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Tag: Vintage reproduction clothing stores

Toronto Vintage Society: Pre-Opening Sneak Peak at Tatyana’s New Boutique

I’m about to share below a great post created by the Toronto Vintage Society about the amazing and fantastic “Tatyana Designs” (formally known as Bettie Page) that is opening in Toronto ASAP!

Tatyana Clothing Toronto

But before I do this I want to quickly share my own story about this brand.

I have been wearing Tatyana clothing for many years now. In fact the Bettie Page brand (as it was called originally at start-up) was my first entry into the world of “Vintage reproduction clothing”. I was in Las Vegas and was wandering lost in Planet Hollywood when all of a sudden I saw the iconic image of Bettie Page staring back at me with racks of beautiful garments just begging to be tried on behind her. I purchased 2 dresses (which I still wear today) and have not stopped buying since.

Now every time I visit Vegas I go to the store in the forum shops and buy something and catch up with the shop girls that have now become our friends. My husband is also noted as the “guy who gave a mini swing dancing lesson in the store” to the Tatyana staff 🙂 I have also gotten my mom addicted to the brand and she sports many wonderful pieces in her closet too.

To show you the love here is a picture of my collection!

Tatyana boutique clothing
My collection

NOW for the post I promised you….Toronto Vintage Society’s Sneak Peak Post:

Toronto has been buzzing for months around rumours of getting the golden-era inspired dress company behind the Bettie Page brand – Tatyana!

Vintage and retro style lovers – from swing dancers to rockabilly fans – have been dying to get their hands on the full range of clothing since they were dreamed up in 2006. The Tatyana company has chosen Toronto to be it’s 20th location AND it’s first international store….and we couldn’t be more thrilled!

 “Our newest Tatyana boutique is situated in the heart of Toronto,” notes Tatyana Designs co-CEO Jan Glaser. “We continue to be gratified by the enthusiastic acceptance of Tatyana’s designs by women from all walks of life. This is especially true as we have an enormous Canadian following with thousands wearing our dresses representing a disproportionate percentage of our customers. Now we have the opportunity to honor their patronage with our first Canadian outlet in an amazing location.”

The Toronto Vintage Society are huge supporters of any new company that wants to join our ranks in bringing the retro inspired lifestyle to this city…and there is room for everyone!!! To find out more we reached out to the company. The lovely Hayley from the NYC Boutique and new Toronto Store Manager Martha made time to let the Toronto Vintage Society have a sneak peek at what’s in store.

The first thing we found out is that the SOFT OPENING event will be THIS SATURDAY starting at 2pm! The FIRST 10 people through the door will receive a goody bag, there will be bubbly drinks and tasty treats…more importantly there will a 20% discount to anyone who mentions “TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA

 Despite busily setting up for their opening weekend soft opening, they still managed to take the time to answer some questions for us!

 What is the company history of Tatyana?

Tatyana Designs is named after the founder and lead designer (Tatyana Khomyakova) who began designing retro inspired dresses when she founded her first clothing line, Bettie Page Clothing, in 2006. Born in northern Russia, Tatyana loved the arts and fashion from her earliest memories. After excelling at the University of Culture with degrees in theater and fashion, she began her modeling, Tatyana, after becoming a high fashion couture model, studied fashion design in France and London which led to her expertise in unique women’s vintage style design. Dismissing the “frivolous trends of the moment,” the high fashion model decided to bring into being a line that reflects the beauty and mystery of women without being vulgar or “Trendy.” Bettie Page Clothing was born.

 In 2006, we opened our first boutique at Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino on the strip in Las Vegas, NV. Soon thereafter, we opened Hollywood, Forum Shops in Las Vegas, San Francisco, San Diego, Boston, New York, Nashville and more so that we now have twenty Boutiques.

 In 2014, Tatyana emerged from the Bettie Page Clothing line to unveil her new company: Tatyana. The future of the line is as varied as women themselves. The nature of the dresses appeal to all demographics. Young people like the dresses because they are unusual and a “little crazy” so they can stand out in a crowd. Middle aged clients enjoy the elegance and “mystery” the dresses convey. Moreover, the older generation appreciates the nostalgia which reminds them of their youth. Everything from fabric content and design to the silhouettes themselves undergo constant change and evolution to meet the demands of clients.

Tatyana has found her place in the fashion world, which is fortunate not only for her, but for women everywhere.

 I feel you two are the main players in making this store come to life…tell us about yourselves!

