shopping feature

More features »

Introducing Victoire

Introducing Victoire

A fashion haven for rebel girls with good manners.

If Ozzy Osbourne were to have tea with the queen, your first reaction might be shock and utter disbelief as such a rendezvous seems highly unlikely. Though this reaction may be warranted, the ideals the two represent actually make quite the pair. Now, the hip new Ottawa retailer Victoire embodies a similar combination—mixing edgy wares with classic pieces to make a rock ‘n’ roll tea party. Owners Katie and Régine, who are longtime BFFs, knew the only place suitable to open their eclectic shop is on Ottawa’s buzzing North Dalhousie Street. FASHION18's Kaley Stuart recently caught up with the ladies of Victoire to dish about the shop, the future and their own fashion must-haves.

FASHION18: What kind of items can we find in Victoire?

Régine Paquette: Our feeling toward clothes is to keep things stylish but also super fun! We try to ensure Victoire has stuff that fits all facets of your life: great skirts for when you are chained to your desk, shorts for cruising on your bike, dresses for meeting the parents, and minis for hot dates. The typical Victoire girl is complex and can't be pigeonholed, so we offer clothing that's a reflection of that. Also, all of our clothing and accessories are from very small, independent lines—young designers just like us trying to survive in a world of super malls and mass-produced clothes.

F18: Do you have a fashion icon you draw on for inspiration when selecting the pieces you sell?

R.P.: Every day has a different fashion icon! To choose just one all-encompassing woman would be impossible. Some days it’s Emily Haines of Metric, or Jenny Lewis or M.I.A.; other days it’s Zelda Fitzgerald or Jane Birkin.

F18: What is your summer fashion must-have?

R.P.: Sailor stripes, gold layering necklaces and something with a bit of a dark side, like a skull and crossbones scarf or Grim Reaper–painted earrings.

F18: One thing you can’t leave home without?

R.P.: The businesswoman in us says our agenda, but our fashionista side says a great necklace. But most importantly, breakfast!

F18: What motto do you live by?

R.P.: Friends always come first!

By Kaley Stuart