When Holt Renfrew held a preview of its fall 2011 collection early last week, among the big announcements replete with internationally familiar names (Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Rachel Zoe), there was a unique — and local — standout: the exciting collaboration between Preloved and Holts. The Toronto-based eco-friendly clothing line is teaming up with Canada’s leading specialty retailer in a one-of-a-kind partnership that will surely endear itself to fashionistas with a conscience.
This isn’t the first time that the two stores have worked together — Holts having previously created pop-up boutiques for the vintage up-cycled label in its stores. However, this is the first wholly original line that Preloved has created exclusively for the luxury retail giant. The alliance came from a “mutual respect for one another,” CEO and Preloved founder Julia Grieve tells us.
The exclusive eight-piece collection includes everything from this fall’s to-die-for shorts to oversized cardigans and woolen dresses, all created from sustainable clothing but with a fashion forwardness that will appeal to both the Queen Street crowd and the uptown Holts clientele. As Grieve says, “Sustainability is our philosophy, but our passion has always been design. We have always had a ‘design first’ approach to our clothing, and this collection is really no different.”
The long Miss Ellie sweater and the Zazie with leather from the Preloved for Holt Renfrew collection
When asked if there is another collection with Holts in the works, Grieve is coy, but she does offer that the new venture is an indicator of future collaborations for Preloved. “Collaborations are an amazing way to join forces and create great buzz. [It] always helps keep creativity and excitement up for both sides,” says Grieve.
The Preloved for Holt Renfrew clothing line will be sold exclusively at Holt Renfrew starting July 2011. Grieve’s favourite piece? The Zazie with leather: “a classic piece that you won’t want to take off.”
Preloved, 881 Queen St. W., 416-504-8704
Holt Renfrew, 50 Bloor St. W., 416-922-2333