The right Wardrobe
Founder of Gastown boutique brings in the unique
Q When and why did you start Wardrobe Apparel?
A After a life-changing trip to Nepal two years ago, I landed on the thought of how many of the items in my closet that I loved so much were from abroad and how I wished that I could find them in Canada. No one really wants to look like everyone else, so we tend to choose the designers and pieces that are hard to find. My vision was to create a store where women could come and truly explore their personal style. It was about engaging women with the rest of the fashion world. We live in an active city where athletic gear is appropriate much of the time, but our store is about the times where we have to leave that behind. It’s an opportunity for women to express themselves in a clear and concise way.
Q What can shoppers expect to find there?
A We’re reintroducing the concept of investment pieces that are timeless throughout the seasons. We also have fabulous seasonal pieces, most of which are not only exclusive to Canada, but we carry limited quantities of, so you’re always getting the best and most unique pieces.
Q What is the price point of pieces at Wardrobe Apparel?
A Our prices range anywhere from $ 40 to $ 2,500, so there’s something for everyone without sacrificing make and quality. We wanted to engage with clients building their careers that want those special pieces and those that are well established looking to curate their wardrobe.
Q Why did you choose Gastown as the location for your boutique? What made this a good fit?
A Gastown is a neighbourhood in transition. When you land in those parts of town it tends to foster community among business owners. Community is key in developing long-lasting relationships that help your business and the businesses around you grow.
Q What has been the feedback to your boutique so far?
A Excellent. We keep getting great feedback from the community and the client base we have developed. We really enjoy engaging with our clients and listening to their needs. We are a pretty flexible bunch, so we can create a lot of custom opportunities for clients and their wardrobe needs.
Q You appear to have partnered with local influencers and businesses since you launched. Why did you think this was important?
A We have developed some great relationships with the business and media communities in town. They have been a key component in developing the brand and helping us get the message out there. When you engage with your key markets through their influencers it raises awareness and encourages a dialogue between our potential clients and our brand. They also happen to be amazing people who we enjoy grabbing a glass of wine with.
Q Is there anything coming in for fall that you’re excited for shoppers to discover? A Yes, we have a couple of new designers that will be joining our roster and even more selection. One in particular is Jean-Pierre Braganza. He is a Canadian that is now living and working in London. His silhouettes are impeccable and are truly beautiful investment pieces. You can’t go wrong.
Q Finally, what’s next for Wardrobe Apparel?
A Our online store is also becoming more expansive with the goal to offer shoppers locally and throughout Canada access to our designers.
To learn more about Wardrobe Apparel, visit wdrobeapparel.com.