While it seems as though Canadian soil is a breeding ground for some
of today’s hottest and most influential models—Jessica Stam, Coco
Rocha, Daria Werbowy—the country itself is also host to many
chic retail posts. With cutting-edge boutiques sprinkled nation-wide, it’s time to offer a shopping survey about neighbors
to the North.

Toronto:
Sydney’s: Located on hip Queen Street West, in the heart of Toronto’s downtown shopping mecca, Sydney’s is the young guy’s all-access guide to retail. Carrying everything from Band of Outsiders tailored button
down shirts to denim by NYC’s own BBlessing and a plethora of footwear ranging from the likes of Marc Jacobs and Opening Ceremony, the store is a little like a cross between Odin and Seven in New York. Owner Sydney Mamane successfully has everyone from advertising executives to hipsters taking notice.
Corbo Boutique: Toronto’s answer to New York’s Fifth
Avenue, Bloor Street, is home to 119 Corbo, a women’s-only boutique that stocks a full range of items from Yves Saint Laurent to Maison Martin Margiela, Rick Owens and Lanvin. With handbags and shoes that range from daytime to evening wear, owner Linda Perisa presents
high-end European fashion that is comfortable, wearable and
sustainable for Canadian weather. While designer prices accompany
designer goods, it is the intimate feel of 119 Corbo that’s helped
put it on the international fashion map.

TNT Blu: Hailed as a hybrid between Barney’s Co-Op and Fred
Segal, TNT
Blu knows how to dress the typical male and feamle trendsetter. With
a full range of mens and womens collections—including Great China Wall
and more studded goods than anyone ever needs in their closet—the store
can at times seem Kitson-esque. The only Canadian retail location to
stock RH Vintage, you can also find gems such as Play by
Comme des Garçons, Ksubi denim, Rag & Bone and Hanni Y within the
modern architectural space. Fashion forward, yet confined by the pages
of Us Weekly-style fashion, TNT Blu is for the younger Canadian
fashionista/fashionisto.

Vancouver:
Komakino: Komakino can be described as the wandering traveler—setting up shop in and around Vancouver’s various neighborhoods. Much like its constantly rotating locations, Komakino’s inventory changes frequently, but features a steady collection of top designers. With menswear by Damir Doma, Yohji Yamamoto, Ann Demeulemeester, The Viridi-Anne and Number (N)ine), Komakino is definitely for the unabashed male, who isn’t afraid to play with the art of getting dressed.

Montreal:
Michel Brisson: Situated in historic Old Montreal, Michel Brisson’s
store concept is modern, contemporary and spacious, with the garments acting as the focal point of the store. The staff is highly educated and impeccably dressed, Michel Brisson has been documented as a go-to store for those visiting the Montreal area. Mixing high end with contemporary—Margiela, Helmut
Lang, Earnest Sewn, Etro, Dries Van Noten—the store truly succeeds with its highly personalized service and exceptionally capable personnel.

Sydney’s
795 Queen Street West
Toronto, ON

Corbo Boutique
131 Bloor Street West, The Colonnade
Toronto, ON

TNT Blu
55 Avenue Rd
Toronto, ON

Komakino
111b E Pender St.
Vancouver, BC V6J 5L1

Michel Brisson
1012 Laurier O
Montreal, QC

—Yale Breslin