Probably the most striking thing about Leslieville’s Irish Design House, besides its name, is the boutique’s vivid window display.
Irish fashion designer, Sinead Clarke, opened her Queen Street East shop in August 2014 and what she’s quickly learned about Canadian fashion is how muted and dark everything is.
“I didn't realize it was so different until I got here,” she says of her knitwear. “People saw it and they were really amazed by all the textures and bright colours.”
Sinead says she doesn’t even own black wool.
Instead the shop is chalk full of candy-coloured wool scarves, sweaters, hats, mittens and blankets, as well as pottery and jewellery that she has carefully hand picked from the collections of her favourite Irish designers and talented friends across the pond. A small portion of the Irish Design House is dedicated to her own knitwear, made with lightweight, but oh-so-warm and soft Merino wool. Sinead’s headscarves are particularly adorable.
Amazing sweaters, socks and scarves. Well made and priced for the work that went to make them. I love to browse and see what's new. It's the perfect time to pick up a fabulous fall sweater.