Dayton Boots

These boots are made for walking, and so much more.  Dayton Boots, established in Vancouver, British Columbia in 1946, has become the little company that could. It began as a maker of logging boots, but has since expanded into the realm of Western and Motorcycle for both men and women. Daytons have become known as one of the best brands of Boots the world over.

Each boot is made meticulously by hand and the company even offers a lifetime warranty on them. Some of their most famous and popular designs include the Black Beauty (pictured above) and the Classic Engineer. Because Daytons are easily resoled and reconditioned, it’s no surprise that some pairs last for over a quarter century!

For more information visit - daytonboots.com.

Neighbourknowledge.com

Want to know what’s going on in a neighbourhood before moving in?  Now, it’s possible with neighbourknowldge.com, a website that allows anyone to get the 411 instead of dialing 911 when already living there. 

In other words, this site is an online meeting place for locals to share their knowledge about their communitites.  Currently based in the Toronto area, the neighbourhoods covered include those from east to west, north to south.

Pages can be added for anything - a business, school, community group, etc. - and conversations can start with ’neighbours’ about the topic at hand.

Additionally, viewers can explore neighbourhoods, homes, know what’s going on, and meet locals (at least, virtually).

Although still in its infancy, neighbourhoodknowledge.com is one of the easiest ways to visit a new place without leaving the comfort of one’s own computer.

For more information, visit - neighbourknowledge.com.

John Fleuvog

Shoes. Let’s get some shoes.

John Fluevog shoes, that is. Freshly opened this month is John Fluevog’s world headquarters which popped up in his old stomping grounds of Gastown in Vancouver, BC. Back in the 1970s, Fluevog set up shop along these cobblestone streets only to become one of the world’s most popular shoe designers, with fans ranging from Madonna and Marilyn Manson to Robert Altman and the Scissor Sisters.

Some have called his work “rebellious footwear” while others call the art-deco inspired styles “fashionable yet functional.” Either way, his shoes are a mainstay on the international footwear scene and with the new flagship store open, he’s making himself quite at home.

The store itself is a magnificent two story parking lot turned cathedral with huge glass windows overlooking Vancouver’s railyards and the North Shore mountains as a backdrop. With displays made from “reclaimed old growth wood, propped up by salvaged pipe from the Alaska pipeline,” the space is environmentally conscious as well as beautiful. Portuguese shoe leather adorns the back wall while a “Green Wall” is being planned where plants will grow up the side of the neighbouring building.

For more information visit - fluevog.com.

L’Oreal Toronto Fashion Week

Whether or not you’re interested in fashion, inevitably you face it on a daily basis while glimpsing into the closet to choose something to wear for the day.

Now in its seventh year, L’Oreal Toronto Fashion Week (March 17-22) brings together a coterie of designers, models, hair and makeup people, photographers, media, fashionistas and fabulistias to the city where they’ll watch a week’s worth of runway shows - most being held in the tents of Nathan Phillips Square.

 

Toronto may not be as well-known as some of the more established capitals of fashion (Paris, Milan, New York), but its youthful spirit allows prevails in the highly-competitive world of design.

It’s not as if there isn’t any established talent exhibiting their collections on the runways.  People like David Dixon and Joeffer Caoc have helped put Toronto on the map as a destination of Canadian style.  Additionally, there are always new designers trying to make a name for themselves on these runways.

Fortunately, fashion fiends who want to take part in the festivities but fears the exclusive nature of the industry won’t allow them to enter the tents, can take part in the festivities.  Single show tickets are available for $20 (while full-day general passes are $50) and allows any style aficionado to see what the cognoscenti will be drooling over.

For more information visit - lorealfashionweek.ca.

Arthur Erickson

Vancouver-born and world-reknowned architect, Arthur Erickson, recently took a hit when his 1962 Graham house was demolished in West Vancouver.  Modernists raged against the developer who made the decision, saying it was an atrocity to tear down a house that is one of the few remaining pieces of modern, Canadian design.

Apparently, the truth of the matter was that the house had become a Frankenstein-esque home, with features (like an elevator) being added over the years, taking over the magic of the original design.  Even so, the site was historic and it begs the question of when private property should be preserved for its heritage. 

Erickson’s other houses have sprung up around North America, including New York’s Fire Island House.

To see more of Erickson’s work, check out his Web site before that, too, gets torn down.

For more information visit - arthurerickson.com.

JP Purveyors Home

Asian influcences have been a staple in design for more than a decade.  But, there are few stores that manage to combine these elements in a modern context.

JP Purveyors Home sources fully-refurbished and rebuilt Chinese country furnishings and accessories, in addition to carrying a vast array of affordable non-antique gift items, accessories and home fashions from around the world.

