For those fashion mavens who crave cozy boutique shopping along Queen Street West rather than the mass-market big guns like Zara and H&M, your wish has been granted: Stacey Zhang’s new eponymous flagship store opened its doors last week. Located between Spadina and John, the Montreal-based women’s designer hopes to bring a unique and personalized shopping experience to the area. Already, the store seems to be just what the stylish strip was missing.
The response to the new boutique so far has been “great,” says Zhang. “We have a great clientele in Toronto and they appreciate we’re here.” Bringing back boutique shopping to Queen Street amid the high-traffic stretch of chains was a risk, but it seems to be one that was worth taking. “Our clients were surprised to see us in this area,” admits Zhang. “But they like the difference. They like seeing a local designer here and they like our personalized service.” That personalized service extends to in-depth product knowledge, which helps customers learn more about the ecologically sound and sustainable fabrics used in the clothing.
The Toronto boutique will also offer regular clientele cocktail parties and shopping events, just like her Montreal boutique does. When asked the difference between how Torontonians dress compared to Montrealers, Zhang says, “In Montreal, the people are more European, more relaxed. Torontonians are go-getters. Their style is more business-like, but with an edge.” Still, Zhang strives to cater to both markets. “The goal is to design clothes every woman can wear, from work to night. The clothes are professional but with an edge to create versatility.”
As for her picks from her Spring 2011 Collection? Zhang likes the wax cotton trench because “you can wear it anywhere.”
Stacey Zhang, 292 Queen Street West, 647-346-2889
