” says Wil. “Everyone was building something new, and we were all rooting for each other.”
Today, the Uptown Design District is one of the most fashionable corners of the desert, and Wil Stiles is a must-visit destination for travelers, tastemakers, and locals alike.
Fashion Without Borders—Or Boredom
Inside the bright and airy boutique, you’ll find a curated, ever-evolving mix of pieces that span decades and continents. “We draw inspiration from all over—1960s mod, 1970s disco, 1950s tailoring, modern European labels, and bold Japanese designers,” Wil explains.
You’ll also find exclusive in-house designs, including Wil’s popular line of men's shirts and, more recently, a limited collection of edgy leather pieces for women. “We love designing for people who want to stand out,” says Wil. “Palm Springs visitors expect the unexpected.”
And while the looks may be bold, the vibe is anything but intimidating. “We keep it cheerful, friendly, and fun,” Wil beams. “We want people to walk in and feel like they’re stepping into something positive. Fashion should be joyful.”
Word of Mouth is Always in Style
True to its boutique spirit, Wil Stiles doesn’t rely on traditional advertising. Instead, satisfied customers—many of them world travelers—spread the word. “They come back and tell us about the compliments they get when they wear our clothes,” Wil says. “That’s the best kind of marketing.”
The store's success, he says, is built on relationships and resonance. “We want our clients to feel great every time they wear something from us. And when they come back and say, ‘Everyone asked where I got this,’ that’s when we know we’ve done our job.”
A Store Like No Place Else
Wil’s deep love for Palm Springs guides the brand’s direction. “This city has a spirit that’s hard to describe,” he says. “We try to reflect that—bold, unique, welcoming, and just a little bit fabulous. They say Palm Springs is ‘like no place else.’ That’s how we want our store to feel too.”
Visit Wil Stiles
📍875 N. Palm Canyon Drive
📞760.327.9764
Open 11 am - 4 pm daily
