We recently caught up with the team at gravitypope Toronto to chat about what they're looking forward to in spring, their favourite spots in the neighbourhood, and some of their top clothing selects available in store.
Photography by Storm Luu
Tell us something you love about the neighbourhood you live in.
I arrived from Paris about 8 months ago and I find that my neighbourhood is very dynamic: café, restaurant, shop... The positive point is that all my friends live next door.
What are some trends you’re seeing for spring?
I saw a lot on the podiums: - 90's trend with the XXL blazer, the return of low-waisted but oversized jeans or pencil skirt - The color red - The ballerina or small ultra-flat shoe.
If you had to eat a meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
I have a lot of dishes in mind, but I would say the traditional Congolese dish that my mother often made me, no one can make this dish better than her ❤️.
What does a day of your life look like on a hot spring day in Toronto?
I have not yet been able to live the spring in Toronto but I would say: an exhibition day and then sit in a café with friends.
Tell us something you love about the neighbourhood you live in.
I love living in the east end of Toronto, specifically my neighbourhood of Little Ethiopia. I love it because it still hasn't been super gentrified, unlike other cultural pockets in Toronto and it is also within walking distance to Greektown and Little India making it accessible to experience diverse cultures. The cheaper rent also helps : )
What have you been listening to, reading, or watching lately?
I've been listening to a lot of shoegazey bands like Whirr and Ovlov, but also, I've been into 2000's era RnB listening to artists like Musiq Soulchild, Joe and many others.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
My one meal for the rest of my life would be pizza with pesto sauce and pineapple : )
What have you been listening to, reading, or watching lately?
Below Deck Med, Below Deck Sailing Yacht, Below Deck Down Under.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Potatoes because: mashed potatoes, fries, potato chips, hash browns and tater tots. I also really like passion fruits.
Are you looking forward to anything in spring?
I’m really looking forward to knitting in the park on a blanket in my socks with my cat, Soup.
What is a favourite item from the shop that you have been coveting?
It has to be my Isabel Marant Étoile Kristen Puffer Jacket. I’ve gotten so many compliments on it. Keeps me bundled up all throughout winter!
What have you been listening to, reading, or watching lately?
Lots of NTS Radio shows, ISO Radio shows, and a bunch of mixes on Soundcloud. The latest from Drake, Kanye and Cash Cobain. For shows, a lot of random YouTube videos and the new Mr. & Mrs. Smith.
What does a day in your life look like on a warm spring day in Toronto?
Wake up, make a smoothie, light breakfast, egg, bacon, and toast. Spend a good 1-2 hours on TikTok. Link with a friend, and get some food. Grab an afternoon coffee. Go walk around the neighbourhood. Hit up the Sauna and Ice Bath at Othership. If anybody twists my arm, I would not be opposed to grabbing a drink at Bowie. :)
Are you looking forward to anything in spring?
Hoping to DJ more frequently. Check out cool and fun events/concerts!!
What have you been listening to, reading, or watching lately?
Majid Jordan's album Good People / Afterhours
Tell us something you love about the neighbourhood you live in.
Walking past the smell of jerk chicken cooking in the charcoal-burning BBQ drums on Eglinton West and liaising with small business owners.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Curry Shrimp with white rice and roti because it is a Caribbean staple packed full of flavour.
Are you looking forward to anything in spring?
THE SUN
What are some trends you’re seeing for spring?
I try to keep my finger on the pulse, but trends often slip away from me. That being said, I really like the idea of dark purple making its way into people’s wardrobes. I also hope the trend cycle slows down a little bit and we learn to appreciate timeless clothes.
What is a favourite item from the shop that you have been coveting?
There is a new Beams Plus Harris Tweed blazer that just landed online, and I want to get my hands on it. As always, I have been keeping a watchful eye on the Beams Plus Harris Tweed Patchwork Balmancaan jacket. Harris tweed is a first-rate fabric, and it should be in everybody’s spring rotation.
What have you been listening to, reading, or watching lately?
I have been listening to, as usual, the greatest band of all, The Stone Roses. Confrontation by Bob Marley and the Wailers has found its way into my daily listening. I am also revisiting the old hardcore bands I used to listen to as a much younger individual, bands like Youth of Today and the Bad Brains. Reading-wise, I’m currently halfway through an expansive Robert Frost poetry collection and the first volume of The History of Sexuality by Foucault. I pretty much only watch European football, Seinfeld, the new season of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and a wide breadth of Bravo masterpieces.
What does a day in your life look like on a warm spring day in Toronto?
As a graduate student, I spend too much time indoors, in libraries, and behind a screen, so I try to find time to read on a patio or in a dry park. There is nothing better than reading on a patio and drinking a cold pint or a coffee, mood depending.
What have you been listening to, reading, or watching lately?
My winter listening has mostly consisted of Bill Withers and the Rolling Stones, specifically the albums + ‘Judgments and Emotional Rescue. As for television, I've recently discovered House and have been watching that quite a bit.
If you had to eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
Nothing is better than a bowl of oatmeal with some berries in it, the best way to start the day.
What does a day in your life look like on a warm spring day in Toronto?
Wake up, make coffee, soak up some sun with my cat Jeff, find a park or gallery I haven’t been to, and go exploring. This city is huge so there’s always something to get up to.
