Some of the hottest looks in town are being purchased at Toronto’s vintage markets, including a perennial fave — the Hippie Market. Hosted most months and home to some of the top vintage sellers in town, this is the place to be to shop vintage, sell vintage and live vintage. Meet nine vendors and designers who were dressed for success at last month’s market and get some outfit inspiration for your trip to the next one, happening on April 14-15.Â
Porschia Thomas, owner, French Toast Vintage
Wearing a vintage velvet blazer, dress from H&M and chunky platform boots, accessorized with gold jewelry.
Her vintage shopping advice: “Wear leggings and a tank top with an oversized sweater over top, so you can easily take it off and try stuff on.”
Daniel, designer, Rabek
Wearing thrifted purple pants with a 2011 Golf Wang shirt. Accessorized with a self-made hat from Rabek and Marni x Veja sneakers.
Favourite part of Toronto street style: “I love how open people are. I moved from Vancouver where a lot of people dress very minimally and you don’t see a lot of loud, out there outfits. But when you come to Toronto, in the streets you see a lot of people expressing themselves, wearing a lot of vibrant colours, and pushing the limits of fashion.”
Luna Lindsay, creator, Moonwix
Wearing a duster jacket from Toronto vintage shop Nouveau Riche Vintage, a vintage cami and jeans from H&M. Accessorized with a beret from Heirloom Hats and L’Intervalle boots.
Where she draws her style inspiration: “I don’t really look for a specific trend, I’m just inspired by my surroundings, so I think of my apartment, my home, colourful things. Since spring and summer is coming up I’m thinking of all the colours that are about to come out.”
Jill Bulger, owner, Sad but Rad Vintage
Wearing a blazer from Pic Vintage over a hand-dyed dress from September’s Vintage. Accessorized with a hat from Expo Vintage, thrifted loafers and Okie Dokie socks.Â
Favourite part of Toronto street style: “I love how everyone makes everything their own. I like to see something dainty mixed in with a bit of androgynous vibes to it.”
Tahrik Rodriques, designer, Look
Wearing an original Look bucket hat with chunky yarn sewn into the brim, Look chunky yarn tie-dye T, a Zara blazer and JW Anderson x Uniqlo sherpa trap pants.
Favourite part of Toronto vintage fashion: “I would have to say the fact that it’s so diverse. If I were to look around in here right now I would see a multitude of styles, styles that I myself am not familiar with. But the majority of the folks that come into these vintage events, they all seem to have their own individual styles. It’s a diverse melting pot of fashion.”
Genevieve Smith, owner, Gifts of Thrift
Wearing a cashmere sweater and pants from a Paris flea. Accessorized with sunglasses, custom El General cowboy boots, a Big Top Shop custom bag and 60-year-old vintage socks.
Style forecast for the spring: “Blazers with bras underneath because who needs a shirt? I’m really excited to see pants under dresses go away, I’m tired of it. I don’t think we all need to look like Ashley Tisdale, the moment’s gone. I love socks and sandals, comfort over all, and I’m really excited about looser silhouettes.”
Bobby Raffin, owner, Three Pieces Shop
Wearing original reworked snake embroidered pants and a scarf reworked into a tank top. Accessorized with measuring tape, gold hand earrings and a Christian Dior ring.
Style forecast for the warmer weather: “I feel like we’re going to a see a lot of swampcore for spring and summer, so you’re going to see a lot of Shrek-inspired fashion with this puke green, some crocodiles, some frogs — anything that lives in the swamp I think you’re going to see it for the warm weather.”
Kez Garber, owner, Papa Love Vintage
Wearing Y2K vintage camo pants and a ’70s thrifted T-shirt. Accessorized with a chain belt bought at the Hippie Market, a leather belt with real silver and a handmade harness.
Favourite part of Toronto street style: “There are no rules, you can just mix and match whatever the hell you want. As long as you feel good, you look good.”
Cecilia, owner, Regal Flare
Wearing a self-thrifted outfit intended to be comfortable for the market. She chose the purple blouse because it’s one of her favourite colours, and flowy overalls for easy movement.
The perfect thrift shopping outfit: “A nice long slip dress with a layered jacket to accentuate the waist and dress. I’m a dress lover so I always wear dresses, and they don’t hug the body too much.”
