With the arrival of several new restaurants and stores in the past year, the Ossington strip continues to set the standard for all that’s hip. The latest addition is Annie Aime (which is French for “Annie likes”), a European-inspired boutique that encompasses menswear, womenswear and its owner’s passion for good design.
“The store is all about what I love,” says owner Annie Mesenge. “When I travel through Europe and North America and I find something interesting, I will bring it to the store. They have to be unique, wearable and something that will never fall out of style.”
Mesenge is no novice to the retail business. Fifteen years ago she opened the French Accents boutique in Yorkville, which still operates today. But where French Accents was strictly image consulting, Annie Aime gives Mesenge the room to further explore her creativity while interacting with customers on the spot.
“The idea is that the store will change constantly depending on my creative mood. At this point in my life I just want to have fun with a store, be in touch with what’s hip,” says Mesenge. “I picked the Ossington strip for this exact reason. If you’re shopping here, you’re hip. From age 19 to even age 60, when they’re on Ossington, they’re at the forefront of fashion.”
Upon entering, one is struck with the store’s spaciousness and warmth. Design firm +tongtong has given the 800-square-foot space a unique look, featuring off-kilter racks and stacked bricks at the center of the floor that serve as a shoe display (whilst simultaneously anchoring the room). The graffiti on the walls and floor — designed by local artist Pascal Paquette — lends an air of playfulness to the space.
Annie Aime carries more than few exclusive labels, but it’s Italy’s Veeshoo and Saisei that stand out. Veeshoo’s lightweight traveling shoes are smart, yet casual enough for cocktail hour or for strolling through town ($395 for men, $335 for women).
Some of her top sellers have been the waxed bags by Saisei, which are made from recycled army tents ($300-$450). Among some of the other goods are skin care products from Toronto’s own Crawford Street, and fragrant organic tea by Løv Organic. Not to be outdone by other labels, Mesenge is also aiming to release her own T-shirt line this summer.
“It’s not about brand names here. It’s about designers that are doing something different, unusual and interesting,” says Mesenge.
The store is currently in its soft-launch phase, but it will have its grand opening in May.
Annie Aime, 42 Ossington Ave., 416-840-5227
