There are a number of worthy places to open up a shop in Toronto, but for Niko Downie, the owner of new accessories shop Elevator, Parkdale was the only choice.
“It’s a mix of everyone and everything in Parkdale,” he says. “There are other neighbourhoods I like in Toronto, but in Parkdale, it’s really a worldly feel.”
Elevator opened its doors for a soft launch on March 21, letting loose its quirky accessories for both men and women. Other stores may clean you up and get you into an outfit, but visit Elevator if you want to get the final polish.
“I like the idea of finishing touches, things that can give your outfit a lift. I feel that details are what express your personality.”
Downie doesn’t have the typical resumé one would expect from the owner of a new shop. He worked in the digital technology field for a few years, both in the UK (where he’s from) and Toronto, before deciding to pursue his dream of opening a store.
Operating out of a 1,000-square-foot space, Elevator is spacious and modern, with a few antique touches. Currently, for the soft opening, only half the store’s space is being used, but the plan is to unveil the full floor plan for the grand opening in May.
The items in stock reflect Downie’s personality and his experiences as an avid cyclist and traveller. Bags from Annabel Ingall are cross-shoulder strapped to make them easy to carry while biking. On the tables and shelves, you’ll find bowties by UK designer Charles Olive, exclusive to Elevator, adorned with bold colour prints ($75). You’ll also find ties by Mountain and Sackett ($60-$75), one of the few brands that still manufactures its goods in New York.
But Downie knows that Toronto has some great brands within its borders as well. On the shelves are wallets from Varsity Brown, whose retail location is also a mere stones throw away from Elevator. The various sizes — $50, $60 and $70 — are encased in natural leather with a brass enclosure; they actually look better with some wear and tear.
There are also women’s care products from Leaves Of Trees, manufactured in Toronto with ingredients imported from Morocco.
Whether you’re a well-dressed man or woman, sometimes it’s just one final detail that takes your look from the ground floor to the penthouse.
Elevator, 1273 Queen St. West, 416 535 9671