Introducing: Piquadro, a Toronto outpost of the internationally known Italian leather goods shop in the heart of Yorkville

The place: Piquadro has over 100 stores in Europe, Asia and Russia, but this is the Italian luggage retailer’s first North American shop. The interior feels like a modern airport, with photos of planes and runways strewn about, and wall accents printed with travel-associated words like “arrivals, departures and city” (not to mention the Pearson line of luggage as a nod to Toronto shoppers).

The stuff: Naturally, luggage is featured heavily—each piece is designed with modern features for easy use. Bags come with slots for laptops, credit cards and passports that can be zipped out, and even the jackets, filled with fleecy down, come with interior iPod, cellphone and passport pockets ($610). The Piquadro label plastered all over every bag will turn some off, but the Modus line is a touch more conservative in supple calfskin leather.

The shoppers: Piquadro is the official outfitter of Italy’s Formula One team, including drivers Robert Kubica and Vitaly Petrov. Here in Canada, race fans will appreciate the European inspiration (though NASCAR fans may want to look elsewhere).

Our favourite things: While the luggage takes centre stage, our favourite items were the smaller accessories, like full-sized umbrellas with ergonomic handles ($100), multicoloured woven scarves ($50) and watches that recall the work of famed Italian watchmakers Panerai for a fraction of the price ($300–$500).

Piquadro, 1286 Bay St., 416-928-6662, piquadro-canada.ca