Toronto Vintage Society: golden era

We have hit the midway point for Toronto's film and celebrity event of the year -

The TORONTO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL!

When we think of film we instantly invoke dreamy visions of the golden era. TIFF helps us to bring that glamour to our city streets for 10 days every fall.

While most celebrities flock to snap up a modern designs, a select few hit up our vintage shops for a breathe of something unique....

No one dresses local celebs for TIFF better than the every-so-sweet and stylish Tao from Cabaret Vintage

The Cabaret Ladies (left to right): Lara Jean Chrostecki (2013 - but had to inlude this 1940s gown!), Katie Boland at the Producers Ball, Lara Jean again at the Producers Ball, Melanie Scrofano and Meghan Heffern.

The Cabaret Gents (left to right): Eric Johnson and Emmanual Kabongo

Here is a brief history of the event and how Toronto has become a respected force, helping to shape the world's cinematique landscape:

************

From www.TIFF.net

TIFF began in 1976 as the "Festival of Festivals," collecting the best films from other film festivals around the world and showing them to eager audiences in Toronto. That first year, 35,000 enthusiasts watched 127 films from 30 countries.

By 2012, those numbers have grown to feature 372 films from 72 countries, enjoyed by over 400,000 people. The Festival of Festivals (renamed the Toronto International Film Festival® in 1995) has introduced many of the world's great film artists to Toronto audiences. In the years that followed, many other artists have looked back on the Festival as the place where their films first reached a receptive audience and the foundations of their careers were built.

The secret of the Festival's success is its unique combination of two parallel festivals: one for a large audience passionate about film and one for the world's press and industry. The Festival also manages to be the launch pad for both big Hollywood films and art house cinema from around the world.

In 2010, TIFF opened TIFF Bell Lightbox, a unique centre for the appreciation of film in the heart of downtown Toronto. TIFF Bell Lightbox features five cinemas, two restaurants, major exhibitions, and learning and entertainment facilities. TIFF has remained committed to educating and broadening audiences, adding to the cultural richness of Canada’s community. Along the way, TIFF has become one of the most important and respected film institutions in the world.

************

We look to be inspired by the films, by the messages, the stories, the art of cinematography...but who can help themselves from wanting to catch a glimpse of the red carpet style?

When you do finally break down and "accidentally" sidle up King St - GLAMOUR is what you are hoping to find along the way. We hope to find a hint of that by-gone era...I mean if Hollywood can't bring it - who can?!

Here are some of the visiting Hollywood celebrities who chose to wear vintage inspired styles:

Julianne Moore (Still Alice) in a 60s inspired shift dress (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything) bravely wearing the colour of my dream 1950s kitchen...and pulling it off as only Eddie can! (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Jessica Chastain (Miss Julie) combines 60s black and white colour blocking with a 50s midi length (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Simon Pegg (Hector and the Search for Happiness) channeling an early fall in his tweeds (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Keira Knightly (The Imitation Game) wearing a glittering 50s/60s inspired dress (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Benedict Cumberbatch (The Imitation game) is sleek Blue suit, skinny tie could easily give Don Draper a run for his slick money (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Hailee Steinfeld (The Keeping Room) in a floor sweeping novelty print

(credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Chris Rock (Top Five) in a dashing tweed sport coat! (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Keira Knightely (The Imitation game) combining technicolor novelty print (yep Chanel is doing novelty print) and a peter pan collar (credit: People.com/Angela Weiss)

Garrett Wareing (Boyschoir) is starting off on the right foot in a mini Mr Draper suit and the Pete Campbell (pre-receding) side part (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Tina Fey (This is Where I Leave You) is classic perfection in this 50s-esque fit and flare. Give her a tiny tiara and could pull off an "Audrey"! (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

Vera Farmiga (The Judge) evokes the 70s with this DVF-esque floor length dress (credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

And finally - a true gown!

Priyanka Chopra (Mary Kom) wears a gown reminiscent of 50s Dior with modern colour clocking and cut outs...now WHY isn't there are red carpet under her feet??!

(credit: Flare.com/Getty images)

To help us start off the TIFF closing weekend festivities, we will be attending Electro Swing Club Toronto's VINTAGE HOLLYWOOD themed event at Revival Bar.

We will help the audience choose the "Most Dashing Dame and Dapper Dude" in the best dressed contest. Winners recieve Gift Certificates from another one of our local vintage glam establishments - 69 Vintage! Performances will include sets by KHALIL & DON MESCAL, DJ Medicineman...and the always spectacular Coco Framboise!

Joy, Erin, Irene and Monika posing with June's winners and channeling their "Vintage Gypsy Cabaret"

Did you spot Classic Hollywood Glamour in

Toronto during TIFF??

Did you wear vintage to a TIFF event?

TELL US!

Toronto has been buzzing for months around rumours of getting the golden-era inspired dress company behind the Bettie Page brand – Tatyana!

Vintage and retro style lovers - from swing dancers to rockabilly fans - have been dying to get their hands on the full range of clothing since they were dreamed up in 2006. The Tatyana company has chosen Toronto to be it’s 20^th location AND it’s first international store....and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

"Our newest Tatyana boutique is situated in the heart of Toronto," notes Tatyana Designs co-CEO Jan Glaser. "We continue to be gratified by the enthusiastic acceptance of Tatyana's designs by women from all walks of life. This is especially true as we have an enormous Canadian following with thousands wearing our dresses representing a disproportionate percentage of our customers. Now we have the opportunity to honor their patronage with our first Canadian outlet in an amazing location."

