Introducing: Gaspard, a new Queen West haunt for haute women who want to feel like a Parisienne

| November 14, 2011

The place: With a prized spot opposite Trinity Bellwoods Park, a huge storefront window to let the sun in and an impeccably edited selection of elegant European lines, Gaspard feels like an old-school shop from a tree-lined Parisian street of yore. Check out our tour of Gaspard in a gallery after the jump.

The stuff: Owners Jennifer Halchuk and Richard Lyle have pulled off managing a successful, long-running Canadian line with their Mercy label, going strong in the wholesale market since 1994 (Japan loves the label’s timeless lines and quirky patterns). After recoiling from years of retail horror stories and a gruelling search through 40 different spaces all over the city, the pair finally opened Gaspard this fall to sell Mercy alongside other French-approved items, like Les Prairies de Paris separates, Indress frocks, Peter Ascher print scarves, Jamin Puech bags, Roberto Collina knits, Lorenza Gandaglia handbags from Italy and jewellery by New Yorkers Jane Hollinger and Gillian Steinhardt.

The shoppers: The occasional youngster wanders in due to the proximity of White Squirrel Coffee Shop, but it’s more the in-the-know 30-, 40- and 50-somethings looking for flattering pieces that last who drop by after stocking up on madeleines at Nadège. “We sell that Parisian silhouette,” says Lyle. “If you want volume, come here.” Case in point: a young-at-heart 70-year-old recently snapped up a gorgeous black wool Le Prairies de Paris long-sleeved shift, complete with sassy little pockets. At Gaspard, it’s all about the details.

Our favourite things: Cobalt plaid mohair Mercy swing coat ($620); Le Prairies de Paris gray raw-silk blouse ($290); navy zip-up jumpsuit ($360); leopard-print pony-hair flats ($310); La Botte Gardiane calf-high boots ($375); and Jamin Puech studded pochette ($410).