Toronto: A decadent stop for vintage

With an impressive vault of fine vintage couture, Divine Decadence Originals (128 Cumberland St., 416-324-9759) is a frequent destination for stylists, designers and celebrities from around the globe–the shop has counted Marisa Tomei, Milla Jovovich and Zac Posen among its visitors.

A collage of costume jewellery pinned to an antique wedding gown greets you as you enter, setting the tone for the lavish fashions inside—think Balenciaga or fine Canadian couturier Maggy Reeves. The extensive selection of art deco-era dresses adorned with sequins, gems and crystals will simply take your breath away. These pieces date as far back as the turn of the last century and a few were displayed in the Royal Ontario Museum’s Art Deco exhibit. One of owner Carmelita Blondet’s personal favorites from this period is a luxurious black silk dress with Austrian crystals from the 1940s (above). All Blondet’s pieces are in mint condition and the silhouettes still look modern to the store’s clientele, who range in age from teenagers to women in their 70s.

Blondet is a representative for the National Council of Woman of Peru in Canada and she often brings clothing back from her visits to the country and celebrates Peruvian culture with fascinating books, art and conversation at the store. Though she’s surrounded by the most beautiful dresses in the world, Carmelita will still insist that the most beautiful ornament a woman can wear is a youthful spirit.

P.S. Though shoes are not for sale at the store, I just had to share with you this dainty pair of Daniel Green heels that Blondet had hidden in the back room. Simply adorable!

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