Asics Opens First Canadian Flagship
The Japanese athletic brand, widely recognized for their footwear has started global expansion by opening new flagship locations. Following the opening of a flagship in Manhattan in December, Canada is joining the Asics crew with a 4,400 square foot, two-level Asics store on Queen Street West in Toronto. Sports-geared brands are becoming more prominent on this popular Toronto Street. The new Asics store is surrounded by the likes of Lululemon, Adidas and Reigning Champ and will be joined by a new Mountain Equipment Co-op location later in 2018.
Canadian Beauty Brand Launches into Retail
Toronto-based beauty guru, Brittny Robins has teamed up with retail expert, Bonnie Brooks to launch her skincare brand, Flawless by Friday into retail. They will be participating in 14 different pop-ups across Canada this month in popular areas in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Winnipeg. Since 2015, when Robins founded her beauty brand, Flawless by Friday has been sold in approximately 100 retailers across North America, but this will be the first time the brand is stepping out on its own. Flawless by Friday combines effective skin-care ingredients with the simplicity of use to create confidence and “flawless” looking skin.
The World Waves Goodbye to Hubert de Givenchy
A great loss was felt in the fashion world this past Saturday when legendary designer, Hubert de Givenchy passed away in his home at age 91. The founder of the iconic fashion house, Givenchy, was famous for his elegant designs, his quintessential take on the “little black dress” and his creations worn by his friend and muse, Audrey Hepburn. Who could forget Audrey’s classic on-screen wardrobe from films like Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Funny Face? People will continue to look at his respected masterpieces and career as inspiration for years to come.
Kit and Ace Decreases Store Count in Canada
After closing all of its international locations in spring 2017, Canadian brand Kit and Ace has decreased its store count to just six locations and one coffee shop. Vancouver-based Chip Wilson and wife Shannon Wilson, the family that also owns Lululemon, founded Kit and Ace in July 2014 and took on a fast-tracked expansion internationally, bringing the store count to more than 60 stores globally. In March of last year, that number decreased to 41 stores around the world and the announcement came a month later in April 2017 that only nine Kit and Ace stores would remain open. Since then, locations in Edmonton, Calgary and Toronto have closed their doors as well. The six remaining stores are currently operating in Vancouver, Toronto, Calgary and Oakville.
Inspirational Image
Image courtesy of Who What Wear
By: Laura Findlay, Vancouver, @lofindlay