10 Toronto Shops + Designers To Know
We have a great big crush on Toronto—more specifically, the incredible talent that resides there. The city is filled with incredible creatives, from artists, to musicians, chefs, designers, you name it. With so much to see and experience we thought it would be helpful to narrow down a few of our favorites from our realm of expertise: fashion, obviously. Below are ten shops and designers that if you don’t already know, you should.
THE DESIGNER
COREY MORANIS
Corey Moranis, a Toronto-based designer handcrafts playful jewelry and accessories made from lucite. Her playful loops, knots, and twists make a modern statement with a whisper. “It’s for people who are looking for something different, who follow their own trends. My goal is to create contemporary jewelry that brings beauty, joy, and playfulness to the world,” she says.
SHOP COREY MORANIS
THE DESIGNER
MARY YOUNG
With the goal of filling the gap in the intimates market and empowering women with different body types, Mary Young founded her line in 2014. Every piece is designed for long-lasting, comfortable wear with materials like jerseys, knits, and soft elastics intended to move with one’s body, all while maintaining high quality and style. More reasons to love this brand? All the garments are produced in Montreal, Canada, in a factory where equal wages and conditions are being met.
SHOP MARY YOUNG
THE BOUTIQUE
FRIENDS OF JENNY
When living in New York City, Alison Newton and Beth Nicholson Crago met through a mutual friend. That friend’s name? Jenny of course! That introduction created a lifelong friendship that inspired the creation of Friends of Jenny. Spotlighting independent, woman-led brands, they believe in the power of women to make change in fashion. It's wonderful to be able to amplify the work of other women who are creating beautiful things.
SHOP FRIENDS OF JENNY
THE BOUTIQUE
FRANCES WATSON
Frances Watson is where the everyday and the extraordinary meet. From high-end basics and denim to elevated investment pieces, the creative curation of this West End boutique makes it a Toronto cult favorite. Stocked with brands like Baserange, Henrik Vibskov, and Annitan, we always find something we love here.
SHOP FRANCES WATSON
THE DESIGNER
SOFT FOCUS
Created by Toronto-based designer Sammi Smith, Soft Focus is a chic line of simply stylish loungewear with contemporary silhouettes made from quality, natural fabrics. From a lazy Sunday on the couch or a WFH day to a dinner party with friends or a night out at your favourite local haunt, there’s a cozy piece for every occasion. Because at the end of the day, it’s not what you wear, it’s how you feel wearing it.
SHOP SOFT FOCUS
THE BOUTIQUE
ALOJA
Brazilian native Sabrina Ramos opened Aloja in 2017 and has since kept her shop stocked with a selection of designers, artisans, and cooperatives that follow decentralized and sustainable practices. Located on a quiet part of College Street, west of Toronto’s Little Italy neighborhood, Aloja offers a quiet escape from the fast-paced city life.
SHOP ALOJA
THE BOUTIQUE
EASE
From the same owner of Easy Tiger, Ease is a boutique for women who seek well-crafted, beautifully designed pieces to complement and enhance their everyday lives. With a curated collectsion of established and emerging designers, Ease brings thoughtful essentials to the modern woman. Each piece embodies both contemporary concepts and timeless sensibilities in the name of sophistication, simplicity, and ease.
SHOP EASE
THE BOUTIQUE
LOVERSLAND
Beginning as a bridal shop, LoversLand (located in the Trinity-Bellwoods neighborhood) has since evolved into celebrating all that is love. With a fresh take on the bridal scene, they have a meaningful and mellow approach to k big day. Not headed down the aisle? They also carry a few of our favorites like Rita Row, Tach Clothing, and Wolf Circus.
SHOP LOVERSLAND
THE BOUTIQUE
ADVICE FROM A CATERPILLAR
Sisters Emily and Elizabeth Dyer and their mother, Susan, founded the Toronto-based boutique Advice From A Caterpillar as a source of inspiration for the modern family. Alongside their collectsion of children's clothing, toys, and home goods, they stock a thoughtful selection of clothing for adults to make every shopping trip a whole family affair.
SHOP ADVICE FROM A CATERPILLAR
THE DESIGNER
PAR ICI
Eve Tobolka and Alynne Lavigne, the two Toronto-based BFFs behind the PAR ICI, discovered their fascination for jewelry when they both started their vintage costume jewelry collectsions. Medieval-era chainmail, Art Deco, and ’80s and ’90s-inspired geometric shapes, and exaggerated proportions are just the tip of the iceberg with this Canadian jewelry line. Offering new and vintage pieces that are totally unique, Alynne Lavigne aims to create pieces that are both statement-making and versatile.
SHOP PAR ICI
