Store Guide: Kit and Ace, a cozy new clothing store on Queen West from the former designer for Lululemon
Store Guide: Kit and Ace, a cozy new clothing store on Queen West from the former designer for Lululemon
By Jean Grant | November 11, 2014
By Jean Grant | 11/11/2014
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
Name: Kit and Ace
Sells: Casualwear for men and women
Contact Info: 779 Queen St. W., kitandace.com
Hours: M-Sa 11-7, Su 11-6
Kit and Ace , the Vancouver-based clothing company launched in July by Shannon Wilson (the former head designer for Lululemon and current wife of the company’s founder Chip Wilson ), has just opened its first Toronto store. Instead of form-fitting yoga pants, Wilson’s new shop is devoted to casually luxurious streetwear. Almost every item in the store—from oversized t-shirts to warm shawls—is made from qemir, a proprietary blend of cashmere, viscose and elastane (also referred to as “technical cashmere”) that’s extraordinarily soft but totally machine-washable. (Unsurprisingly, luxury lounge wear comes at a price—basic t-shirts start around $80.)
Despite global ambitions for the brand, which will soon be launching two new flagships in the States, pains have been taken to give the new Toronto shop a warm community feel. The space is decorated with graffiti canvases by local artist Justin Broadbent, and future plans include launching a series of after-hours supper clubs in the store.
298451 The shop is located at 779 Queen West, near Euclid. The space used to house <b>Bikes on Wheels.</b> Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-21-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-21.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-21.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-21/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-21 0 0
298431 The company wants to make the best t-shirts in the world. (We can't guarantee that they're the best, but they're certainly comfortable.) This is one of the classic men's styles. $84 (Image: Jenna Marie Wakani) Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-01-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-01.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-01.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-01/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-01 0 0
(Image: Jenna Marie Wakani)
298448 The space is outfitted with sleek furniture from local design firm <strong>Hollis and Morris.</strong> Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-18-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-18.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-18.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-18/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-18 0 0
298433 The brand currently sells a single style of pants. They're wide-legged with a pleat down the front. $148 Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-03-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-03.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-03.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-03/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-03 0 0
298441 We love the oversized football t-shirt for girls. $108 Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-11-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-11.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-11.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-11/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-11 0 0
298436 One of the brand's scarves for guys, dubbed the “handsome scarf.” $98 Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-06-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-06.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-06.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-06/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-06 0 0
298438 For girls, there's this lightweight cashmere number. $148 Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-08-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-08.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-08.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-08/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-08 0 0
298439 We could probably live in this versatile long-sleeved sweater. $108 Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-09-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-09.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-09.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-09/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-09 0 0
298440 Store employees created a guide to their favourite spots in the neighbourhood to hand out to shoppers. Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-10-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-10.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-10.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-10/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-10 0 0
298450 Two colourful pieces from graffiti artist <strong>Justin Broadbent.</strong> Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-20-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-20.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-20.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-20/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-20 0 0
298443 The changing area is bright and spacious, and there's a small courtyard out back that'll come in handy for events. Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-13-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-13.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-13.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-13/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-13 0 0
298444 To truly embrace the West Coast lifestyle, you probably need a $60 scented candle. Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-14-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-14.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-14.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-14/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-14 0 0
298432 Interestingly, specialty syrop is also on offer. Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-02-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-02.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-02.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-02/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-02 0 0
298445 A cozy fringed shawl. $188 Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-15-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-15.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-15.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-15/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-15 0 0
298446 The hanging light fixtures are from Bloordale lighting and furniture makers <strong>Castor Design</strong>. Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-16-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-16.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-16.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-16/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-16 0 0
298434 Even the hangers are stylish. Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-04-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-04.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-04.jpg 1000 667 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-04/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-04 0 0
298449 The store also sells ultra-cozy throw blankets. $498 Store Guide: Kit and Ace https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-19-200x200.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-19.jpg https://torontolife.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-19.jpg 667 1000 [] https://torontolife.com/style/store-guide-kit-ace/slide/kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-19/ kit-and-ace-toronto-store-guide-19 0 0
If i bring a t shirt can you print something on it