Browsing the Toronto Archives photographic collection from 1909-1930, one can find a ton of amazing shots of historic Toronto fashion.
There are plenty of photos of stylish men and women at the races (Ontario Jockey Club/Woodbine Racetrack), fashion shoots for department stores, as well as people at events around the city.
Some fashions shoots for Toronto departments stores of the day include Holt Renfrew, Eaton’s, Creed’s and Simpson’s. Only Holt Renfrew has survived to this day!
1 – c. 1909 Ontario Jockey Club
2 – 1910 Woodbine Race Track
3 – 1910 Woodbine Racetrack, Woman on the left may be Lady Pellat,
first wife of Sir Henry Pellat of Casa Loma fame.
4 – 1911 Woodbine Racetrack
5 – 1913 Woodbine Racetrack
6 – 1924 Sunnyside fashion parade
7 – 1924 Ontario Jockey Club/Woodbine races
8 – 1926 Creeds fashions, afternoon frock and coat
9 & 10 – 1926 Holt Renfrew Co. fashion shoot
11 – 1929 Greenspoon Fur model, Miss Gallinough
12 – 1929 Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire fashion show
(IODE, women’s charitable organization still in operation today…iode.ca)
13 – 1929 Woodbine races
14 & 15 -1930 Eaton Garden Party fashion show… Hollywood glamour
16 – 1930 Shoe fashion show, as a self-confessed shoeaholic, I could not resist these.
If you are interested in seeing more historic Toronto fashion finds in the Toronto Archives photos, please visit the Toronto Archives.