Amongst the antiques are an edited selection of armoires, chests, cabinets, chairs, occasional tables, and sideboards.  Each unique piece has been hand-selected and expertly finished by craftsmen in China before arriving in the store.  Since they’re a direct importer, they’re able to offer pieces at lower prices - enabling shoppers to enjoy a piece or two in their homes.

 

JP Purveyors Home believes that creating a beautiful and comfortable home is important.  Home is a place where you love, a place that will contain some pieces from this store.

For more information visit - 634 Queen Street West (Toronto, Ontario), or jppurveyors.com.

Brothers Dressler

Twin brothers, Jason and Lars Dressler, have always shared an interest in building and have been working together since 2003 on custom-designed furniture, unique projects, batch productions, and one-off pieces.

Approaching design as engineers and craftsmen, the brothers focus on sustainable processes and materials to bring their work to life.  Their efforts result in works which evoke a sense of harmony between the natural and industrial worlds.

What stands out amongst their several pieces (which include tables, benches, etc.) is their onedge series:  a line which uses plywood on its edge to create form, structure, and comfort.

The cantilevered design of the onedge rocker offers slight flex and movement.  The onedge lounge (now in its fifth generation), is comprised of repeated elements which are bolted together without the use of adhesives.  Designed for relaxation, the cantilevered base offers flexibility and bounce for added comfort.

Both designs are available with or without arms, while the lounge can be accompanied by an ottoman which can also be used on its side as a table or stool.

Due to their environmentally-friendly mandate, any excess materials from their onedge series is transformed into cutlets and bracelets.

For more information visit - brothersdressler.com.

Hollace Cluny

There are few home and design stores that make people want to buy everything in stock as long as their credit card is accepted.  Hollace Cluny is such a store.

Having been in business for over 10 years, Hollace Cluny understands that good design is based on inspiration, meticulous attention to detail, and perseverance.

Upon entering, nothing is out of place, yet everything is comfortable and non-threatening to touch and hold.

The store provides inspiring design solutions while offering service that goes above and beyond.  Their sales associates are an integral part of the business, providing personalized and professional service.  There is no attitude here.  Everyone is both passionate and highly knowledgeable about design.

Hollace Cluny is an authorized dealer of Knoll, Canadian design icon, Martha Sturdy, Simon Pearce (glassware), and Georg Jensen (stainless/steel works) - to name a few.

Scattered throughout the store are beautifully-upholstered furniture pieces from interior designer and telebvision personality, Sarah Richardson.  There is a selection of sofas, chairs, ottomans, etc. that will last the test of time (at least, style-wise).

Even though there are pricey items available, there are a lot of designer finds that won’t hurt someone’s credit card.  Sometimes buying a letter opener is enough to make someone feel like a million bucks when slashing through a Visa envelope.  Almost.

For more information visit - 1070 Yonge Street (Toronto, Ontario), or hollacecluny.ca.

Marlon Durrant

There’s nothing quite as luxurious as having something custom-made.  It’s designed to the specifications of one person and no one else.

From the initial consultation to the final fitting, a Marlon Durrant client is guarenteed a shirt that will fit his/her body type, and will appeal to his/her sense of style.   Durrant takes great care with the details:  cuffs, collars, and monogram styles are talked over with the client to suit his/her personal needs.

There is an endless selection of colours, textures, and patterns to choose from.  The fabrics range from two-ply cotton and linen, to silk and voile imported from Italy.

Every step of the way, the client is consulted in order to create something that is truly one-of-a-kind.  And, that is true luxury.

For more information visit - marlondurrant.com

EQ3

The concept of high style and low prices comes together in Winnipeg-based EQ3’s line of furniture and accessories.

Their spacious Toronto showroom resembles a two-story loft seen in magazines:  extra high ceilings, exposed ductwork, natural finishes, and tall windows that fill the place with natural light. 

The set up is that of a really laid-back and cool condo.  Throughout the store are small room vignettes - a living room over here, a dining room over there, and a bedroom in between.   Styles have a modern slant, but transitional in nature.  The fabrics are neutral, the finishes dark, and the textures varied. 

EQ3 also carries sleek office furniture (the Bensen office chair, inspired by a Herman Miller design, is a steal at $399), a wall of tableware and glassware, linens for the table and bed, and accessories. 

Selection is key at EQ3.  There are a variety of pieces that can be placed in any home – classic or contemporary.  It’s difficult to choose just one thing to take home, so it’s best to come back several times. 

For more information visit - 222 King Street West (Toronto, Ontario), or eq3.com.