Slideshow: seven vintage photos of Yorkdale when it first opened half a century ago

When Yorkdale opened its doors on February 26, 1964, it was the largest enclosed mall in the world. Fifty years later, the ever-expanding space is a mecca for well-off suburbanites, who stroll through the newly posh selection of shops like Chanel, J.Crew and David Yurman—not to mention the recently re-vamped Holt Renfrew, which is practically its own self-sustaining luxury village. Last year the place added 13 new stores, many of which were the first outlets to land in Canada (think Mulberry, Zara Home and AllSaints).

To celebrate, the mall has bagged top Canadian model Coco Rocha as the face of its “Golden Anniversary” campaign, and she dons a glam chiffon and lace gown by local designer Lucian Matis. (Shoppers can ogle the dress at Yorkdale’s guest services). CanRock legend and fashion photographer Bryan Adams will also reveal a special portrait series, featuring local style icons like Jeanne Beker and Suzanne Rogers. Even the CN Tower is honouring the milestone: on Wednesday evening the attraction will light up in gold. Here, a peek inside the mall as it used to be, when Fairweather was the major destination and lady shoppers sported long white gloves.