Friday, July 23, 2010

Queen Street West (West Side) / Part Two

Continuing on from this previous Queen Street post, here are just a few more retail highlights along this west portion of Queen Street.
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"Delphic" is a beautiful Queen Street West boutique carrying the likes of Acne, Philip Sparks, Filippa K, and Rogan.
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But it also has your more vibrant options covered as well from the likes of Rockers NYC, Cassette Playa, and Alife. According to Toronto Life, it used to even carry some Henrik Vibskov stuff as well.
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This retail space was in fact brought to you by the very same people who honoured Toronto with Klaxon Howl. Being the unprepared loser I am, I forgot to find Klaxon Howl while I was there. But Delphic's a great place to visit nonetheless. A ton of interesting art books in there too!
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"Sydney's" is probably menswear's best retail experience in Toronto. They carry the most sought after labels in the world.
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Most of their stuff is that high-end gothic drape stuff; Rick Owens, M.A+, Julius, Boris Bidjan Saberi, Carol Christian Poell, and Julius. But they also carry stuff like Dries Van Noten and Jil Sander. You can also catch the latest issue of SOME/THINGS magazine in there as well.
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They're even linked in on infamous street style photographer Tommy Ton's website "Jak & Jill."
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However, their retail space was unfortunately damaged in a recent Queen Street fire started in Deluxe this past May. They have decided to move the shop across the street, hopefully opening the doors to their new 682 Queen Street West space this August.
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I never had the opportunity to visit their original space. But it looked beautiful from what I've seen.
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Roots has recently collaborated with Canadian artist Douglas Coupland on a limited edition collection, with some interesting retail spaces to go along with it. He's worked on a variety of fascinating art projects including this digital orca out in Vancouver.
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I was just passing by, and I saw this store called "Bigfoot." It didn't seem like anything too special, but I took a photo of it because the sign out front caught my attention. Plastered over the little 50% off sign is this paper that says $25 / pair. I don't know, but I think that gives a good indication of what the economy did to Toronto's sneaker shops.
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I want to finish off, with one of the few streetwear stores left in this area. This is Proper Reserve. It carries a wide range of 10.Deep, Mishka, and Acapulco Gold, along with vintage snapbacks and Polo pieces. Staff is friendly as well.
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So, that's all for now. I have one more post on Queen Street West coming up. After that, I'll probably have an opportunity to begin my coverage on New York City. So much incredible stuff I want to share on with you guys!

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