Vintage Reproduction Clothing
Martha (Boutique Manager TO) and Hayley (Boutique Manger NY)

 

Hayley– Well I am just here in Toronto helping Miss Martha out, I actually live in Brooklyn and manage our Manhattan store at 303 Bowery. (Come say hi if you are ever in town!) I started with the company about four years ago when I opened our San Francisco location on Haight Street.  It was a fantastic time to join the team, because the company was really taking off.  We started opening boutiques all over the country, and I was fortunate enough to be involved in opening quite a few of them.  When the decision to open in New York City was made, I had to jump on it.  Obviously. I am a die hard vintage fan, and even more so just a fashion enthusiast. I love all things beautiful and retro.

Martha– I am from Prince Edward Island and new to Toronto!  Simply pleased and tickled to be the store manager for Tatyana Boutique first International location.  I have a background in retail & customer service that has allowed me to collect passport stamps from also being a retail buyer.  I feel like fashion is in my blood since my ‘Granny’ wore dresses everyday and taught me you can never be over dressed!.

Why did the Tatyana company decide to open its next store on Toronto? 

H-Martha, how many people did you say live here?  Toronto is fabulous city and full of energy.  Where else would we want to open our first international store?

M- 2.5 Million!

The line has vintage/retro inspired feel…are your clients only vintage / rockabilly / swing fans? 

H- Not at all.  Of course we have tons of clients that are into the scene (and we adore you!) but we also cater to a wide a range of clients, we literally have something for everyone.  In NYC I have a great mix of rockabilly pin up gals, professionals, and just girls into fashion.  Our clients are women from all backgrounds that just want to feel beautiful in what they wear.

M- I am just learning about all the vintage styles. I have more of a classic or lady-like look so I appreciate the cut and style that Tatyana Boutique offers to suit a real women’s body.  I plan to mix in circle skirts and get a few make-up lessons so that I fit right in here.

Tell us about the most iconic Tatyana dress and how it was inspired and designed. 

H- That is a tough one!  I would have to say the Brigit, the Alika and the Captain are our most iconic dresses.  All three of these have been in to many magazines and tv shows to name. My personal favorite at the moment though is the Shirlee Tegee! We had a “bring it back contest” last year where clients sent in photos of their mothers and grandmothers in beautiful garments.  One of the winners was this little number, a dress that the first Miss USA wore in 1947.  I am obsessed with the fabric, cut, and the print was so ahead of its time! Oh, and it has pockets!!

M- I have my eye on a few!  I think that Annie’s Garden with a bow belt is the new one I will purchase!

Vintage Reproduction Clothing
Shirley Tegge Dress
Vintage reproduction clothing
The Stunning Creator of TVS-Jacquie at the recent “Hats and Horseshoes” event

What do you hope to happen for Tatyana in Toronto specifically?  Do you see it as a simple walk-in Queen St W business or do you seeing it having an impact on the community?

H- If this city falls in love with Tatyana the way we have fallen in love with you, we hope to make this Boutique a destination shopping location.  Yes, tourists will shop with us… but we really want to get involved.  The city has so much to offer and we are thrilled to be apart of it.

M- Toronto has been patiently waiting for these dresses with the correct mixture of bright, fun, and flirty…we are all going to look like ladies!

What else will Tatyana have to offer in Toronto other than great clothes and accessories?

H- Exceptional customer service.  We pride ourselves in taking client satisfaction to the next level.  Our prices may not be that of a high-end designer store, but our mentality is. Oh, and we are also having a fabulous party mid September! Have you heard of Tempest Storm?  We have something killer in the works…stay tuned!

One that note, we will be helping out Hayley and Martha to make their Grand Opening happen in true Toronto Vintage style!  A little bit of everything should do the trick! You DO truly want to stay tuned!