The Toronto Vintage Society are huge supporters of any new company that wants to join our ranks in bringing the retro inspired lifestyle to this city...and there is room for everyone!!! To find out more we reached out to the company. The lovely Hayley from the NYC Boutique and new Toronto Store Manager Martha made time to let the Toronto Vintage Society have a sneak peek at what’s in store, located at 322 Queen St W.

The first thing we found out is that the SOFT OPENING event will be THIS SATURDAY starting at 2pm! The FIRST 10 people through the door will receive a goody bag, there will be bubbly drinks and tasty treats...more importantly there will a 20% discount to anyone who mentions "TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA"

Despite busily setting up for their opening weekend soft opening, they still managed to take the time to answer some questions for us!

What is the company history of Tatyana?

Tatyana Designs is named after the founder and lead designer (Tatyana Khomyakova) who began designing retro inspired dresses when she founded her first clothing line, Bettie Page Clothing, in 2006. Born in northern Russia, Tatyana loved the arts and fashion from her earliest memories. After excelling at the University of Culture with degrees in theater and fashion, she began her modeling, Tatyana, after becoming a high fashion couture model, studied fashion design in France and London which led to her expertise in unique women's vintage style design. Dismissing the “frivolous trends of the moment,” the high fashion model decided to bring into being a line that reflects the beauty and mystery of women without being vulgar or “Trendy.” Bettie Page Clothing was born.

In 2006, we opened our first boutique at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the strip in Las Vegas, NV. Soon thereafter, we opened Hollywood, Forum Shops in Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, New York, Nashville and more so that we now have twenty Boutiques.

In 2014, Tatyana emerged from the Bettie Page Clothing line to unveil her new company: Tatyana. The future of the line is as varied as women themselves. The nature of the dresses appeal to all demographics. Young people like the dresses because they are unusual and a “little crazy” so they can stand out in a crowd. Middle aged clients enjoy the elegance and “mystery” the dresses convey. Moreover, the older generation appreciates the nostalgia which reminds them of their youth. Everything from fabric content and design to the silhouettes themselves undergo constant change and evolution to meet the demands of clients.

Tatyana has found her place in the fashion world, which is fortunate not only for her, but for women everywhere.

I feel you two are the main players in making this store come to life...tell us about yourselves!

Martha (Boutique Manager TO) and Hayley (Boutique Manger NY)

Hayley- Well I am just here in Toronto helping Miss Martha out, I actually live in Brooklyn and manage our Manhattan store at 303 Bowery. (Come say hi if you are ever in town!) I started with the company about four years ago when I opened our San Francisco location on Haight Street. It was a fantastic time to join the team, because the company was really taking off. We started opening boutiques all over the country, and I was fortunate enough to be involved in opening quite a few of them. When the decision to open in New York City was made, I had to jump on it. Obviously. I am a die hard vintage fan, and even more so just a fashion enthusiast. I love all things beautiful and retro.

Martha- I am from Prince Edward Island and new to Toronto! Simply pleased and tickled to be the store manager for Tatyana Boutique first International location. I have a background in retail & customer service that has allowed me to collect passport stamps from also being a retail buyer. I feel like fashion is in my blood since my 'Granny' wore dresses everyday and taught me you can never be over dressed!.

Why did the Tatyana company decide to open it's next store on Toronto?

H-Martha, how many people did you say live here? Toronto is fabulous city and full of energy. Where else would we want to open our first international store?

M- 2.5 Million!

The line has vintage/retro inspired feel...are your clients only vintage / rockabilly / swing fans?

H- Not at all. Of course we have tons of clients that are into the scene (and we adore you!) but we also cater to a wide a range of clients, we literally have something for everyone. In NYC I have a great mix of rockabilly pin up gals, professionals, and just girls into fashion. Our clients are women from all backgrounds that just want to feel beautiful in what they wear.

M- I am just learning about all the vintage styles. I have more of a classic or lady-like look so I appreciate the cut and style that Tatyana Boutique offers to suit a real women's body. I plan to mix in circle skirts and get a few make-up lessons so that I fit right in here.

Tell us about the most iconic Tatyana dress and how it was inspired and designed.

H- That is a tough one! I would have to say the Brigit, the Alika and the Captain are our most iconic dresses. All three of these have been in to many magazines and tv shows to name. My personal favorite at the moment though is the Shirlee Tegee! We had a "bring it back contest" last year where clients sent in photos of their mothers and grandmothers in beautiful garments. One of the winners was this little number, a dress that the first Miss USA wore in 1947. I am obsessed with the fabric, cut, and the print was so ahead of its time! Oh, and it has pockets!!

M- I have my eye on a few! I think that Annie's Garden with a bow belt is the new one I will purchase!

Shirley Tegge Dress

I bought the dress from Hayley while in NY this past spring and wore it to the

Queen's Plate Hats and Horsehoes event!

What do you hope to happen for Tatyana in Toronto specifically? Do you see it as a simple walk-in Queen St W business or do you seeing it having an impact on the community?

H- If this city falls in love with Tatyana the way we have fallen in love with you, we hope to make this Boutique a destination shopping location. Yes, tourists will shop with us... but we really want to get involved. The city has so much to offer and we are thrilled to be apart of it.

M- Toronto has been patiently waiting for these dresses with the correct mixture of bright, fun, and flirty...we are all going to look like ladies!

What else will Tatyana have to offer in Toronto other than great clothes and accessories?

H- Exceptional customer service. We pride ourselves in taking client satisfaction to the next level. Our prices may not be that of a high end designer store, but our mentality is. Oh, and we are also having a fabulous party mid September! Have you heard of Tempest Storm? We have something killer in the works...stay tuned!

One that note, we will be helping out Hayley and Martha to make their Grand Opening happen in true Toronto Vintage style! A little bit of everything should do the trick! You DO truly want to stay tuned!