It’s another exciting time in Bloor-Yorkville in terms of new openings! With several exciting fashion, lifestyle, and fitness boutiques opening over the summer, almost all of which are the first in Canada, it seemed like a good time to recap some of the changes to the neighbourhood. It’s the perfect season to spend a day in Bloor-Yorkville enjoying our patios, art galleries, and coffee shops, so we invite you to come out and explore these exciting new retailers for the perfect day of shopping, dining, and more!
New Fashion, Lifestyle, and Fitness Openings in Bloor-Yorkville
John Elliot, Diptyque, Swarovski, Veronica Beard, VRAI, and Rumble Boxing
John Elliott
83 Yorkville Avenue
John Elliott brings a California cool to the neighbourhood with his namesake label. This is the brand’s first international flagship and only the sixth physical store! The space itself is worth a visit for its design elements, including Japanese white tile, a natural rock garden, and bamboo plants throughout. The clothing, targeting a younger demographic, is inspired by Southern California basketball and skate culture, and is made in Los Angeles, Italy, and Japan, with fabrics sourced and produced globally. John Elliot has emerged over the last decade as a promising designer, previously collaborating with Nike, The Gap, and the City of Los Angeles. The Bloor-Yorkville boutique will feature both men’s and women’s collections, including clothing and accessories, and is an exciting new opening for the area.
Diptyque
111 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto
Luxury candle and fragrance lovers will be thrilled to know Yorkville Ave is now home to a free-standing Diptyque boutique! For those unfamiliar, Diptyque began in Paris in 1961 to showcase the founder’s fabric designs. Gradually transforming into a world of its own, the store soon boasted a one-of-a-kind repertoire of fragrances, all bearing the brand’s signature black lettering on the iconic oval label (many people collect the candle holders as home décor, long after the candles have burned out). The new Bloor-Yorkville boutique delivers a modern take on the original store, paying homage to the brand’s rich heritage and iconic collections. The next time you’re looking to treat yourself or a loved one, be sure to stop by and have the team guide you through a true Parisian scent experience! Don’t forget to ask about custom engravings for an extra-special gift idea.
Swarovski
55 Bloor Street West
The Bay and Bloor Street corner just became even more sparkling! Swarovski recently opened a brand new space next door to the Birk’s flagship. The new space is one of very few Swarovski “Instant Wonder” boutiques, which feature an immersive experience through unique décor concepts, including shapes, textures, and colour. Stop by to explore signature jewelry, watches, accessories, and decorations. Whether you’re choosing something for now or window shopping for the future, the added sparkle is sure to brighten your day!
VRAI
111 Yorkville Ave
On the topic of all things sparkling, when it comes to innovation, the jewelry industry is going through a major shift with the introduction of laboratory-grown diamonds and gemstones! VRAI, a Los Angeles-based lab-grown diamond brand, has opened their very first Canadian storefront in Bloor-Yorkville! This exciting addition to the neighbourhood brings a more accessible option to those shopping for engagement rings, wedding bands, and other fine jewelry. With only a handful of North America showrooms, we’re thrilled to welcome to this innovative brand to the community. Currently, they are operating by appointment only, which you can book online.
Veronica Beard
111 Yorkville Ave
Another first for Canada is the new Veronica Beard boutique! This is a fantastic new addition to the unique womenswear boutiques in the area (and a favorite of both Gwyneth Paltrow and Meghan Markle, much like the nearby Sentaler boutique). The brand features collections of “cool classics,” designed for a multitasking woman. Veronica Beard pieces are defined by impeccable tailoring and are designed to be interchangeable, creating an effortless and versatile wardrobe. Of opening a store in the area, co-founder Veronica Miele Beard says “Toronto happens to be one of our favourite cities, with an energy unlike any other. We wanted VB Toronto to capture the distinct spirit of Veronica Beard as well the spirit of Toronto — warm, lived-in and inviting.” This new opening is a welcome addition to the unique womenswear retailers in the area.
Rumble Boxing
1235 Bay Street
Ontario’s first Rumble Boxing Studio recently opened at 1235 Bay Street. Described as a “fight club meets nightclub,” Rumble offers high-intensity boxing workouts with the powerful platform of group fitness. The studio places an emphasis on community-building, encouraging those of all levels to join in whether you’re brand new or a seasoned expert. Classes run about 50 minutes long and are music focused, so students “punch to the beat” of high energy playlists.
For the perfect cross-training, Rumble offers two types of bootcamp classes, designed to complement the boxing classes. While it might sound intimating to join a boxing class, Rumble ensures all students are welcome (you can view their first timer tips here) and will help you set up for glass with hand wraps and gloves.