Twigg & Hottie
By Marilyn Wilson
Nestled between several fashionable boutiques on Main at 21st is the must-see store of Twigg & Hottie. With a warm, inviting atmosphere and extensive collection of talent showcased, you'll find yourself returning again and again. This homegrown shop features fifty designers, all Canadian but one, three-fourths local. The exception is recycled rubber jewelry by Brazilian Marzio Fiorini.
It surprised me to learn this venture started as a consignment store. When original owners Glencora Twigg and Christine Hotten were studying at Helen Lefeaux, Hotten heard of a second hand shop that was closing and the two decided to purchase the existing business together. It was after graduation they launched Twigg & Hottie which features local and Canadian-made merchandise with an emphasis on sustainable and recycled fabrics. "It was definitely a learning curve in the beginning. We closed and renovated and opened up…We thought all these designers would want a new venue, but it took a while to get people in here…" In August 2006 Jessica Vaira, also a Helen Lefeaux graduate, joined the business and was fondly dubbed the "Ampersand".
Twigg & Hottie features three great in-house lines. Twigg designs the Twigg & Hottie line. Tailored and classic, it uses natural and sustainable fabrics and can be worn by a wide range of ages. Hotten's line is called Michael (her middle name and alter ego when she dresses up). Using surface treatments such as silk screening, embroidery and pin-tucks, it is artsy and fashion forward. Clementine is the line designed by Vaira. The clothing is comfortable street wear for the Urban Hippie in earthy tones that pairs well with funky jewelry. Other well-known local designer labels I noticed were Elroy Apparel, Dru Designs, Nicole Bridger and Twice Shy. Most clothing is small-run with some one-of-a-kinds and ranges from denim and t-shirts to coats and party dresses. In addition to clothing the store has a wide range of other items including jewelry, knitwear accessories, handbags, and wood art. They continue to add new designers such as Veronica Lynn whose intricately embellished textiles are used to make fiber jewelry, accessories and women's garments. Store tags label whether the item is Canadian, local, sustainable, recycled, and/or one-of-a-kind.
Three strong, fabulous owners, a welcoming environment, and a great variety of merchandise, - what more can I say? If you haven't checked out this boutique it is time to put it at the top of your to-do list. Don't forget to go to their website at www.twiggandhottie.com and add your name to their mailing list so you can get in on their great in-store events and sales.
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