Studio 1686

After more than two decades of making movie and TV stars look fashionable on screen, the Duplaga sisters are doing the same for their customers at Studio 1686.

Irene and Marya opened the boutique in 2007 at its namesake Queen Street West address. Since then, Studio 1686 has been offering  slashed prices on designer fashions. The sisters are able to do so by parlaying their extensive showbiz experience and the myriad wholesale, sample and end-of-line contacts they made in the clothing industry. “This place is for fashionistas on a budget,” Irene explains. “They love our stuff, and they’re often really surprised they can find affordable designer clothing in Parkdale.” Then she pauses, and adds, laughing, “We can’t really blame them!”