location: 672 Queen Street West
phone number: 416.504.7126
hours: on–Wed & Sat 11–6, Thurs–Fri 11–7, Sun 1–5
payment methods: Amex, Mastercard, Visa, Interac, cash
directions:between Bathurst and Spadina

When you walk off of Queen Street West and into a little store called Cabaret, it’s like walking into another time. It is a beautiful store, right down to the racks they hang the hats on. Cabaret is a specialty vintage store, carrying men’s and women’s clothing and accessories from the 1920’s to the 1970’s. They have been in existence for 15 years and have been going strong ever since.

The store itself is delightful, with quietish music (lots of old jazz) and ambient, vintage light fixtures. Their prices are very high but, that being said, their items are in mint condition. No stains and not a rhinestone out of place. They have a rack of slightly more affordable items in the front, but they concentrate on the extravagant. You will find items in Cabaret that you probably not find anywhere else, like a 1920’s wool swimsuit for $125, a vintage burlap vest at $75 or a 1950’s Taffeta dress in perfect condition for $475. They also have lovely glass cases filled with fantastic accessories like delicate mesh bags and tortoiseshell combs. And don’t forget to look up. Some of their most breathtaking items are on the walls over the racks.

The store also has a basement, which can go unnoticed, but should not be missed. It holds vintage luggage, furs (starting at $225), a chenille bed spread for $125. It is also here that you might find a few more affordable items, as well as some more every-day-wearable types of things.

One of the best things about Cabaret is the staff. They adore vintage and, if they notice you have a passion for it too, their enthusiasm is unchecked. Don’t be surprised if, as you coo over that cocktail dress in the mirror, you find someone handing you the perfect hat and shoes to go with it. Even if you absolutely can’t afford it and say so! At Cabaret you get the idea that it’s more about the love of vintage than about the money – and you’ll also find that this attitude might get you to dig a little deeper into your wallet than you had originally planned… So bring your credit card or at least an iron will.

Cabaret ain’t your everyday thrift shop. And it will warm the cockles of your heart.

(Cabaret also regularly rents to film and television productions looking for quantities of fantastic vintage, so if you’re in need of items for photo shoots or other creative endevor don’t be afraid to ask.)

profile by Bonnie De Kuyper
photography by Ashley Satchell