Zara’s slightly higher-end sibling, Massimo Dutti has arrived in North America, opening its first store at the Toronto Eaton Centre at the spot formerly occupied by another Spanish brand, Mango.  With more sophisticated and “grown-up” pieces, the store definitely targets a cosmopolitan city crowd who like to be trendy, but not over the top.  The Eaton Centre store is around 5,000 square feet with a dark aesthetic and features items for both men and women.  Massimo Dutti also has a line for children, which is not available in Toronto.

There’s a whole array of selection available for work, after work and weekends, including denim, blazers, skirts, dresses, pants and accessories, all ready for fall.  Many of the pieces in the women’s collection are solids, though there are some items that have a bit more pattern, including a pair of silk pants and a red, patterned cinch waist dress (links are to the UK site – the North American site is not available yet).  Fit-wise, Massimo Dutti is similar to Zara, perhaps a bit slimmer fit.  The smallest size in women’s is a 4 (opposed to 2 at Zara), so very small framed ladies used to Zara sizing will need alterations.

The other two North American locations, which are in Manhattan and Washington DC, will open later this year.