Toronto Vintage Society: reproduction

DAMZELS have been helping us
celebrate our inner Pin Up
girl for 20 Years!

The Damzels themselves!

That is 20 years of of designing and procuring women's clothing for alt/vintage/pin up/rockabilly/repro scene. Not only has their presence helped to solidify a place for us in Toronto, but they have given back to their alt/cult community time and time again.

Before opening retail stores in Leslieville and Roncesvalles, The Damzels sold their dress brand wholesale to boutiques. Damzels in this Dress; designed by Kelly Freeman and Rory Lindo, were a vintage/rock n roll inspired dress label. Their dresses were sold across Canada, the US, and internationally. Damzels collections have been shown during Toronto Fashion Week, featured on Fashion Television, Canada's Next Top Model and Much Music.

Damzels - past and present!

The brick and mortar gave them a chance to build their house brand but also bring great clothing, shoe and kitsch brands to Toronto. Why pay for shipping when you can get brands like Pin Up Girl Clothing, and Trashy Diva right around the corner...while you are at it - pick up some fab shoes, accessories and cheeky gift items all in one shopping trip!!

Girlie and Kitschy greatness!

The accessibility to these unique brands, allows us to live and breathe this unique style daily! Damzels also gives the "curious" a chance to dress up and add a little sass to their lives.

Some of their amazing (and loyal) clientele!

You would think that running 2 stores and an international online business would keep them to busy to breathe...well Kelly and Rory never cease to amaze with their in-store events that help keep that cult community strong. Their Back Lot Bonanzas, Beat Caves and Seasonal Extravaganzas give their clients, friends and fans a chance to celebrate what they've built on an intimate level.

Everyone should attend a Damzels event at least once in their life!

The Damzels let us get to know them...and if you have been lucky to meet these great, energetic, generous and often wacky ladies...then you will see why everything they have built is so infectious. They are are as lovely and unique as the brand and community they have built.

Kelly and Rory!

We sat down with Kelly and Rory to asked them a couple questions about turning 20:

1. How did you meet and how did Damzels get started?

We met in the fashion program at George Brown College Kensington Campus in 1991. We had sewing machines next to each other and shared the same taste in rock n’ roll, vintage clothing and beer! In 1993, we started buying rolls of fabric together and making clothing that we would sell at outdoor festivals, craft fairs…even a Medieval Festival (yes, when we went vintage we went really vintage like 1500’s ) We started building a following of gals that would come out specifically to buy our dresses. Next thing we knew we were getting orders from local clothing stores so we decided to open our first design studio on Spadina and the birth of Damzels in this Dress in 1994.

2. What did the "scene" look like when Damzels got started?

That was 1994! Grunge, rave, glam, it was all part of the scene at that time.

However, around ‘96 we started Lindy Hop lessons and it became a way of life for us for several years. Our line had always been inspired by the past, and we fell in love with the fashions of the 30’,40’s and 50’s while part of the dance community. We were very fortunate because at that time the originator of swing dance, Frankie Manning, and his dance partner the “Queen of Swing” Norma Miller were regularly apart of Lindy Hop workshops that we attended. It was an incredible and special experience to get the opportunity to learn from the folks that basically invented the dance.

Pretty crazy because at the same time, the bright shabby chic of rave culture was in full force, so it was a fun challenge to try and incorporate our love of vintage into the mid 90’s mayhem of wide leg pants and soother necklaces.

3. How does vintage inspire what you choose for your stores?

Our passion is being able to bring modernity to vintage styling. We love mixing periods to make something fresh and fun. Ultimately, we’re looking for styles that are going to be flattering on women of all shapes and sizes, and the vintage aesthetic fits the bill. Our brand specializes in dresses because we love the simplicity of being able to put on a single garment, and look great from head to toe effortlessly.

4. What has changed for Damzels over the last 20 years?

We opened our retail shops Doll Factory by Damzels in 2006 and now only produce the Damzels label for our stores instead of selling wholesale to other retailers. This gives us the opportunity to do small, unique runs, really get to know our customer base, and offer something that is exclusive to our locations.

5. What is up next for Damzels?

More dresses, more parties, more rock n’ roll!

This picture of Kelly kinda sums it up!

Join in the 20th Anniversary celebration in-store on Thursday, October 23rd at Damzels East or Damzels West and enjoy 20% off your purchase from 11am to 9pm. Treats to be served after 6pm.

You can also submit a picture of you wearing Damzels (the older the better) to their Facebook page #Damzels20th

...AND if you were lucky enough to RSVP in time for their GALA event...then we will see you there!

#Damzels #Damzels20th #DollFactorybyDamzels

#HappyAnniversary

A Damzels timeline of awesome!

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!