Cabaret Vintage

Going into the store I believed that we wouldn’t find any thing that would interest us. To me it looked a little creepy and plain old. however i was proven wrong. We were able to land 2 dresses at a good price and in excellent condition. Service was perfect. The people were very friendly and welcoming. I wouldn’t necessarily say that the variety was huge but there was a good pool of things to choose from. Overall it was a pleasant experience.

I bought a lovely dress here about a year ago that was made in house. Unfortunately when I tried to get it altered they recommended a tailor that has bad reviews so I ended up going to Elizabeth at Labl who was fantastic. Also, the way the dress had been made it was much trickier to alter — luckily Elizabeth was able to get it just right! You won’t find the same craftmanship on their dresses made in house but they are more reasonably priced as a result. You will get what you pay for.

Similar to the other reviews here, I have to say that I absolutely LOVE Cabaret Vintage. The owner, Tao, is one of the nicest people I have ever met in the retail industry. Incredibly empathetic, he also makes an effort to get to know all of his customers individually (a handshake and/​or hug!), and most amazingly, he also just has the perfect eye for knowing what fits you. I came here looking for a wedding dress, and he told me to try on another dress that I had not even considered — it ended up fitting like a glove, and I ended up picking that one up! Price wise for a wedding dress too — they are between $ 595-​$ 895, which is not horrifying.
Not only that, but the vintage clothing in this shop is fabulous! It is curated very well, with clothes in great condition (and no musty smell). I have to admit I have not yet ventured into the basement, but I will on my next visit!

They are SO NICE HERE. SO NICE. I have never had such friendly, sweet customer service before.
The clothes this time around, were not my size and/​or style. Then again it’s hard to find clothes to fit me because I’m small and I’m picky about the colour /​design as well (I know right? Talk about a futile endeavour with vintage clothing).
The rack that caught my attention were these gorgeous, beaded flapper dresses. OMG. I want to make up some event so I can buy those dresses and wear a flapper dress to it.
They also have lovely accessories, and decorations. I think this is a fabulous store and I’d be happy to re-​visit again. Please note, it is dressier than most vintage stores, so it’s long ball gowns and that sort of fancy schmancy stuff.

Stumbled upon Cabaret one day shopping on Queen West and now it’s my absolutely favourite shop in Toronto. Partly because the clothes are fabulous, but mostly because Tao the owner is fantastic. He is so sweet, treats you like a friend (hug included) and now greets me by name!
My first time there I walked out with a 1960s dress from Cannes, another time I left with my wedding dress. Every time someone visits from another country I bring them here and everyone leaves with something special. Best shop in Toronto by far.

Cabaret is lovely! The clothing is fantastic, the layout is appealing and easy to maneuver, and the man who was working the evening we dropped by was phenomenal! We didn’t end up buying anything because we were looking for something ultra specific, but we still received wonderful service that left us in a much better mood than when we entered. I intend to return the next time I have a formal event to attend.

VIBE
I love that this store has a vintage yet modern look at the same time. The service and owner here are amazing. He truly makes you feel like you’re at home.
THE GOODS
If you’re looking for some swank vintage, this is the place to be. The store specializes in vintage wedding dresses. They just look so gorgeous!
Downstairs, is mens and lingerie. That seems to fit, non?
Also, the mannequin downstairs is creepy! I felt like it was looking at me and moving its eyes. I swear!
OBLIGATORY CATCHY REMARK
Kick up those legs and get to Cabaret! Because you can-​can.

The most amazing collection of vintage (and some new) cufflinks, tie clips, pocket squares, pre-​war ties and more. The upstairs is gorgeous and inviting, the downstairs is the coolest basement in the nation. I am always tempted to blow three months’ rent on a ton of treasures that just cannot be found anywhere else — a vintage Boss pinstripe suit, cufflinks & tie clip set and Shaft-​style 1970’s leather coat had me wondering which bills I could let slide for another month.
Words cannot express the shopping experience you’ll get. Tao, like his shop, is one of a kind; warm, inviting, gracious and glad to see you. He emits a cool, happy vibe that has to be experienced.
I cannot wait to go back.

