A new vintage store in Yorkville offers a curated selection of high-quality second-hand fashion, bridging the gap between luxury seekers and sustainable shoppers.
A new designer vintage store, Vintage and the City, has recently opened in Yorkville, Toronto. This shop aims to cater to shoppers seeking high-quality second-hand fashion while bridging the gap between high-end label enthusiasts and budget-conscious sustainable fashion lovers. The store offers a carefully curated selection of vintage items sourced from various locations around the globe.
Naomi Sebu, the founder of Vintage and the City, opened the store after receiving an invitation from the Yorkville Business Improvement Area (BIA). Sebu, who had seen success showcasing her vintage collection at various markets, found local residents and retailers eager for a vintage brand in the upscale neighborhood.
The inventory includes a diverse range of clothing for both women and men, the latter introduced through a “boyfriend line” due to customer requests for menswear. The collection is organized into two price categories: under $300 and above $300. Shoppers can find items from renowned brands such as Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Hermès, Escada, Louis Féraud, and Gucci. While many pieces date from the 1970s to the 1990s, Sebu’s focus on design and quality allows for a selection that extends from the early 1900s to 2000.
“It’s curated to make it easy to mix and match,” Sebu explained, noting that the pricing in the higher end is contingent on the desirability of specific items. One standout piece in the store is a Richard Tyler couture reversible gown priced at $3,000.
Sebu’s career in fashion began in Toronto but took her to New York City, where she spent 25 years working in various roles, including as a designer and in senior positions before starting her own brand consultancy in 2014. Her extensive background in the fashion industry has been a driving force behind her greater appreciation for vintage items, as major brands frequently draw inspiration from past designs.
Through her consultancy, Sebu conducted market research globally, including cities such as Paris, NYC, London, Tokyo, Miami, LA, and Dallas, which allowed her to amass a unique vintage collection over time. During the pandemic, Sebu returned to Toronto and was inspired to launch her own brand, focusing on sustainability. She initially began selling vintage pieces on Etsy and later named her brand Vintage and the City in homage to her time in New York, adopting the motto, “fabulous vintage is always in style.”
After introducing her brand at a retail location in Brooklyn during New York Fashion Week, Sebu continued to balance her consultancy work while exploring the vintage market in Toronto. She was particularly impressed by the city’s vibrant vintage scene, prompting her to participate in events such as the Toronto Vintage Clothing Show, Sunday Variety, the Hippie Market, St. Lawrence Market, The Well, The Royal Winter Fair, and Yorkville Village.
In January, the Yorkville BIA reached out to Sebu with an opportunity for a pop-up store. “Yorkville has been nothing but super welcoming,” she said, expressing gratitude for the excitement surrounding her vintage offerings. Customers have remarked that shopping at her store feels reminiscent of vintage shopping in Paris, but within the confines of Toronto.
Looking ahead, Sebu aims to expand her brand to include home decor items, a project she is currently exploring. The store, located at 55 Avenue Rd. on the lower level, operates from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays.
Source: Noah Wire Services
