Simon Carter, 754 Queen West, 647-428-7545, www.simoncarter.net. Rating: NNNNN
The Simon Carter brand of menswear and accessories has crossed the pond from dandy old England and opened its first free-standing store at Queen and Niagara. Until now, Simon Carter cufflinks and smart timepieces have only been available in select local shops. The store launch marks the first time tailored suiting, sportswear and outerwear will be available in Canada.
Owners Liz and Cedric St. Louis have converted former tenant Rocking Cowboy’s honky-tonk space into a handsome salon mixing warm mid-century woods, modern white rack space and pops of the company’s signature pumpkin colour. A 1920s jewellery counter discovered in a Bellville antiques barn displays simple dress watches and classic chronographs next to mother-of-pearl, enamel and crystal links.
Sharkskin, wool and velvet jackets have a svelte but forgiving English cut with hidden interior pockets in bold silk linings. Colourfully patterned shirts come with stainless steel collar stays. Coats include herringbone toppers and microfibre rain jackets to keep you dapperly dry in Brit-style drizzles.
Simon Carter picks: The signature Explorer jacket is perfect for packing in water-repellent grey, black or navy wool, $650 a chronograph with an embossed brown leather strap and metallic face is at the top end of the watch collection, $510 rhodium-plated cufflinks are inlaid with a mother-of-pearl grid, $125.
Look for: Denim, knitwear and other casual options arriving in October.
Hours: Monday to Wednesday and Saturday 11 am to 7 pm, Thursday and Friday 11 am to 8 pm, Sunday noon to 5 pm.
