Canon Blanc

While browsing in the stylish boutique Canon Blanc, you might forget you’re on a busy section of Queen West and believe, for a moment, that you’re flipping through clothing racks in Paris’ fashionable Le Marais district.

In fact, says co-owner Mateo Masquelier, the store is a bit of Le Marais in downtown Toronto. He carries the work of young fashion designers that you won’t see anywhere else in Canada. “Sometimes tourists from France will stop in, and they can’t believe what we carry. We even ship to France!”

All of the designs ― be it clothing, shoes, accessories or jewelry ― are the work of European labels. Craie reversible purses and Ambrym draped dresses with delicately drawn birds are but a few of the dozens of brands that fill Canon Blanc.

Mateo has high standards. He only buys quality goods prepared in an environment with ethical working conditions, and he makes sure that the materials used in his items are always top-notch. For example, all the jewelry at the store is nickel-free, and that’s because the allergen is banned in France. Most importantly, he and his wife, co-owner Caroline Phely, curate their collection based on fine, unique design. You won’t find disposable fashion here.