Fashion, eh?!
Canada. Why is it that when thinking of the Great White North images of igloos, huskies, and maple syrup generally spring to mind? What about fashion? Fashion eh, one would joke, but in all sincerity, the majority of large cities across Canada partake in following and innovating fashion trends and fads. It is interesting to note the style variations from East to West, particularly in cities like Montreal, Vancouver, and Toronto.
Being from European descent, Montreal style stands out amongst its peers as being sexier and edgier exemplified by designers like Denise Gagnon and Yso. Vancouver by comparison has a more outdoors and active population, and this is reflected in its’ retail chains and outlets like Aritzia and Lululemon – THE craze of the moment. And then there is Toronto….
The majority of Torontonians believe that they are the epicenter of the Canadian world, and seeing as I am a Torontonian, I couldn’t agree more! We are the home of Fashion Television, we are the home of Squared, we are the home of Anakin Skywalker and the Canadian Hall of Fame – in hockey and in film.
Toronto is a multicultural city that spans 100s of kilometers and is inhabited by 6 million people. Think of it as expanding London’s central zone and population over zones 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6! Because of its immensity, Toronto is home to many different neighborhoods – bringing international fashions and cuisines to downtown Toronto life. Over the next few months, I will dissect the ins and outs of Toronto life, starting with, of course, a complete fashion guide – breaking down fashion by look, neighborhood, style, and attitude. My goal is to promote Toronto and its’ homegrown talent because home is where the heart is…
Toronto areas and shopping districts:
When asked, I personally believe there to be 4 downtowns within the city: 1. Yonge and Eglinton, 2. Yorkville, 3. Queen and Spadina, 4. Queen’s Quay. Even though many of the same stores exist in each area, their layouts and store designs vary, depicting their clientele base.
1. Yonge and Eglinton. This area has been developed over the past 5 years so much so that it represents a mini-downtown, uptown. Residents of this area can purchase athletic or trendy clothing, whilst browsing kitchen accessories on their way to a pilates class.
2. Yorkville. This area represents Toronto’s classier shopping district, with the likes of Prada, Sportmax, and Tiffanies just a hop skip and a jump away from the Four Seasons hotel. Dining, shopping, and cruising in luxe attract a more refined Torontonian – except for Saturdays, when Yorkville Avenue becomes littered with Harley Davidson’s and men in leather!
3. Queen and Spadina. Home to the legendary Eaton Center, this downtown offers everything and anything. Queen Street is particularly known for its’ funky and new age clothing, innovative boutiques, and nightlife. South of Queen is home to Toronto’s entertainment district, a hodgepodge of clubs, lounges and restaurants with enough selection to satisfy anyone.
4. Queen’s Quay. Condominiums, lofts, and the waterfront accent this bit of Toronto edging onto Lake Ontario. Many theatre productions, craft shows, and markets line Toronto’s downtown harbor, giving it a quaint and seaside feel – good for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city center.
Look out for:
- Shopping by area, an in depth analysis of what each district has to offer: Little Italy, Little India, Kensington markets, the Annex, Chinatown, the Danforth, the Lower East Side, Queen West, Avenue/Eglinton, and Yorkville.
- What the independents are showing
- Visual Displays
- My top 10 pick of the best boutiques, lounges, bars, and restaurants in the city.
- One of a kind craft show
- Supermalls
Aviva Babins Fashion Advisor.