I just can’t rave enough about my experience in this great vintage shop.
Ambiance — the upstairs is chic, with a bright, open boutique lay out that showcases an amazing array of women’s vintage, a hat wall and areas for well-​chosen accessories (including new men’s bowties). Clean and tasteful, it is a far cry from the musty, cramped vintage shops I’ve sifted through in the past. The downstairs has a mellow, funky vibe with racks of low-​cost women’s wear and a decent sized men’s selection.
Service — Tao (spelling?) is A PEACH. This man’s intimidating physical size does not belie his disarmingly friendly personality. I really can’t begin to express what a helpful, intelligent sweetheart he is, especially after going in store after store on Queen Street with lackluster service ranging from indifferent to rude. My bf and I had an hour plus conversation with him, as the store was slow on a week day, and it felt like chatting with an old friend. On a professional basis he was helpful and knowledgeable — he clearly knows the business, the product and how to tailor his suggestions to the client.
Selection — I consider myself decently versed in vintage. I’m by no means an expert but I have a good working knowledge of what is out there, what constitutes something rare, good craftsmanship, etc. The upstairs of Cabaret was the mother-​load of exceptional, high-​quality, formal and semi-​formal items — I saw a gorgeous metallic blue coat that I would have cut parts off of myself to fit into and it was just one of many unique, beautiful items. The downstairs was an excellent mix of simpler semi-​formal, business casual and every day styles. I got a great 60’s frock in mint condition for $ 65 & a studded 70’s punk collar for $ 20 (real leather, perfect condition, well made and large enough to double up as a bracelet — places on Queen Street were selling fake leather, made in China ones that looked SO cheap for the same price). The prices may sound steep for something «used,» particularly the more impressive upstairs items, but I didn’t see anything in less than excellent condition, mostly hard to find styles (even if you are used to shopping vintage) and the craftsmanship and quality of fabrics offered could not be duplicated in a modern item for the same money. We have such a throw away clothing culture that items of this quality are INSANELY expensive to purchase new (and difficult to even find). I was also impressed with the look, construction and fabric quality of their vintage-​inspired modern dress line, manufactured in Canada solely for the store.

Definitely a store which lives up to the hype. With that being said it’s a very pricey store, at least to an 18 year old like myself. They have a great men’s selection but good luck buying anything from that store and not spending at least in the three digits.

This place is great! I went in here for the first time today and was really really impressed. The dude working was totally friendly. The selection of interesting vintage pieces carried a sizable price tag, but nothing seemed out of line. The shop itself is very nicely laid out, but I got a kick out of the basement most of all.
I will be back!

Cabaret is pure class. I’ve been here twice with friends to help them look for formal wear. They have a beautiful selection of high-​quality evening wear including bridal stuff. If you have a classic hourglass figure and are looking for something timeless and elegant, this is your store. Styles are modest and feminine. The staff are very keen on helping you find exactly what you’re looking for. In addition to dresses, they have accessories like hats (a whole wall of them), mink stoles, and jewellery. For the dapper gentleman, there are new bowties made from liberty-​printed fabric from London, and fancy suits. As Eric M. mentioned, there is a men’s pop up vintage store (separate from Cabaret) in the basement. However, I didn’t check it out.

Wow! While the prices are higher than the usual hipster vintage shop they are amazing for original designer gowns, like Christian Dior! And the hat selection is incredible! Worth every penny!

Cabaret is not cheap. Not even close. A lot of its stock is out of my usual price-​range; I haven’t actually purchased anything here yet. But I’ve always been treated kindly by the staff, and the warm, elegant atmosphere makes it a very welcoming place to begin with. If you need something truly special from an earlier decade, have a look!

