Christopher Massardo
The modern boutique appeal is something that is sweeping through in a wave. You can find more and more women (and in some cases men) opting to shop in an independent boutique opposed to wondering through the monotony of a hundred and more store shopping mall. The appeal is not only finding more unique pieces but also most of the time we go for the one on one attention.
Victoire Boutique is one place that really got those two points right. The first store opened in 2006 situated in Ottawa’s Byward Market. The online store was made available in 2008 and then this past February Victoire opened their second location in Ottawa’s trendy Westboro village. Katie Frappier and Regine Paquette are two aspiring young women who truly had their own fashion vision for themselves and Ottawa.
The store carries really unique labels such as Pre-loved, Eve Gravel and Birds of North America to name a few. We sat down with Katie and Regine to find out more about this growing venture of theirs.
How did Victoire Happen? What made you decide to open the store?:
Katie: We would always be shopping and we would talk about if we had our own boutique how we would do things differently.
Regine: We had both been talking and in-visioning since high school sort of. A couple years out of college and it happened.
What would you say the Victoire client comes to the store looking for?:
Katie: They are not really looking for the aspiring event piece but something more unique that you can wear everyday.
Who would you say the Victoire client is?:
Regine: Our clients are complex, fashion is a very big part of their life but only one part and we understand that.
What would you say is a benefit of working more with emerging talent opposed to a big brand name?:
Regine: Working with emerging talent, you have more of a connection. Opposed to having to deal with a buyer for a region who talks to somebody above them, it’s a one way communication with the designer.
How does the process of finding talent to feature/sell in the store work?:
Katie: It’s switched lately, we use to seek them out and convince them to sell their clothes in our store. Now it’s the other way around they are seeking us. It’s really amazing what Canadian talent is coming up with these days.
Regine: Word spreads, designers will talk to each other and recommend us as a place to be sold in.
Can you sum up the store in one phrase?:
Katie and Regine: “Rock and roll tea party!”
What’s next on the horizons?:
Regine: Third store in Toronto would be great.
Katie: We hear there is nothing like us there.
With that being said, we look forward to seeing how this thriving young venture grows and expands for their fashion vision to be seen.
