Your weekly guide to the city’s retail scene.
NEWS
■ Happy new year to Intermix, brand-new member of The Gap Inc.’s sprawling family of fashion chains. The Dec. 31 acquisition of the boutique retailer (130 Bloor St. W., 416-925-0111) for $130 million comes as a bit of a surprise, considering the company’s current roster consists of affordable clothing outposts—Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Piperlime—and Intermix features an assortment of luxury brands like A.L.C. and Rag and Bone. Though this new purchase may appear to be a retail beast of a different stripe, it will doubtless help Gap Inc. secure a strong foothold in the global luxury market.
■ There’s still time to catch “Designing 007: 50 Years of Bond Style” before the credits roll. The exhibition of Bond memorabilia, costumes, and props is a tribute to one of the most successful movie franchises in history. Running at the TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W., 416-599-8433), it is slated to close on Jan. 20.
EVENTS & OPENINGS
■ Spend Jan. 12 with film and television costume designer April Ferry. The 30-year fashion industry vet, whose credits include Donnie Darko and Terminator 3—and styling gigs with celebs like Jake Gyllenhaal, Keira Knightley, and Cher—will chat about her life in film and approach to costume design at the Milestones Speaker Series, starting at 8 p.m. at Camera Bar (1028 Queen St. W.). Presented by the Canadian Alliance of Film & Television Costume Arts & Design, admission is $40 for non-members and $28 for students.
■ Tickets are now available for Holt Renfrew’s Powder Puff Beauty Party, held at the store’s flagship location (50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333) from 7:30–10 p.m. on Jan. 22. The event features the latest in 2013 skin-care products and complimentary beauty treatments, including mini-manis, makeovers, facials, and hand massages. Along with plenty of giveaways and treats, guests will also mingle with beauty blogger Emily Weiss, founder of Intothegloss.com, and get answers to their most pressing beauty conundrums. Tickets are $25 and available in-store and online at holtrenfrew.com.
■ Here come the brides to The Wedding Co. Show from Jan. 11 to 13 at The Carlu (444 Yonge St., 7th floor, 416-597-1931). Featuring over 100 local vendors catering to every aesthetic, the 12th annual event exhibits the latest trends in wedded bliss—including cakes, music, and honeymoon vacations. Advance tickets are available for $25 at theweddingco.com, and admission is $30 at the door.
■ Space is limited for White Toronto’s (19 Hazelton Ave., 416-849-9196) matrimonial trunk show showcasing Inbal Dror’s Bridal Collection. The Israeli dress designer, known for her provocative silhouettes and daring skin-baring cut-outs, is showing her collection for the first time in Canada on Jan. 18 and 19 at the exclusive Yorkville boutique. Her haute-couture collection combines bridal tradition with sumptuous fabrics and embellishments, and is best worn by brides who spend plenty of time at the gym. Appointments are available from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
SALES
■ Sure, Valentine’s Day is in February, but for the folks at eBay.ca, it’s never too early to start thinking about saying “I love you” with a reasonably priced trinket. The online retailer has assembled a trio of jewellery designers—Dean Davidson, Foxy Originals, and Rebekah Price—under the banner of the eBay Valentine’s Collective. The Toronto-based designers have each created three to five limited-edition pieces that are available for $100 and under. Shipping is free across Canada. Find the pieces from Jan. 15 to Feb. 28 at ebay.ca/valentinescollective.
