How Beautiful: Indian and Asian textiles and jewelry
On Saturday afternoon I met one of my longest-loved friends, Susan, for lunch and a matinée performance of a play. We know we're celebrating some ah, higher-number birthdays now that we choose the daytime performance.
On the way to
meet her, leaving the subway in an infrequently-explored neighbourhood, I spotted a tiny shop, Kinna Sohna, and discovered a trove of opulent textiles and ethnic jewelery. The aptly-named Kinna Sohna translates from Punjabi as "how beautiful".
Designer Sartaj Kaur has taken her patterns and sizing to Indian cooperatives, so finally clothes are sized for Western bodies, from XS to XXXL. Looking at a dazzling stack of shawls, I enjoyed them even more after learning of Sartaj's mission, to create an ethical market for these craftspeople.
In need of a lift after the play–a Greek tragedy–we headed for the boutique. I lept on several kurtas; Birthday Girl bought a hand-embroidered stole as a happy-birthday-to-me treat.
Thoughtful, knowledgeable service from Sartaj and her associate, Julie, helped us make our decisions.
Though this post may be frustratingly local, I'm unapologetic. If you haven't visited Toronto, these next four months are ideal and I'd enjoy showing you some special places, including, if you enjoy textiles, the Textile Museum of Canada.
On the way to
meet her, leaving the subway in an infrequently-explored neighbourhood, I spotted a tiny shop, Kinna Sohna, and discovered a trove of opulent textiles and ethnic jewelery. The aptly-named Kinna Sohna translates from Punjabi as "how beautiful".Designer Sartaj Kaur has taken her patterns and sizing to Indian cooperatives, so finally clothes are sized for Western bodies, from XS to XXXL. Looking at a dazzling stack of shawls, I enjoyed them even more after learning of Sartaj's mission, to create an ethical market for these craftspeople.
In need of a lift after the play–a Greek tragedy–we headed for the boutique. I lept on several kurtas; Birthday Girl bought a hand-embroidered stole as a happy-birthday-to-me treat.
Thoughtful, knowledgeable service from Sartaj and her associate, Julie, helped us make our decisions.
Though this post may be frustratingly local, I'm unapologetic. If you haven't visited Toronto, these next four months are ideal and I'd enjoy showing you some special places, including, if you enjoy textiles, the Textile Museum of Canada. 
Comments
For those who haven't been to TO, this place is a paradise in the summer.
diverchic: I'd love to see a photo!
And, my first-ever Eric Bompard shipment arrived today (all bought at the recent online sale) - quelle joie! Too hot to try any of it on, today: something to look forward to when the soaring temperatures start drifting downward.
I bought a lot of jewelry and textiles in two visits to India. Wonderful stuff and we visited a textile museum that was amazing.
I went to the Textile Museum on a trip to Toronto a few years ago, and it was wonderful.
I have a Parisian friend who wears an Indian skirt of cyclamen pink silk so luminous, all I can do is stare at it and remember:
"Whenas in silks my Julia goes/ Ah, then, methinks, how sweetly flows/ the liquefaction of her clothes."
They are too small to have a website or online catalogue - I'd love to hear more about their clothing lines. There is a small jewellers and accessory shop (mostly scarves) with direct imports from Kashmir on Mont-Royal, but they don't have any fitted garments.
Love going out to the Toronto islands in the summer and having a picnic with a view on the city. I haven't been to Toronto for a few years. I was working, but did get to the Annex (I was at a conference at OISE, on Bloor), Kensington Market and Chinatown.
Rubiatonta, Toronto isn't a long flight from Boston. But we are even closer! (If only the train still ran)...
At the same time, I will not withhold my opinion- even to the extent of stepping on toes. I'm not interested in cautiously polite, conformist or unfailingly safe writing- and that declaration does not necessarily or exclusively pertain to you.
My blog is not for everyone, everyone is not for me. Readers will decide for themselves. I have always appreciated your comments.
Anon: Cyclamen pink, for joy! "Upon Julia's Clothes" was posted in the subway here for awhile and always made me smile.
Rubiatonta: If so, check out the Porter Air flights into Toronto Island. Great idea! lagsatta's trying to lure you to mtl but I say, the two of you come here!
lagatta: Styling is not fitted via darts the big difference is that the cuts are made for women with busts and hips. Suggest you call, they are very service-oriented. Or hop on a train and I'll take you!
Still, I never really got to see much of Toronto (nor did I manage to get put up in Le Germain there, sniff) -- so I think it's on the list for this year.
And some day, when I've got the time, I'd love to ride the train across Canada with Mr. Pants.