Brava
location: 553 Queen Street West
phone number: 416.504.8742
hours: Mon–Sat 10:30–7:30, Sun 1–6
payment methods: Amex, Visa, Mastercard, Debit and Cash
directions: Queen Street West, between Bathurst and Oakwood
Brava is a mix of new and vintage clothing for men and women. Originally, the store was dealt exclusively in vintage, but when they moved to their new and current location at 553 Queen, they began carrying new items as well. The store has a very contemporary feel. The vintage items are almost hard to find. Farther back in the store you will find a few quality vintage items, such as a 1950’s prom dress or a 1920’s velvet robe, both at $250. The prices are high, but if it is the piece you’ve always been looking for, or if it a special occasion, you might just pay it.
They have a large selection of men’s ties, ranging from $20 - $40 (new and used), men’s and women’s hats from about $30 - $75, women’s shoes $15 - $40, as well as crinolines from $35 - $80 and bloomers at $12. The size range for the vintage items is small to a small medium, but the new items do have some larger sizes. There is a small collection of lamps and drapes at the back of the store but that’s all in the way of housewares.
The store is laid out well, spacious, and easy to navigate. It is a welcoming atmosphere and the staff is available to assist you, though they occasionally make themselves scarce.That said, Brava is not quite up to par with many of the other vintage stores in Toronto. The presence of new items makes it feel less authentic and there are very few gem stones that make the trip to the store worthwhile.
profile by Bonnie De Kuyper
photography by Ashley Satchell
March 7th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Thank you for mentioning Brava on your site. It is with the owner’s permission that I am expressing my concerns about the lack of objectivity in the comments concerning “staff”. I clearly recall offering immediate assistance in getting permission to take photos. Jeanette left her administrative duties in order to spend time discussing the store’s new direction, which in all fairness, is portrayed in a somewhat disparaging light. When the store owner returned to her office, I again offered to assist, made suggestions for photos, and was neither aggressive nor sycophantic.
Once again, thank you for listing the store, and good luck with your site. Phyllis
March 7th, 2008 at 12:39 pm
We encourage honesty as much as possible in our profiles. Observations are made not only from this one visit where the writer is announced, but also previous trips to the store. I don’t really think it is a particularly harsh light that the store is cast in, but everyone is totally allowed their point of view.