Here are some fun sneak peek pictures of what to expect from Tayana’s Toronto Boutique:

Tatyana Boutique Toronto
Lines ups…inside and out!
Tatyana Boutique Clothing
Some studio lighting…perhaps for some in-store pin-up shoots??!!
The “Archie” Dress in Diamond Blue
Tatyana Boutique
Martha with the “Sweet Berries” dress
Tatyana Boutique Toronto
Stairs to the upper levels which may include “community space”!
Tatyana Boutique Toronto
Colour…and lots of it!
Tatyana Boutique Toronto
Steaming the “Captain’s Circle” in Navy
Tatyana Boutique Toronto
Hayley looking glamorous no matter the task in the “Ping Pong” dress!
Tatyana Boutique Toronto
Nautical Playsuit!
Vintage 1950s lamps
Vintage lamps picked up at Courage my Love in Kensington Market!
Tatyana Boutique Toronto
Almost ready to go!
Don’t Forget! SATURDAY, AUGUST 2nd at 2pm
Location: 322 Queen St. West- Goody Bag for the first 10 people through the door
– bubbly drinks and tasty treats for everyone
– 20% off if you remember to tell them that….
“TORONTO VINTAGE LOVES TATYANA”Stay tuned for news about their Grand Opening Event in September!Toronto Vintage Society Team!
———————–
On a side note…I think I want to buy this dress and channel my inner urge to be Anita from West Side Story. -Liz-
Tatyana Cubana Dress

My VIVA Las Vegas Vacation-Day 1

Since my vacation to warm and sunny Las Vegas for Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly weekend #17 was over several days I thought I would break it down to best serve you my wonderful readers.

Viva Rockabilly Weekend 17

So first up Wednesday-April 16th.

We arrived actually late Tuesday night but due to the time change we just wandered blindly/tiredly down the strip till we found $1 beers and hot dogs, ate and went to bed. So no exciting pictures (other then the amazing some what blurry photo below haha) from that night. So that is why Wednesday I really consider our first day in Vegas.

las vegas hotdog

Up first..breakfast, changed and then head over to get our room at the Orleans where Viva was being held.

Since I knew that night was Tiki night with my friends at Frankies Tiki Room I decided to wear my 1950’s vintage Hawaiian Jansen tunic I got on Etsy (Butterfly Vintage) to get in the mood. I kind of look like I’m IN A mood in this picture but I think I’m more tired than anything here 🙂

Viva Rockabilly Weekend 17

We made it! Woot Woot!

Viva Rockabilly Weekend 17

After everyone arrived we got dressed and hopped in cabs to head over to Frankie’s. But first we got this great picture taken while waiting at the taxi stand.

Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly weekend 17

{Photo Courtesy of Liisa} 

My dress and my friend Vanessa’s dress beside me are “Di Brooks-OuterLimitz” sarongs. I love her designs and actually own a second piece as well (to be shown later).

Now let the Tiki Party begin! This was my very first time at Frankie’s and I was very very excited because I have heard so many awesome things about it.

Frankies Tiki Room

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

Frankies Tiki Room

Bright outside…but soooo not bright inside.

Frankies Tiki Room

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

The Tiki gods await you…in a very dark room! So that you can partake in yummy Tiki drinks 🙂

Frankie tiki room

 {Photo Courtesy of Steph}

The ladies again.

Side Note: I’m sure I will never meet this person again but to the kind women who told us about seats (there are not many) THANK YOU!

Frankies Tiki Room

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

The lovely Dean with his Dr. No: “Savagely Sophisticated, this spicy delight of scotch, pear nectar and spices will turn any NO into an immediate YES!” hehehe that made me laugh..a lot when I read that.

frankies tiki room

{Photo Courtesy of Steph}

After we finished with our Tiki drinks we hopped back in the cabs and headed to the strip for some dinner and some shopping.

vintage reproduction clothing

{Photos courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

So many pretty colours at the Beach Bash store in the Forum Shops.

Beach Bash store

Then we headed next door for some more shopping at “Tatyana

Vintage Reproduction Clothing store

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

Where my husband found the man area 🙂

Reproduction Clothing store

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

And I bought an awesome flask that in this picture looks as big as my head!

vintage reproduction clothing store

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

After shopping we stopped for a great photo outside of Caesars Palace (my husband is one lucky guy).

Viva Las Vegas Rockabilly Weekend 17

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

And then headed to the LINQ for some food.

Link las Vegas

On our way to the restaurant we passed a cupcake store that had a Cupcake ATM! You put your money in and the cupcake spits out at you. Okay it drops not spit but that was the vision I first had in my head.  Love it!

Link las Vegas

We finally found our restaurant-The Yard House where my husband proceeded to order the biggest beer I have ever seen. It’s Huge!

The food was really good as well and the prices were excellent for being on the strip, fyi.

yard house las vegas

{Photo courtesy of Dean Villafuerte}

———————

And that my friends concludes day 1 of our Las Vegas adventures. If you were in Vegas on the Wednesday for Viva how was your evening?

The rest of my Viva Posts: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday

Liz 🙂