-
October 2024 by Falice Chin
An incredible store — stuffed to the brim with unique and beautiful clothes, purses, accessories of all price points (except fast fashion). Labels range from Jeffrey Campbell and Desigual on the more affordable end all the way to Moschino, Valentino and other runway couture. It also has the largest collection of Vivienne Westwood purses I’ve seen — more than even the label’s flagship store in London. Donna the fabulously dressed owner kindly showed me the upstairs room, pulling out all kinds of exquisite dresses like a fashion faerie. She showed me quirky and outrageously fun shoes too. I’d just come back from a trip to New York and wasn’t prepared to make a big purchase. I stumbled upon the store while on my way to meet with a friend so just happened to browse through the selection. I told Donna this and still she lavished me with attention, stories about the various acquisitions through the years and suggestions based on my taste ( all with zero pressure to buy and no judgement). Despite the overwhelming amount of merchandise, every item is handpicked and curated based on their design. I honestly could’ve spent a whole day in the store. I don’t live in Toronto but I’m going to make this a must-visit destination every time I come! Thank you Donna for making my day! The world needs more colour, art and whimsy.
-
October 2024 by Kate Illing
Great selection for a variety of tastes and price points. The owner was kind and very helpful.
-
October 2024 by A POET
Updated!! After leaving this review I was banned from the store. No apology or discussion. Lol
So sad. I’ve been wanting to shop here for 12 years now. But everytime I go in-from when I was 17 looking for my prom dress to now, as a 28 year old fashion designer- I’ve been turned away. 11 years of them taking one look at me and deciding I’m not allowed access to the pieces I actually want to buy.
Yesterday I asked a store associate if the items were handmade- he laughed as if it was a stupid question and said “honey everything’s designer.” Weird response because as someone in the industry you should know those two concepts are not mutually exclusive (especially in a space that sells many smaller designers), but I brushed it off. Next I asked to see their Vivienne Westwood corsets. He says “to see? or purchase?” To which I responded “to see,” seeing how I have no idea what the items are or what condition they’re in. He said “honey corsets range from $2300. So if it’s just to see then I don’t have time.” Barf. Just say: the showroom is by appointment only, showroom isn’t open, or unfortunately those pieces aren’t on display right now, or literally anything other than “the price point is high and I’m gonna presume you can’t afford it.” Despite its quirky interior that looks welcoming to those of all shapes, sizes, race, gender identity, and unique interests, this is not a welcoming nor inclusive place to shop at. I felt more respected at the Chanel store and felt like that was a more inclusive space, than I did here, over and over and over again throughout my life. Advice: know your niche and your community. If you continue to alienate young people with high fashion interest, with the financial power, and interest in purchasing these unique clothes you tend to sell, you’re also actively alienating your future target market. After being met with disrespect for 3 out of 3 times over 11 years I can confidently say if you’re under 40 this is not the store you should be supporting.
I wish this was an experience unique to me but my friends in the fashion community constantly warn me that it’s like a type of weird exclusivity here: you presume they opened up the store in the first place to provide those with more eccentric fashion tastes options for high end clothing, providing refuge in a fashion world that praises 00 sizing and trend following. But now, if you don’t wear those eccentricities on your sleeve then you actually will not permitted to shop.
I would say fix up, but for me personally it’s too late. This place doesn’t even deserve a pretty woman type cameo in the movie that’s my life ????
-
September 2024 by Carly Bruce
I went here to look for a prom dress with my mother years ago, and after reading the reviews it sounds like the business has not changed one bit.
I went upstairs into a stuffy room absolutely jam packed with dresses. I had a difficult time finding anything I liked because I wanted something more simple, and all of the styles at the time were lots of glitter and sequins.
Lots of other young teenage girls were also upstairs with me rummaging through the racks stuffed with gowns, and we all seemed to be having different encounters with the owner.
One girl had a thick accent which the woman gave her a hard time about. Another girl had a budget the owner felt was too small and she was pretty harsh on the girl and her mom for not having enough. Another girl was pretty bummed about the lack of options the store carried for extended sizes. And then there was me, who the owner implied had bad taste because she kept showing me dresses I just could not see myself wearing.
She was pretty mean. I left empty handed. It’s a shame, I think it could be a really cool business and it’s really discouraging to read that 10 years later, young girls are still having bad experiences at this store.
-
August 2024 by Rae DeFrane
This is one of my favorite stores in Toronto. It's quirky and funky and stuffed with rare designer duds and baubles. I got the VIP treatment when I went in last. If you like Vivienne Westwood don't skip this stop as it's right by Graffiti Alley. It is a little... "not like other stores" as they believe pieces are right or wrong for people, not that the customer is always right.
I've enjoyed each time I've visited in and always found a treasure I couldn't pass up.
-
July 2024 by Lucy
Hey, Nana...
-
June 2024 by Dian Yin
Would give 0 stars if I could. I came here looking for prom dresses with my friend. When the owner came around and asked us how much our budget was, we answered around $300. Upon hearing this he started kicking us out of the store. We asked if we could look upstairs and he answered “there’s nothing you could afford up there” and that it was “under construction”. We were not even able to look at the clothes on the ground level, as whenever we touched something he would say it was too expensive for us. The owner led us out the door and told us to come back when we had our budgets figured out (aka more money).
I am extremely disappointed by this interaction. The owner and his behaviour left me a terrible impression and I will not be coming back or recommending this place to anyone.
-
June 2024 by Michela Dimatteo
One staff member in particular was very rude, condescending and classist. I was told that I could not browse their store after had asked if they had any dresses under $300.00 simply because I am not like “the people they serve”. I was also told to come back with “someone who had more money” than I do. I will not be returning after the way I was utterly humiliated.
-
May 2024 by Angel Morocco
Extremely overdone, tacky and mismatched brands. Felt like I was in a closet room of a hoarder. Went in for Vivienne Westwood and wasn’t even allowed to go upstairs to the designer section. Merchandise is all over the place. I’ll stick to getting my dresses at Ssense, I wanted a unique experience well I definitely got that. The sales associates will not only make you feel uncomfortable - they are there to “style” you in what they think will look good within your budget etc. I say style loosely because they have no clue how to even do that. I will never go back. Unfortunately this store has lost its core clientele - not even close to being a Toronto Staple retailer.
-
April 2024 by Anastasia Belashov
It is a magical place! The owners and the staff are very knowledgeable and helpful! The dress was there, literally waiting for us!
-
April 2024 by anna harrison
I got a beautiful vivian westwood necklace from here, so elegant and unique. I met the love of my life simon!! my new best friend i’ll be back to run the fashion world with him ?
-
February 2024 by Carolina Cutruzzola
Horrible experience and rude staff. I asked a simple question and received an extremely patronizing response, when they thought I was out of view, the employee began to gossip to their coworker about my question. A little kindness goes a long way! This store deserves 0 stars!
-
February 2024 by Meghan Paleolog
I went here for the first time 6 years ago for a prom dress and again recently. The selection is incredible, if you describe a dress they will pull out so many options plus others to try out! The staff/owners are so lovely I wish I had more events to go to for an excuse to shop more often :)Plus there is an insane variety of styles to try on. If you’re looking for something that stands out from the crowd this is the place to go!!
-
February 2024 by Hesam jafari
Special edition
-
January 2024 by Beatrice Hanley
Very rude service here, would not recommend due to the experience.
