Cherish Toronto: Distillery District

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Canadian Artistic Talent: Avril Loreti

Prior to my recent visit to New York, I had arranged to meet with design blogger Heather Clawson of Habitually Chic. Hoping to find a uniquely Canadian gift for Heather, I visited Toronto's Distillery District last Sunday to do some shopping at Distill Gallery. The charming shop features the work of Canadian designers and artists.

My favourite pieces were the super cute cocktail napkins, designed and screen printed by local Toronto designer Avril Loreti. Apparently I'm not the only one impressed by Avril's designs, since her cocktail napkins and handkerchiefs have appeared in several magazines such as Toronto Life, Real Simple, House Beautiful and Martha Stewart Living. Avril's designs are available at several stores in Toronto, but she also operates an Etsy shop where you can purchase her items online.

Toronto Buildings Cocktail Napkins
$26.00 (Set of 4)
I purchased these as a gift for Heather!!

Designer Chairs Cocktail Napkins
$52.00 (Set of 8)

Mustache Handkerchief
$16.00

I Heart Birkin Tote
$25.00

It's always a pleasure to purchase items made close to home, and it doesn't get much closer than this!! Avril lives right here in Toronto with her boyfriend Frank and cat Nico.

Photos courtesy of www.avrilloreti.com

Monday, January 4, 2010

Toronto's Distillery District

Since I probably won't be able to post during my first day in New York City, I'm leaving this Toronto post for you to while I'm absent. Enjoy!!

Just as most people would do, I decided it would be a great idea to go out into a snowstorm on Sunday to get my nails done and do a little shopping. It turns out that it was indeed a perfectly picturesque opportunity to visit Toronto's historic Distillery District. Located just east of Parliament and north of Lakeshore Boulevard, the area features many unique shops and galleries.

BergoDesign is a great store featuring fabulous industrial design products by renowned designers such as Frank Gehry, Karim Rashid, Phillipe Starck. It's a BIG store (32oo square feet) and is a great place to go when you're seeking a gift for the person who has everything.

Distill Gallery features work by emerging Canadian artists. My favourites on this visit were the screen printed cocktail napkins by Toronto designer Avril Loreti.