With wedding season sneaking up behind us, many Toronto brides-to-be are anxiously searching for the perfect dress. Before turning into a Bridezilla, they may want to check out bridal gown designer Sarah Houston’s new Yorkville salon, her first in Canada, which opened last week.
The unique layout and décor of the two-level store has been carefully designed to create a comfortable and intimate experience for future brides. The main floor showroom has a Moulin Rouge-vibe to it, with crystal chandeliers and wrought ironwork. Upstairs, a softer, boudoir-feel showroom — complete with a runway — awaits the brides.
Why the runway? Because “most brides don’t see themselves walk down the aisle before their wedding day,” says owner and designer Sarah Houston. And besides, “they get to feel like a diva.” Seating is staged around the runway where members of the bridal party can give their thumbs-up (or down) while sipping on cups of tea or coffee.
In addition to all the pampering, the Toronto location is the only one that carries Sarah Houston’s private collection of dresses that are not shown on the website. Sarah herself is at the store “90 per cent of the time” to help those who seek advice on which gown works best for them. “They may not always take my advice, but I’m here,” she says.
Sarah Houston Signature Salon, 24 Hazelton Avenue, 416-921-8882