Your guide to the city’s retail scene.
EVENTS
■ Visit “Marimekko, With Love,” a new textile and fashion exhibit on now through April 21 at the Textile Museum of Canada (55 Centre Ave., 416-599-5321). The show examines the revolutionary work of Finnish designer Armi Ratia and her husband, Viljo, who both culturally and technically changed the face of post-WWII pattern and textile production. Their line, Marimekko—one of Finland’s most widely known exports—put forth a vibrant new design philosophy with its iconic pop art–style prints and patterns for fabrics, clothing, and accessories. The museum is open daily from 11 a.m.–5 p.m. and Wednesdays until 8 p.m.
■ A series of trunk shows and designer appearances dot the January events calendar at Fresh Collective’s trio of shops this month. On Jan. 18 from 1–5 p.m., meet FC alumnus Jennifer Fukushima, the designer behind local label Paper People Clothing. Shop the line’s reclaimed textiles and environmentally sustainable, one-of-a-kind items at the Queen Street location (692 Queen St. W., 416-594-1313). On Jan. 19, the Roncesvalles location (401 Roncesvalles Ave., 647-352-7123) will launch its Sailorgirl jewellery collection from 1–5 p.m. with a meet-and-greet with designer Catherine Winter that features a demo of the glass-blowing techniques she uses to make beads. The following Friday (Jan. 25), silk-screen artist Yasmine Louis makes an appearance at FC’s Queen Street shop to promote her fashion line, printed with images and icons inspired by Toronto.
SALES
■ Bag a new head-to-toe wardrobe at the eLuxe.ca Warehouse Sale. From 12–7 p.m on Jan. 17 and 18, shop for discounted designer duds at the online shopping site’s head offices (355 Adelaide St. W., ground level). A showcase of expertly edited clothing, shoes, jewellery, and accessories from a host of established and emerging designers like Joie, Rebecca Taylor, Belle by Sigerson Morrison, and Michael Kors, the event is a don’t-miss sale opportunity, with $25 markdowns off items priced up to $99, and up to $250 on pieces that regularly retail for $500 or more. All sales are final.
NEWS
■ Now over a century old, Beatrix Potter’s beloved storybook character Peter Rabbit has inspired a limited-edition collection of clothing and accessories from babyGap, available in stores and online at gapcanada.ca.Priced from $10–$59, pieces include a quilted barn jacket, cute-as-a-button onesies, chambray eyelet dresses, coloured and printed denim, and Peter’s Jacket—a chunky, navy cardigan. On Jan. 26, select stores will host readings of actress Emma Thompson’s own take on the series, The Further Tale of Peter Rabbit, with snacks, activities, and a book drive for the non-profit organization Milk + Bookies.
OPENINGS & CLOSINGS
■ Plus-sized women no longer need suffer designer envy thanks to the grand opening of Your Big Sister’s Closet (3126 Dundas St. W., 647-351-7587). Owned by style expert Karen Ward, founder of the blog Curvy Canadian, the shop is aimed at fulfilling the needs of fashion-conscious women sized 12 to 24. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m.–7 p.m., the shop also has an online presence in the works, and will offer free shipping worldwide.
■ The Yorkville outpost of Ports 1961 (151 Bloor St. W., 416-920-9825) is bidding adieu to its longtime Toronto home with a massive sale. Look for discounts of 70 per cent off last season’s fall and pre-fall stock, and 85 per cent off its vintage fashion collections. Although it won’t have a freestanding shop in this city (the Montreal store is still open), the brand will maintain its T.O. connections: Vancouver-born Fiona Cibani’s line will still be available at The Room at The Bay, and rumour has it that Ports’ well-received menswear collections, under the creative direction of former Torontonian and fashion guru Ian Hylton, could be carried by Harry Rosen. Toronto design notable Tu Ly will continue to serve as the brand’s creative marketing director.
Know of any new shops, pop-ups, or major deals? Email thedrop@thegridto.com.