I will make this brief, as I’m going on hour 27 of being awake (whoo night shift?).
You cannot get a better shopping experience at any other store. I’ve been in a few times before, and gawked longingly at the window nearly every week (if not three or ten times a week). Today, on a shopping day with my mother, I went in while who I’m assuming was an owner (Taou) was manning the shop. He was simply happy to have us looking! So kind and gracious, telling us about the sale wear in the basement and upcoming sales on their summer hats. And he seemed genuinely happy to hear I lived within minutes of the store — all before I’d even considered a purchase! In the end, I found an incredible straw sun hat from the 1960’s and fell in love instantly. And then he gave me a discount, for being a nurse who worked the night before :) (Sidenote — I am wearing my hat while I write this review… indoors. Yes, that is how awesome it is :)).
This store has the most beautiful finds and some of the most lovely and gracious staff. It’s no wonder the store has been on W Queen West for 15 years and, mark my words, if the day comes when I do get married, I will be walking down the aisle in one of their Cabaret Collection dresses.

When I win the lottery (and I am planning on it) I will shop at Caberet. It’s high-​end vintage at it’s best.
They sell beautiful restored pieces from the 1950s-​60s that makes your vintage heart melt! Also? New pieces made from old classic patterns. Walking into the store is opening a treasure chest!
The staff are nothing but kind and helpful! Not pushy at all! I’ve gone in many times simply to gawk at the stunning dresses and NOT ONCE have I gotten a «ARE YOU BUYING SOMETHING OR NOT?!» glare. I hate those. They are the worst.
I got my prom dress from here a couple of years ago and I’m still able to bust it out and wear it again for special occasions, as it’s very classic looking!
Curious? Stop in for a peak!

Wonderful clothing, true vintage and wonderful cross selection of ages.
For both men and women.
Nice collection of shoes, hand bags and luggage pieces. Large selection of hats and not your average aunt or grand mother brooch selection.

Cabaret is the BEST place to go in the city for the perfect vintage outfit… for a special occasion or for random fabulous additions to your wardrobe. With two floors of treasures on Queen West and a frequently updated website, you’ll always find something! Both girls and guys will be happy here, and they also have FAB accessories! Watch out though… it doesn’t come cheap! That said, you will get quality vintage and a fantastic experience if you shop here.
My two favourite pieces found here?
1. A 1940’s ivory cocktail dress that fit like it was MADE for me — amazingly intricate light shimmery brocade and mermaid skirt falling to the calf — I bought it for a 1940’s Charity Ball and it was a smash.
2. Gold embroidered feather hairpiece — I spent WAAAAY to much money on something you just pin on your head, but it is one of my favourite things in my closet and it ALWAYS gets noticed!
The owner and all the staff are WONDERFUL and will help you find whatever it is you need… even if you go not knowing what it is! I have spent many hours trying on amazing dresses here. They always know exactly what is on the racks and can point you in directions you didn’t think of, or advise you of what you should look for if you’re going to a theme party of some kind.

Cabaret is another amazing vintage recommendation for anyone who is shopping in Toronto and is looking for something more than just the mainstream labels.
I was originally introduced to Cabaret after attending one of my university’s formals, where I spotted two of my friends wearing the most funky and original looking party dresses.
After that, the rest is history!
Cabaret is great for any vintage shopper or anyone looking to add a little retro into their wardrobe. They have two floors filled with fully preserved dresses, jackets and accessories. And that is just the beginning!
And guess what? You will not be paying high prices in this store either!
Cabaret keeps up the vintage feel by offering amazing vintage prices, making all of these classic fashion plates affordable for all shoppers.
Some key items I have purchased from this store in the last 2 years:
— A baby pink tweed clutch purse ($ 25)
— A green and cream coloured silk scarf ($ 20)
— A 1970s long collared jean jacket with a warm knit inside ($ 90)
For originality, Cabaret takes the cake!

The mecca of all vintage clothing stores in the city, Cabaret is where I go to pray, or at least, peruse.
Yes, expensive items are sold here, and I rarely get the opportunity to splurge on a beautiful 50s cocktail dress that fits me properly but there are some deals to be discovered.
Go downstairs and sift through the racks of items that are marked down. On one impromptu visit I spent a whopping twenty dollars on a black pencil skirt that fit my curvy hips perfectly. Huzzah, I cried out. On another visit, I solved my clutter problem by buying vintage hat boxes which were half priced.
Until the day I win a million dollars, I will continue to visit Cabaret in search of that one-​of-​a-​kind item at the right price that will fit me like a second skin.