I attended the Magpie Shopping Party in June that was organized by The Style Box. Magpie was one of my favourite shows from Day 3 of |FAT|. However, up to this point I had never been in the store on Queen Street. The store is a combination of showroom and studio. There is also a really cute backyard patio.
Magpie was created 4 years ago by Cathy McDayter and Angela Mann. In addition to their ready to wear line they do custom work that fits with the Magpie aesthetic. Prices start at $300. They also will alter their garments to fit the customer on site.
Taking its inspiration from the exciting and vibrantly multicultural community of Toronto’s Queen Street West, Magpie Designs is all about exploring new ways to think about textile and design in women’s fashion. A partnership that began four years ago – Magpie Designs duo, Cathy McDayter and Angela Mann’s creations are not for those looking to be the wallflower of the party.
A diverse range of hand-made garments and accessories are singular and innovative in their employment of linens, hand-painted silks and leathers, antique textiles, and exotic beads. Their line of accessories put to use varied and exotic media in memorable combinations. Each garment is custom-fitted to the customer, allowing every client to experience the luxury of a one-of-a-kind Magpie Designs piece, including jackets, dresses, blouses, skirts, pants, coats, jewellery, belts, and scarves.
Magpie Designs’ unconventional collections are celebrated among many Canadian celebrities, including Ivana Santilli, Nadina Mackie Jackson, Guy Few, Sarrain Boylan, and is a favourite of internationally-renowned Soprano Measha Brueggergosman.
The slideshow below is of Magpie designs including images from the Day 3 of |FAT|.
Chasse Gardee has been on my shops to visit list since I heard a friend gushing over this great new store in the West end; Queen and Dovercourt to be exact. I finally got that chance. Lining the exposed brick wall was shoes. The selection was unique and eclectic. You probably won’t find any of the shoes here in any other stores in the city.
Yesterday, I posted about these earrings I got. Samara, Petitsbijoux, emailed me and asked if I received the package. I replied and said I did and that I loved them. She replied saying that maybe I’ll see you around wearing them. I really didn’t think that would happed, but it did and quickly.
I was walking to Ossington on Queen from The Drake Thursday evening and who do I run into; that’s right Samara! It was surreal, but very cool to meet the designer.
