Souvenir 1232 College
Nestled on a nondescript College strip, Souvenir focuses on items that are handmade, vintage or sourced from travels (ahem, souvenirs). Working with designers and artists who are under-represented in the city, Souvenir pairs an artful selection with exhibits and monthly themes, making it one of the city’s most innovative spaces and a must-hit destination for holiday shopping.
Owner and creative director Danielle Suppa
Concept
As a designer myself, I work with many of our designers to craft limited-edition or specially made items just for our shop, which is truly an honour. Our concepts shift depending on the season or if I’m looking to flesh out a specific idea via products, art and the overall feel of the space.
In that way, we aim to bridge the gap between shop and gallery in a fully immersive space that is constantly changing throughout the year. Souvenir has been around as a permanent shop form for just over a year, but we were doing pop-ups around Toronto for two years prior.
The neighbourhood
Toronto has so many great nooks. I’ve always had a soft spot for College Street, though – there’s something about it that’s a little slower and cosier than other main drags. I live in the area and have always loved working close to home. Being able to walk and bike to the shop is definitely a dream scenario. Plus, why not open the shop you’d love to have and discover in your own neighbourhood?
Tanja-Tiziana
Souvenir on College St.
Holiday look
I generally use the holidays as an excuse to indulge in some of my personal favourites – head-to-toe sweater knits, jumpsuits, oversized earrings and jazzy nails. This year I’ll be alternating between my new favourite geometric knit vest from Horses Atelier and my printed silk robe from Ware from the collection we’re featuring in the shop for the holidays.
Wish list
I have a soft spot for anything handmade, incredibly specific and/or from a particularly treasured designer or artist (it’s a long list). I also love receiving books and magazines. Ideally, this gift comes with a well-written card. Always a card.
Keep on Shoppin’
As the clock winds down, we’ve got gift ideas galore
Kobe Bryant‘s first post-retirement shoe for Nike, the Kobe A.D., is downright essential for basketball fans ($215, store.nike.com).
Arturia‘s MiniLab acts as a portable studio for musicians on the go. What’s more, it’s equipped with analog settings, classic keyboards and a hybrid synthesizer for those who crave the good ole days. ($129, Cosmo Music, 10 Via Renzo, Richmond Hill, 905-770-5222).
This small-batch ginger ale syrup by Tonic Maison is the perfect gift for at-home mixologists and beer aficionados ($25, oneofakindonlineshop.com).
Handcrafted in Kenya, this stunning paillette choker is just right for statement jewellery lovers. What’s more, its proceeds go back to the artisans that crafted it ($60, Me to We, Eaton Centre, 220 Yonge, 416-345-9393).
Tanja-Tiziana
Candle from Fitzroy
Light one for unsung Stranger Things hero Barb with this Saint Celebrity mock prayer candle ($32, Studio Fitzroy, 1227 Dundas West, second floor, 647-520-7907).
Samuel Pasquier
The elegant Hario Skerton coffee grinder is simple to use and perfect for a minimal countertop ($51, Frank + Oak, 735 Queen West, 647-930-8711, and others).
Cursor & Thread‘s olive and gold French knot bow tie is the perfect party-season accessory ($49, Gravity Pope, 1010 Queen West, 647-748-5155).
Jenny Bird‘s Miami-reminiscent Collins Ave choker is a safe bet for layering lovers and statement makers ($95, Zane, 753 Queen West, 647-352-9263).
Province Apothecary‘s Lovers Kit features all-natural lubricant, holistic massage oil and conditioning lip balm ($38, 1518 Dundas West, 647-479-4854).
This antique-style botanical print is ripe for aspiring green thumbs ($399, Shelter Furniture, 885 Caledonia, 416-783-3333).
For the dandy dressers on your list, a sneaker that looks like a dress shoe by Toronto brand NobleSole ($169, Toronto Designers Market, 1605 Queen West).
Rami Kim‘s hand-painted ring cone ensures in the most adorable way ever that she’ll never lose important possessions ($60, Easy Tiger Goods, 1447 Dundas West, 647-748-6161).
Gift an elegant skyline silhouette by Ave Mariabell Designs to your city-proudest pals ($105-$210, Arts Market, 1114 Queen East, 416-546-8464).
A burgundy faux fur wrap suits the Christmas traditionalists with vegan intentions ($39, Black Daffodil, 3097 Dundas West, 647-726-9400).
These globe-trotting sea-salted chocolates by OmNom, made from organic cacao beans from Madagascar, come all the way from Reykjavik ($13.95, Easy Tiger Goods, 1447 Dundas West, 647-748-6161).
Tanja-Tiziana
Tarot cloth from Likely General
This illustrated spirit cloth by Kim Krans for The Wild Unknown, to be used with your favourite deck, is essential for tarot fans ($25, Likely General, 389 Roncesvalles, 647-351-4590).
Anthony Bourdain‘s first cookbook in 10 years, Appetites, features his favourite recipes to make at home, as well as ones he’s picked up over his many years on the road ($28.20, chapters.indigo.ca).
No Flash, Please!: Underground Music In Toronto, 1987-92 by Derek Von Essen chronicles one of our richest underground music periods ($28, Ben McNally Books, 366 Bay, 416-361-0032).
This magnetized ear cuff by Everli ensures that your glitz ain’t going anywhere ($30, Brika, 642 Queen West).
[u’Photo Box’, u’Inc.’] Photo Box, Inc.
Product Photography: Beauty Make-up Products
A Marc Jacobs brush set doubles as the perfect New Year’s clutch ($120, Sephora, 77 Bloor West, 416-513-1100, and others)
Get more holiday 2016 gift guides here!
website@nowtoronto.com | @randibergman
