Divinitas Designs, 156 Avenue Road, 416-944-9491 Rating: NNNNN
It’s an awkward thing to admit, but sometimes when I walk into a particularly cute shop I get a dizzying love-at-first-sight reaction. Call me ravenous, but I want to touch everything, own everything, know about every inspiration, every stitch of construction. It happened to me at Divinitas Designs , and if you’ve got a hardcore shoe thing, you could be next.
The brainchild of Toronto-based designer Alecia Guevara , this one-and-a-half-year-old boutique occupies a prime Av and Dav location and features a tight grouping of her cleverly designed shoes, imported handbags and jewellery. (There’s even the Michael Barnett hair salon tucked away at the back.)
Pair Guevara’s educational background in architecture and art history with her serious travel bug and it’s no wonder hints of far-flung locales and ancient history are mirrored on the shelves. Whether in the vamp of a shoe, a colourway or a decorative touch, her vast knowledge is clearly reflected in the details. And as the store’s Latin name suggests, heavenly it certainly is.
Guevara’s picks: Watermelon ruched mule, $230 black and silver D’Orsay pump, $265 tangerine and silver Grecian sandals, $235 and Marco Aurelio bags from Brazil, starting at $175.
Look for: Two-tone ankle-tie Jesus sandals last season’s killer leather boots on sale for $50 to $172.50 a wide selection of flats in sling and closed-back styles and at the end of May, the launch of Marco Aurelio shoes.
Hours: Monday to Thursday 11 am to 6 pm, Friday 11 am to 7 pm, Saturday 11 am to 6 pm.
