Toronto Retail Favorite jacflash: A tFS Interview

The Fashion Spot: Tell us a bit about who you are, for those who don’t know your background and how you started in the fashion industry.

Jaclyn Genovese: I was born and raised in Toronto, studied classical singing at Dalhousie University and soon after launched the store in 2007 out of my love for fashion. I created my own clothing line ‘Jac and Gill’ with her cousin Gillian Young and launched an “independent artist” listening section in the store, which includes artists from both Canada and the U.S.

TFS: You have amazing style. What are some of your influences when it comes to your style?

JG: My style comes from many of the influences around me such as traveling, many fashion blogs, and my friends around. I can transform to dark and edgy-chic, to feminine-boho. I brought this style to jacflash, which has drawn celebrities such as Jessica Alba, Shenae Grimes, and Rachel McAdams.

TFS: I know you have your hands in a bunch of stuff other than the store and the clothing line. What else takes up your time these days?

JG: I’ve thrown many weekly and one-off events at The Thompson Hotel, Nyood, 99 Sudbury, and Parts & Labour, drawing both Toronto and worldwide celebrities such as Hugh Grant, Uma Thurman, Drake, Shane West, Enrique Iglesias, Brian McKnight, Annie Lennox, K-OS, and local celebrities including Much Music hosts Matte Babel, Jesse Giddings, Liz Trinnear, Devon Soltendieck, the Raptors, and other sports celebrities.

TFS: Tell us a bit more about jacflash for our readers who haven’t been yet, but need to get there in a rush.

JG: jacflash brings a men’s and women’s fashion retail environment that captures West Queen West’s unique brand of eccentric, understated luxe with a mix of upscale rock and roll. Phillippe Starck meets The White Stripes meets Fred Segal, right here in Toronto.

The 2,500-square-foot store, located at 1036-1038 Queen Street West, is refreshingly free of hyperbole. Enormous floor to ceiling windows create a voyeuristic haven for the spectacular collections. The store’s classic design, with a mix of eclectic, speaks to the labels it showcases. The design of jacflash offers a twist, blending classic architectural forms with contemporary materials such as polished chrome, lacquer paints, mirrors, raw woods, and acrylics. The store showcases an array of custom designed furnishings and fixtures, from armoire-inspired wall cases to custom rolling racks.

What we deliver is simple; fashion, music, and glamour to those seeking to look and feel great, either on the red carpet or just kicking around town.

jacflash features unique and exclusive brands for both men and women from NYC, Europe, LA, Asia, Australia and across the world. Stunning brands for women include: One Teaspoon, Style Stalker, UNIF, J Brand, Mink Pink, Transit Par Such, Wildfox, Ambre Babzoe and Lovers & Friends. Brands for men include: FARHI by Nicole Farhi, Levi’s Denim, Shades of Grey by Micah Cohen, Scotch and Soda and BTNS. The store also features a selection of spectacular accessories such as shoes and boots, belts, and jewelery for both women and men that will compliment jacflash style.

TFS: What is the main thing you want people to take away about jacflash?

JG: I think everyone needs a bit of glamour in their lives. At jacflash we want to help people feel and be glamorous. My goal is to become the “IT” destination in Toronto where people can come in, shop, listen to some great new music, and have fun doing it. Shopping should be an adventure – finding that special outfit or piece – the one you can’t wait to put on again – fashion that brings out the hidden star in you.” For more on jacflash – jacflash.net

HOURS: Mon-Wed 11-7, Thurs-Sat 11-8, Sun 12-6 PHONE: 416-516-8766