Fashion Stores
Room 2046
Room 2046 is a "concept shop," which makes any attempt at classification seem largely futile. Let's see; it's a book store, graphic design studio, housewares boutique, clothing store, and espresso bar. Forgive me if I left something out.
The new "space" (let's leave it at that) recently opened on Yonge right at Summerhill. I meet owner Kumala Nio just days after opening, and she attempts to guide me through the inspiration behind opening Room 2046.
"I've done a lot of traveling and lived all over the world," she says, noting that Toronto has always been her home base. Born in Indonesia, Kumala tells me she's lived in the United States, studied in London (England, that is), and says she's always had a "burning desire" to somehow capture bits and pieces of the different places she has visited.
Those bits and pieces have formed the basis of her store, which was named for the 2004 Wong Kar-wai flick. We start at the front of the store, and Kumala introduces me to her favourite brands from Italy, Argentina, and beyond. "These bags are all handmade in Milan," she says, picking up a soft powder blue 72 Small Dive handbag ($284). The suede is incredibly soft and smooth, and dyed a variety of colours that are all available in store.
Next is the Kulkith footwear ($62-$78) from Indonesia, which straddle the line of shoe of sandal. Closed at the toe but open at the laces, the shoes offer a pop of colour and pattern to jazz up a neutral outfit. But as bright as they may be, I can't tear my eyes from the Thelermont Hupton "Handjob Hooks," ($175) which are wall hooks formed of common hand gestures. Sporting a shiny lacquered finish, there's the "thumbs up," "wave," and "peace sign."
"There's also one giving the middle finger," says Kumala, though unfortunately, she has not put that one on her store wall. Understandably.
Beyond the accessories and housewares are a carefully curated collection of books, which touch on world travel, photography, and design. "Things that I'm interested in — that we're all interested in," Kumala says, referring to her partners at the store. "And this," she says, holding up a book on Brazilian design."
Though much of Room 2046 is internationally sourced, the coffee is locally roasted. The shop will be serving cappuccinos, lattes, and other espresso drinks using Social coffee. "It's always better to browse around a store with a cup of coffee," says Kumala.
And indeed, there's plenty more to see. Kumala pulls out a few unisex Paris-based Bob Carpenter button-ups ($168) to show off, along with Canadian-designed Victor Banks bow ties ($45) and Juma printed tanks ($144). Many of the items can be seen in short film produced by Room 2046 itself, because — oh yes — they do that too.
"Toronto is still evolving," Kumala says. "And I see there's a lack of concept shops."
"This is all about merging retail with a creative space," she continues. "And I think people are ready."
Photos by Jesse Milns
Discussion
7 Comments
Sort By Oldest First / Newest First
Subscribe
The owner, Kumala and her barista, Chris I think, were very nice and professional, although the owner seemed to be busy with her laptop, a situation I come across in espresso bars from time to time. The barista knew his stuff and I quite enjoyed our conversation. The espresso was very interesting and good. When Social is good, it's quite good. I've had even better Social, but the cup was complex and worth every penny.
Room 2046 is a good addition to this otherwise strictly-for-locals stretch of Yonge. Too bad I'm moving to Ellesmere & Kennedy and will have to use a different dentist, depriving me of my regular visits to Summerhill Dentistry, just doors down from Room 2946.