Ewanika
1083 Bathurst St. 
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Phone: 416.927.9699
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Ewanika spent 11 years on College Street before recently heading up the nearby Bathurst Street to its elegant new digs at Dupont, far from the bar denizens of its former home.
"It was time for a change," said designer and owner Trish Ewanika. "There had been quite a few changes. More bars and restaurants, so it wasn't quite the home it used to be. And I didn't want somewhere with the baggage of Queen Street West or Ossington - I wanted a neighborhood where people don't have any preconceived notions about the way it is."
The new space could hold its own with any fancy-schmancy West Queen West boite - the cozy space holds Ewanika's small, but cohesive collection that is somewhat seasonless. Ewanika prefers to make clothes that are weather-appropriate, but timeless and not tied to trend at all.
Her line - which is manufactured here in Toronto - is all about the clean lines and good foundation pieces that will last for a long time, and comes in a subdued palette that allows it to be easily integrated with accessories or more flashy pieces over the years.
My favourite items include a buttoned cream silk shirt-dress ($340), a slate-coloured linen-wool pencil-skirt ($290), a grey silk shirt-dress (that also comes in a patterned cotton as well, $330), a dark grey slip that can be worn under dresses or as a dress ($90), and cropped pinstripe pants ($360).
The rest of the offerings tend to run a bit stuffier, and are less demographic-spanning, I thought, whether it's the sand-coloured herringbone blazer double-knits, boxy jackets, or a swing-coat covered in fuzzy dots. It's an older look than many would be looking for, but at least it's locally made, and not some boring Jones New York or Anne Klein number schlepped home from The Bay.
The store also carries a small selection of lovely brands like my newly beloved, hard-to-find Brooklyn niche perfume brand, CB I Hate Perfume ($85--$115) and Maryam Keyhani's elaborate necklaces ($300--$400), along with Lilliput Hats and a selection of ça va de soi and American Vintage cashmere.
It's not as convenient as its old College Street location, but Ewanika's new home is worth a visit.
Comments (3)
I know this designer's work really well, have been buying her pieces for years. I'm pleased to see her getting well-deserved press.
However, I must disagree with your "stuffy" comment, which I think may be a common misconception for this designer by people who know more about Anne Klein and Jones NY than they do about Alberta Ferreti and Miuccia Prada.
It is my opinion that you have to try one of her pieces on to see the amazing-ness instead of assuming it's "conservative".
Ewanika is true sartorial talent, one of Canada's finest in my opinion. I'm always a bit starstruck when I go into her shop and she is there!
Actually Ewanika's clothes would be perfect at The Bay alongside Filippa K and Antik Batik. Get out much, Briony?
I used to think that about AK, and especially JNY, until I did some shopping research at the new Jones Apparel Group boutique concept store on Yonge in Yonge-Lawrence Village called "Tique." A JAG rep told me AK has hired a new designer and that the look is more 'haute' than ever before ... have to say I'd agree after checking out the fall collections a few weeks back. Even the Jones stuff is edgier, though clearly destined for a mature market. And the Bay's fashion departments, I gotta say, are changing big time under the leadership of new President & CEO Bonnie Brooks ...
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