This week we checked Queen Street West accessory staple A2Zane. The company itself is two years old and has transitioned from an online company to a year-long pop-up shop, to a now permanent store at Queen and Euclid this past October. The bright space is a young professional’s accessory heaven and boasts an eclectic collection of bags, jewellery, belts, scarves, ties and bowties that draw young repeat customers from all over the city.
A2Zane features both Canadian and international brands at an assortment of prices. We were instantly drawn to the bright, bold colours of the bags, a refreshing reminder that spring is just around the corner. We love the selection, with everything from small clutches for the night out on the town to the durable carry-all for hectically running from point A to B in the city, like the beloved “The Original Flea” Fleabag. Other coveted brands include Rebecca Minkoff and CC Skye.
For the jet-setting young professional, A2Zane offers a selection of quality carry-on luggage, as well as the comfort and luxury offered by the selection of White and Warren Cashmere Travel Wraps for chilly flights or waiting around airports. The jewelery ranges from pieces that can be worn to jazz up a t-shirt and jeans to more elegant and nighttime appropriate pieces to compliment a glam cocktail dress. A2Zane carries jewellery brands like Elizabeth and James, CC Skye, Shashi and Gorjana. Other accessories include an assortment of scarves like the famous printed JUMA scarves that just showed in New York Fashion Week.
Not only for the ladies, A2Zane also features an assortment of young professional staples for the stylish man like the Clock Strap, David Wellington watches, Happy Socks, printed scarves, ties and Fine and Dandy bow ties and pocket squares. Designer men’s bags include brands like Qwstion and The Cambridge Satchel.
The store itself has a bright, transitional feel, with a rustic and trendy interior. It has a fresh, clean look with plenty of character without the dark edge of Queen Street. We caught up with the young professional behind A2Zane, Founder and Owner Zane Aburaneh, whose love for finer things and appreciation for top quality began while he worked at Holt Renfrew in the handbag department.
How did A to Zane come to be?
I used to go to a lot of tradeshows and would see accessories and fashion I loved in Paris and London but noticed a void existed in Canadian consumers. I then began importing products for friends, business associates and clients all out of my condo and through a website. This was sustainable for about six months, when my demand lead me to a pop-up store that was supposed to be for three months and lasted for one year until the building was sold and I moved shop a few blocks east in the Queen West neighbourhood. It is great to have a headquarters, a central place where everything happens and where customers can touch and feel the product. It is also great for people from out of town who may be exposed to our brands through pop-up shops we have planned for the future in different cities.
What look were you going for with the new location?
I wanted to keep things fresh, clean and simple and chose forward-thinking Toronto designer Mate Szemeredy. Most of Queen Street has more of a dark, contemporary vintage feel but I wanted to brighten up the vibe and the store…not to mention things like bright and plentiful lighting highlights the product the best.
What has the response been so far to the Queen Street store?
The response has been great. It is such a vibrant neighbourhood and I have developed relationships with other business owners in the neighbourhood. I have found that people have come from all different Toronto neighbourhoods as most of our brands are more exclusive and can’t be found many places in Canada.
How would you describe the style of products found in A2Zane? What do you look for when purchasing merchandise?
I tend to stick to a more understated look with A2Zane products and brands in general. I stay away from anything that is too logo-driven or monogrammed. I like to call it understated luxury and attainable luxury as well as I feature products of varying price points.
How does A2Zane appeal to the young professional?
We feature a bunch of amazing laptop workbags including the Qwstion line from Zurich. Many of our bags feature built-in jellies for laptops. Our bags won’t look like you are carrying your dad’s briefcase because they are more contemporary, with a minimal, clean look. A lot of young professionals like to feel like they are in-the-know about something and like the fact that when they purchase something from A2Zane that they won’t see countless others on the street with the same thing. Things like ties and bow ties give otherwise characterless business attire an edge without being too over the top.
What can we expect in the future?
We will soon expand our accessory line to include more bow ties, wallets and bags.
Advice to other young professionals looking to start a boutique:
Stick to your guns and stay true to your original vision and idea. Don’t try to complicate things because it will only make it more difficult for yourself.