Emporium by I Miss You, the latest vintage offering on Ossington, has opened up in the space formerly occupied by Philip Sparks’ pop-up shop. The tiny store is the doing of Julie Yoo, owner of next-door’s I Miss You Vintage. Prior to opening her boutique — which serves up a combo of vintage and designer consignment pieces — Yoo was in the antiques business for 15 years. With Emporium, she is returning to her roots and opening a store that specializes in Victorian-era and Art Deco fashion, accessories and design.
The emporium carries pieces like lockets ($199) and old-style ambrotype images (from $95) that date from as early as the American Civil War, and Yoo says that the collection has been amassed slowly over the years. There are, however, a few exceptions to the rule: a pair of seemingly Victorian booties is, in fact contemporary ($40). Yoo points out another set — complete with buttoned spats — but notes that finding a pair of modern ankles to fit genuine Victorian shoes is a rather impossible feat.
True antique clothing is becoming increasingly difficult to find at all — let alone in good condition. At present, much of the store is devoted to accessories, as many of the garments were snapped up immediately after it opened last month.
There is, though, a selection of clothing available. In the window, a men’s wool jacket from a morning suit is draped over a mannequin; rounding out the set is a vest and a pair of pinstriped trousers, both of which are hidden in the back ($149).
For the ladies, a Victorian velvet bodice features a row of steel buttons down the front, and lace peeks out from under the collar and cuffs ($325). Additionally, we found a Victorian marabou and ostrich cape perched in the corner ($225) and a delicate Edwardian camisole spun from white lace and silk ($40).
Standout accessories included a pair of antique glove stretchers ($40) and an amber-coloured Art Deco necklace crafted from Czechoslovakian glass. La pièce de résistance? A turquoise Navajo squash-blossom necklace that’s a personal piece of Yoo’s — the price for that is available only on request.
Emporium by I Miss You, 63 Ossington Ave., 416-916-7021.