Toronto-born fashion designer Tanya Taylor has opened her first Canadian retail store in Toronto’s Summerhill neighbourhood. The 750-square-foot boutique is located at The James, at 8 Price Street, Unit 5, and is the third standalone location for the New York-based womenswear brand.
The Toronto opening follows the launch of boutiques on Manhattan’s Upper East Side and in Greenwich, Connecticut. Taylor, who grew up in Toronto before establishing her fashion business in New York, said the Canadian location has particular personal significance.
“We chose this location because we like to be part of a community and connect with our customers in a more intimate way. We’re always drawn to neighbourhood destinations where there’s a strong sense of local character and discovery. Opening in Toronto feels especially meaningful because it’s my hometown, and returning here with the brand feels like a full-circle moment,” said Taylor.
Tanya Taylor Joins The James at Scrivener Square
The boutique is part of The James, a 23-storey luxury rental development by Tricon Residential at Scrivener Square, near Yonge and Price streets. The project includes approximately 10,500 square feet of retail space, a pedestrian-oriented retail mews and a public square, with access to Summerhill subway station.
As previously reported by Retail Insider, the development extends the historic Five Thieves shopping district, where longstanding businesses include Harvest Wagon, Olliffe Butcher Shop, Pisces Gourmet and Terroni.
Retailers and businesses announced for The James include Mamakas, Gee Beauty, Nutbar, Dear Grain Bakery, Chocolat de Kat and jewellery retailer Bluboho. Toronto fashion boutique Clementine’s has also announced plans to relocate to the development.
For Tanya Taylor, the neighbourhood’s concentration of independent retailers and restaurants fits the company’s approach to choosing smaller shopping destinations where it can build relationships with local customers.
Toronto Firm Ashley Botten Design Creates Boutique Interior
Toronto-based Ashley Botten Design designed the store to resemble a private residence, incorporating custom furnishings, artwork and decorative objects. A fireplace anchors the interior, with a painting by Taylor displayed above it.
The space includes vintage-inspired furniture, custom upholstery, ceramics and a sculptural ceiling light by designer Anna Karlin. A central merchandise display sits within the 750-square-foot boutique, while the brand’s signature swan motif appears on a bronze entrance logo, custom door knocker, umbrella stand and decorative hooks.
The residential approach carries through to the smaller furnishings and artwork, which were selected to complement Taylor’s colourful clothing collections. The company said the intention was to create a setting where customers could spend time exploring the merchandise.
Canadian Designer Expands International Retail Presence
Taylor grew up in Toronto and earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance from McGill University before studying fashion design at Parsons School of Design in New York. She launched her first collection in spring 2013, establishing a contemporary womenswear label known for hand-painted prints, colourful designs and feminine silhouettes.
Her first standalone boutique opened on Madison Avenue in New York in 2023, followed by a location in Greenwich, Connecticut. The Toronto store brings the brand’s physical retail network to three locations.
Beyond its own boutiques, Tanya Taylor sells through major department stores and online retailers, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdale’s and Shopbop. The label’s designs have been worn by Michelle Obama, Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Canadian actress Rachel McAdams.
