Lacoste's t-shirt mash-up with Jonathan Adler
Lacoste’s classic crocodile is getting a bit of a facelift thanks to a partnership with popular American interior designer Jonathan Adler. Three limited-edition polo shirts (including the men’s orange polo, pictured) start lining shelves this month in a variety of colours for both sexes.—Jennifer Patterson
Glass jellyfish by Wayne Harjula, at Circle Craft Christmas Market
The always-popular Circle Craft Christmas Market returns for its 38th annual show from Nov. 9 to 13. You’ll find everything from eco-friendly clothing to handmade leather bags to gold and silver jewellery, thanks to the 280 vendors coming from across Canada. A conversation piece worth snatching up: the striking glass jellyfish (pictured) by Wayne Harjula of Mellon Glass Studios. After shopping, catch a glass-blowing demonstration then participate in a Ballz of Fire Workshop where you can design and create your own glass holiday ornament.—Jennifer Patterson
More information:
CIRCLE CRAFT CHRISTMAS MARKET W-F 10 am-9 pm, Sa 10 am-7 pm, Su 10 am-5 pm. $12, s/s $8, under 12 free. Save $2 if you buy tickets online. Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Place. 604-801-5220. www.circlecraft.net
Find fab Sui Generis frocks at the Clothing Show
MAY 27 TO 29 No matter your style profile, you’re sure to find new additions to your wardrobe at one of Toronto’s largest showcases of original and unusual designer apparel. The Clothing Show has it all—from runway shows to sample sales and even a fashion photography contest. Scour the more than 300 booths for deals you can only find at this one-stop clothing shop, featuring fabulous frocks from Canadian indie labels such as Lux & Luster and Sui Generis. Unique handmade pieces from vintage-inspired Paper People Clothing are also a draw, as are the one-of-a-kind jewellery designs from Black Iris. Exhibition Place, Queen Elizabeth Building, $10 admission; call 416-516-9859 or click here for more information.
Wee ones can reduce their carbon footprints thanks to Mini Mioche, a Canadian online brand with its first storefront location near Trinity-Bellwoods Park. From “mompreneur” Alyssa Kerbel comes organic cotton onesies ($26), T-shirts, pants and leggings in sought-after neutral shades like black and grey.
Winter’s on its way out; it’s time to get a head start on exploring. Guide yourself with our specialized itineraries, or contact one of Toronto’s many tour operators to delve deeper into this multifaceted metropolis. And don’t forget to check out previous Yours to Discover posts, here: Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four.
Harry Rosen
SARTORIAL STROLLS
Get kitted out and catwalk-ready in Toronto’s most fashion-forward locales.
CANUCK COUTURE The touring fashionista’s must-visit strip, Bloor Street West, between Yonge Street and Avenue Road, is home to a bevy of Canadian-owned retailers with global cachet, including Holt Renfrew—Toronto’s answer to Saks Fifth Avenue—fine menswear mecca Harry Rosen, and distinguished beaver-emblazoned brand Roots.
INTERNATIONAL ICONS Bloor Street also showcases standalone shops representing world-famous fashion houses, including French favourites Chanel, Hermès and Louis Vuitton, Italian labels like Gucci and Prada, as well as German stalwart Hugo Boss. Be sure to accessorize your new ensemble with baubles from Birks, Cartier or Tiffany & Co.
Eleven
SINGULAR STYLE Moving north from Bloor into tony Yorkville ensures encounters with boutiques offering personalized service and unique, on-trend attire. Ladies are encouraged to try 119 Corbo, Eleven, Hugo Nicholson and the Pink Tartan store Seventy-Seven. Finery for fellows is found at Nicolas Men and Anti-Hero, among others.
INDEPENDENT SPIRIT On Queen Street, west of Bathurst, you’re sure to make a contemporary fashion “find.” For women, Robber is one of many inspired indie shops that curate new looks by emerging and established designers from Canada and abroad, while Preloved offers more relaxed garments made from reclaimed fabrics. Modish men stride into Green Shag for bespoke shirts and suits, and attention-grabbing stores like Ruins, which stock exclusive labels in gallery-like settings.
The professional image consultants of The Refinery offer a variety of weekly shopping tours that take you to chic boutiques throughout the city.
Anglophiles rejoice! Oliver Spencer has brought his eponymous brand to Toronto. The hip British designer is admired on both sides of the Atlantic for adding playful but not too flashy touches to standard menswear, such as a rich brown toggle jacket with bold red plaid lining. His Queen West outpost—his third retail location and first in Canada—reflects this modern aesthetic: amidst exposed brick and blue-grey walls, beakers and test tubes are displayed along with wooly cardigans, while butterfly specimens under glass serve as artwork above a mannequin attired in a lumberjack-esque shirt. Established in 2002, Spencer’s collection of signature shirts, outerwear, and handmade shoes and boots is carried here, along with a discerning selection of accessories and footwear from other designers, including Quoddy shoes and leather goods from Il Bussetto.
Converse and Marimekko have teamed up to create some sweet kicks
Marimekko + Converse = a match made in fashion heaven. The iconic Finnish design house collaborated with the equally iconic shoemaker to release a spring line of too-cool shoes (pictured, $80), aptly titled Converse ♥ Marimekko. Finland’s pride and joy started in the 1950s and reached royalty status in North America after Jackie Kennedy wore a number of their dresses during the 1960 US presidential campaign. Now everything from dishware to bedding has been emblazoned with their graphic prints. The American footwear company Converse was founded in 1908, and celebs and athletes continue to sport the classic star-adorned Chuck Taylors. Purchase a pair at Marimekko.—Jennifer Patterson
The new Adidas store on Granville Street
Sports fanatics and athletic types get their fix at the new Adidas store. Only a couple doors down from its other downtown location—which focuses on urban street apparel—this spot stocks everything from high-tech running gear to soccer jerseys and jackets. Also in store: the sought-after Stella McCartney collection.—Jennifer Patterson
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you should forsake all sense of style.
With this seasonal wear—everything from hats and boots to gloves and goggles—
you’ll be weather-ready whether you’re taking a stroll in a winter wonderland
or battling a blizzard.
Unisex boutique Ruins is best described as part art gallery, part concert venue and a whole lot of edgy, urban style. Co-owners Mikey Apples and Josh Reichmann, both of whom originally hail from the music industry, set up their shop in the fashionable Queen West neighbourhood and stock designer exclusives by Assembly New York and Patrik Ervell, plus such coveted labels as H by Hudson, Loden Dager and Thomas. In addition to of-the-moment apparel, jewellery and fashion books, an in-house salon called Leonard’s offers cuts and shaves at the back of the store—a salvaged church archway marks the entrance. Along the exposed brick walls hang works by local artists, and some evenings, the store transforms into a concert venue to showcase up-and-coming musicians. Tuesday to Sunday. 960 Queen St. W., 647-351-0960.
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Stay, Dine, Do
