Your weekly guide to the city’s retail scene.
SALES
■ Hit up the ATM for Platinum Sales Agency’s cash-only sample sale of women’s designer clothing, cashmere, and lingerie. The six-day sale (Nov. 1–3, and 8–10) boasts brands like DKNY, Remix, Love Moschino, and Princess Goes Hollywood. The showroom is at 71 Wingold Ave. (Suite 109, 416-784-0763); hours are 10 a.m.–6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m.–5 p.m. on Saturdays.
■ On Nov. 4, from noon–5 p.m., Liel and Lentz will host a trunk show at the highly regarded accessories showcase Rue Pigalle (927 Queen St. W., 647-352-8115). Designed and made in Canada, the jewellery line features necklaces, earrings, and bracelets that run from $98 to $450 and are crafted from South American woods, Southeast Asian teak, and semi-precious stones.
■ Save the date for next week’s sample sale held by PHT, a Toronto-based production company that works with retailers like Anthropologie, Saks, and Lord & Taylor. The sale will be held at 176 John St. (4th floor) and starts on Nov. 7, from noon–3 p.m., continuing on Nov. 8 from 3 – 7 p.m. Full sizes are available, the inventory is marked at least 75 per cent off, and there are deals starting at 10 bucks.
COLLABORATIONS
■ Italy-based design house Missoni has partnered with Holt Renfrew to create a charity bear and elephant. Designed exclusively for Holt’s, the $50 limited-edition toys come in Missoni’s iconic multi-colour zigzag print, with proceeds going to support OrphanAid Africa, a non-profit organization that helps vulnerable children in Ghana. The toys are available for pre-order on Nov. 1; the goal is to raise $100,000 for the charity. Chief accessories designer Margherita Missoni will appear at Holt Renfrew’s Yorkville store (50 Bloor St. W.) to launch the item on Nov. 8 at 5 p.m.
■ Banana Republic turns to the big screen (which itself turns to a 19th-century literary classic) for a holiday collection inspired by the upcoming film Anna Karenina. The 56 pieces for women (and 20 for men) were styled by the movie’s Oscar-nominated costume designer Jacqueline Durran, and are out now. There’s plenty of Russian opulence in the clothing’s velvet, lace, and faux fur, and lots of shine in the jewellery and accessories.
NEWS
■ With the arrival of international heavyweights like J.Crew and Top Shop, and with Target and Nordstrom’s both plotting Canadian expansions, the gloves are off in the fight for customer dollars. In that spirit, Holt Renfrew has announced the opening of hr2 next year, an off-price concept shop that will offer luxury items at a (more) affordable price. The first hr2 will open in Brossard, Que., in March; another store at an undisclosed Ontario location will follow. Currently, Holt’s operates Last Call, its venue for clearance-priced goods, but perhaps it’s au revoir for the Vaughan Mills shop. Rumours are that it may become Ontario’s hr2 site.
■ Dew (1553 Bayview Ave., 647-436-1232) will host a three-day customer appreciation event to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The Leaside boutique carries an array of fashion brands from Hudson to J Brand denim, as well as items from Wildfox and Sanctuary and de rigeur parkas from Snow Goose. On Nov. 1, from 10 a.m.–7 p.m., drop by to claim your discount for the birthday party on Saturday, Nov. 3. On Nov. 2, every $150 purchase wins a chance at a $250 gift certificate and a pampering package.
Know of any sales, store openings, or closings? Email thedrop@thegridto.com.
