Bridge and Bardot at 1138 Dundas St. W. (Image: Caroline Aksich)
Although the name of Dundas West’s newest vintage boîte alludes to the 1960s French sex symbol Brigitte Bardot, Bridge and Bardot isn’t as focused on worshiping the past as it is on building a bridge that connects past fashions with current trends. Owners Rose Broadbent, Gagan Bassi and Gurjeet Kaur Bassi don’t only meticulously pick clothes that they themselves would wear, but they also embellish them with studs and patches in an effort to anchor them in the present. Shorts that may have caused eyes to roll in the past are given new life with some simple alterations and a subtle dye job. Gagan, Gurjeet’s younger sister, laughs about how hard it is to part with some of the pieces: “we spend so much time on each one that you end up getting attached,” she says. But despite being a shop of antiquities, Bridge and Bardot isn’t reminiscent of grandma’s closet—there are no misses. The small, but carefully curated selection of garments ranges in style from spiked glam rock to Bollywood glamour to subdued classic styles.
Bridge and Bardot is the bricks-and-mortar manifestation of a pop-up that was run out of Bassi and Broadbent’s Bloorcourt media company, The New Beat. The two co-workers hooked up with Bassi’s younger sister Gagan, who was (and is still) working on her undergrad in fashion communications at Ryerson. After five successful pop-ups, the trio decided to give permanence a go by opening up a store in the newly burgeoning vintage destination, Dundas West. Serendipity was on their side when a friend stumbled on a “for rent” sign in what was formerly a matronly Portuguese dress shop. “It was too perfect,” exclaims Gurjeet, who still can’t believe that they managed to land their dream spot adjacent to Ossington.
The 700-square-foot shop is brimming with natural light amplified by an immense mirror that takes up almost the entire back wall. In an effort to diminish visual noise, the girls decided to only display clothes on one wall, and the pieces are arranged in a colour spectrum that begins with white and ends in warm tones. The upcycled wood table, crafted by Jamie Miller, is used to display contemporary pieces from local designers such as Muttonhead’ s unisex sportswear and Varsity Brown’s leather goods. Local jewellery by Kakia and Cuchara is also on display at the front of the store. Artwork by Broadbent’s sister Joy and her brother Justin currently adorn the walls, but the Bridge and Bardot team are toying with the idea of having their space double as a gallery.
156514 Bridge and Bardot (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot_intro-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot_intro.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot_intro.jpg 656 430 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot_intro/ jul12bridgebardot_intro 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156478 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot29-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot29.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot29.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot29/ jul12bridgebardot29 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156480 Cuchara necklaces, $150-$160 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot28-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot28.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot28.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot28/ jul12bridgebardot28 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156481 Cuchara bracelet, $70 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot27-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot27.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot27.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot27/ jul12bridgebardot27 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156482 Cuchara pendants on long chains, $45 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot25-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot25.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot25.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot25/ jul12bridgebardot25 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156483 Kakia hand-knitted chain necklaces. The square bibs cost $150,<br />
while the vees go for $225 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot24-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot24.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot24.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot24/ jul12bridgebardot24 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156484 Assortment of vintage belts, $10 each (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot23-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot23.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot23.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot23/ jul12bridgebardot23 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156485 O’Keh bracelets, $10 and up (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot22-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot22.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot22.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot22/ jul12bridgebardot22 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156486 Felt Your Heart Beat cuff, $15 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot21-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot21.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot21/ jul12bridgebardot21 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156487 Andig collars, $100 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot20-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot20.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot20/ jul12bridgebardot20 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156488 An assortment of Varsity Brown leather goods (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot19-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot19.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot19/ jul12bridgebardot19 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156489 An asymmetrical and tri-toned blouse, $33 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot14-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot14.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot14/ jul12bridgebardot14 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156491 Blouses, $20-$35 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot12-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot12.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot12.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot12/ jul12bridgebardot12 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156494 Close-up of sequined jacket, $40 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot6-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot6.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot6.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot6/ jul12bridgebardot6 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156495 Studded denim shorts, $30 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot5-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot5.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot5.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot5/ jul12bridgebardot5 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156496 Floral short shorts, $25 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot4-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot4.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot4.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot4/ jul12bridgebardot4 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156497 Studded and altered denim shorts, $23 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot3-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot3.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot3.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot3/ jul12bridgebardot3 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156498 Welcome to Bridge and Bardot (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot42-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot42.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot42.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot42/ jul12bridgebardot42 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156500 Artwork can be found throughout the space (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot40-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot40.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot40.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot40/ jul12bridgebardot40 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156501 Shelving built by the Bassi sisters’ brother (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot37-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot37.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot37.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot37/ jul12bridgebardot37 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156504 Bridge and Bardot aims for a minimalist aesthetic (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot34-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot34.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot34.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot34/ jul12bridgebardot34 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156505 Also on the walls is a curated selection of photos taken by<br />
Justin Broadbent at the last five pop-ups (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot31-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot31.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot31.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot31/ jul12bridgebardot31 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156506 A shot of the store’s interior (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot18-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot18.jpg 624 417 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot18/ jul12bridgebardot18 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156507 Cuchara necklace, $80 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot26-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot26.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot26.jpg 417 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot26/ jul12bridgebardot26 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156508 Hawaiian-print tank blouse, $25 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot15-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot15.jpg 417 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot15/ jul12bridgebardot15 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156509 Short-sleeved, single-button jacket, $22 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot11a-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot11a.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot11a.jpg 417 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot11a/ jul12bridgebardot11a 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156510 Lace T-shirt, $20 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot9-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot9.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot9.jpg 417 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot9/ jul12bridgebardot9 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156513 Sleeveless denim shirt, $20 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot1-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot1.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot1.jpg 417 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot1/ jul12bridgebardot1 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156512 Denim jacket, $30 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot2-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot2.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot2.jpg 417 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot2/ jul12bridgebardot2 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
156511 Crochet dress, $35 (Image: Caroline Aksich) Introducing: Bridge and Bardot Introducing: Bridge and Bardot https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot8-96x96.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot8.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/jul12bridgebardot8.jpg 417 624 [] https://torontolife.com/style/bridge-and-bardot-1138-dundas-street-west/slide/jul12bridgebardot8/ jul12bridgebardot8 0 0
(Image: Caroline Aksich)
Bridge and Bardot, 1138 Dundas St. W., bridgeandbardot.com
Finally they got a store! So excited.
Congrats guys. The team has the most amazing taste and I can’t wait to stock up.