The Best New Fashion Stores in Toronto, 2011

The best new fashion stores in Toronto from 2011 pull from a variety of styles, trends, regions, and even decades. Some of the best of the new boutiques of 2011 source from as far as Korea, Italy, and France, while others stick to merchandise that can be shipped via TTC. Curation and selection is obviously key, as these shop owners strive to keep stock low so that you, beloved customers, can maintain that air of originality.

The concept of the typical fashion store also shifted in 2011, with one shop actually serving more as a concept space, and another opting to merge the cafe and shopping experience into one. Guess you can leave that aging travel mug at home.

Here is the list of the best new fashion stores in Toronto.

See also:

The best new fashion stores in Toronto 2010
The best new fashion stores in Toronto 2009

Lost & Found

Coffee and shopping combined. It’s a wonder it took until 2011 for something like Lost & Found to emerge. (Unless, of course, I’m omitting an obvious alternative.) Friends Zai Rajkotwala, Jonathan Elias, and Justin Veiga came up with the idea to combine Metropolis coffee with comfortable, casual clothing for men and women, including exclusive Canadian rights to Charlotte Ronson designs. More »

Bicyclette Boutique

A little bit Midsummer Night’s Dream, a little bit romantic novel, and lots of patterns and lace. Paige Boersma opened Bicyclette Boutique in West Queen West after a couple of successful pop-ups and a still-thriving online shop. Boersma buys items in painfully limited quantities, so if you spot your fairytale dress at Bicyclette, it’s best to snatch it up before someone else does. More »

Woodlawn

Woodlawn garnered attention quickly with its fabulous WeWood watches made from Italian wood, but kept customers coming in for its structured, functional clothing for both men and women. Ainaz Maleko and Jen Kim opened Woodlawn in 2011 with the intention of bringing some practical style to Dundas West, so don’t expect frills or ribbons. More »

Gaspard

Mercy designers Richard Lyle and Jennifer Halchuk opened their own retail shop October 2011 in West Queen West, calling it Gaspard for a 1974 French film. The team scours Europe for unique, beautiful garments from brands such as Jamin Puech, Roberto Collina, and Ascher London, adding pieces from their own Mercy line. The shop also offers Lili Sac handbags, created by Laurie Anderson who works in the back studio. More »

V by 69 Vintage

69 Vintage Collective had become quite a venerable force in Toronto’s vintage scene by 2011, so no better a time for owner Kealan Sullivan to unveil her new vintage concept store. V by 69 Vintage is part gallery, part retail store, showcasing a thematic collection of vintage pieces (clothing, accessories, and housewares) that is swapped for something entirely new each month. More »

Durumi & Chocolate Shoes

Two stores in one with an incredible selection of printed leggings and bow-adorned flats. Most of the merchandise is imported from Korea, available either in androgynous tomboy or pretty and petite. There is no in between. Durumi has a great collection of unique brassy rings and accessories. More »

Magwood

Sarah Magwood opened her vintage boutique on Dundas West in spring 2011. Unlike some stores that stick with pieces from one eras or the next, Sarah’s choice selections span centuries, nevermind decades. In any case, you can usually find the best pieces in Magwood on Sarah herself. More »

A2Zane

After seeing success with a series of pop-ups, Zane Aburaneh found a permanent home for his handbag boutique in 2011. As always, structure and style are key for Zane, who sources bags and accessories by brands including Rebecca Minkoff, Juma, Matt & Nat, Cambridge Satchel Company, and Amanda Lee Kew. Look for new pop-ups at the back of his store. More »

Riant Boutique

Lower Bathurst has clearly been on the up and up the past few years, with shops such as Gotstyle and Thor Espresso opening in 2010, and, of course, the Thompson Hotel. Riant Boutique joined the south-of-King club in 2011, offering Maxine Waters’ carefully curated collection of women’s clothes and accessories. Rebecca Taylor is big at Riant, as well as pretty much anything clean, cool, and contemporary. More »