For most of its 20-plus year history, Gravitypope had only been a fixture of Western Canada’s shopping scene — until now. With its first Eastern Canada location opening in Toronto late last year at the foot of Ossington, this label-heavy boutique is the only Gravitypope outpost housing both clothing and footwear for men and women under the same roof.
With a two-storey space to fill (not to mention the décor items tucked away in the basement), the shop comes across as a miniature department store with a well-honed aesthetic. Designer Peter Turner has dressed the space in various antique finds, sourced from around the globe: ’20s French chandeliers punctuate the ceilingscape, and an art deco staircase hailing from the Paramount Theatre in Buenos Aires invites shoppers up to the second level.
Having started out as a shoe shop, we’re told they usually have around 1,000 (yes, one thousand) pairs on hand with labels such as Frye, Toms and Dr. Martens lining the shelves, along with the house line. For men, Italian-made Mr. Hare shoes are a classic and well-made option; for women, fresh picks include the quirky Cydwoq line and colourful heels from Chie Mihara.
Clothing-wise, recent arrivals include a playful Peter Jensen shell dress ($625) and a pair of bold floral trousers from Jil Sander ($490). Best of all was a Boy. by Band of Outsiders leather harness, modeled after the upper portion of a pair of overalls ($790). For gents, Paul Smith suits with a slim cut have been popular, as have the classic woolen Pendleton button-downs (currently discounted at $69). Soon to come for spring is Billy Reid. Gravitypope has the exclusive on various labels: Stephan Schneider for both sexes, Kitsuné, Hussein Chalayan, Gary Graham and Christian Wijnants.
Accessories include bags by Japanese label Cornelian Taurus, oft featuring hardware salvaged from old ships, and jewellery by Milena Zu and Arielle de Pinto, another exclusive. We loved the latter’s delicate pieces: crafted from incredibly fine chains, the pieces possess a mystic, melancholic air, appearing to have been plucked from the murky depths of the ocean.
Undoubtedly, Gravitypope was worth the wait.
Gravitypope, 1010 Queen St. W., 647-748-5155
