Review is written by Staff @ The Ring and is based on • Interviews with this vendor • Interviews with past brides
For unique vintage-inspired gowns with a modern edge, found in a local shop that offers each client a completely memorable and personalized shopping experience, Pam Chorley's Fashion Crimes is the place to go. Pam Chorley, Designer and President has twenty-five years of experience in the fashion world with an impressive repertoire of fashion feats for women of all ages, including creating designs for proms, weddings and even the Academy Awards. Fashion Crimes has been a longtime fixture on Queen Street West in Toronto and Pam, along with General Manager, Crystal Rickard, and their team of fashionistas offer brides, bridesmaids, flower girls and even mothers with a flair for red carpet style in a store full of glamorous, couture dresses, jackets and accessories.
With a studio just around the corner from their storefront, Pam can personalize your dress to fit your body and style
order, not to mention the fact that her designs are exclusively available at her store only. It's no wonder, then, that her designs are well known throughout North America and that brides love Fashion Crimes for that dress that's different from the norm. We spoke with Pam and Crystal to find out more about why the designs are so unique and what the shopping experience at Fashion Crimes means for brides. Here's what we discovered...
Personally speaking...
Now a part of Toronto's fashion district for twenty-five years, Fashion Crimes began as a small store with a few racks and has evolved into a haven of classic inspired yet cutting edge dresses for girls and women of all ages and for all occasions.
Fashion Crimes was one of the first independent Toronto designers to take up shop on Queen Street West, and it's now the last independently owned boutique remaining. Pam entered the fashion industry over twenty-five years ago, starting out with jewellery making and shortly thereafter moving into designing and making gowns. She has been featured in many magazines and TV shows, including Toronto Life, City TV, Fashion Magazine, Wish Magazine, Flare Magazine, Parade, Wedding Bells, and more.
What's in store?
For your wedding fashion needs, Pam has several unique designs and colours for bridesmaid dresses, mothers of the bride and even flower girls; not to mention her one of a kind bridal gowns. Pam also creates garments for other special occasions, such as bat mitzvahs, proms, balls, galas and cocktail parties - and a majority of her designs can take on many of these occasions in one dress. But perhaps more impressive is the fact that Pam's creations have been worn on the red carpet for the Academy Awards, the Toronto Film Festival, Juno Awards, Grammy Awards, Dora Mavour Moore awards, Book Lovers' Ball and numerous other prestigious events across North America.
"Our stylists provide personalized fittings and collaborations with musicians, actors, journalists, press representatives and television personalities. These celebrities and elite VIP's have dazzled in Pam Chorley's garments," explains their website.
Her style for yours
When browsing through Pam's website or visiting the Queen Street location, it's easy to see the unique style she puts into every dress, jacket and accessory. She continues to impress with fresh and new design concepts. But, it's not just these couture designs that make Pam a significant icon in Toronto, it's also the fact that she is hands-on in every aspect of design.
"Pam has influences from the Victorian era to the 1940s and 1950s movie start style," Caitlin McCoy, Assistant Manager at Fashion Crimes told The Ring. "The style is vintage-inspired but with a real modern edge." And that's perfect for the eclectic range of customers who make their way to the shop. "We get a lot of unconventional brides who are looking for non-traditional colours or shapes," says Caitlin. "We've dressed everyone from the grandmother of the bride to a two month old baby girl - all sizes and styles from pencil skirt suits for office wear to grade eight graduates. Anyone who is looking for locally made, unique designs," says Caitlin.
What she offers
This glam emporium is set up in a vintage, classic way and adorned with chandeliers, making you feel like you're already on the red carpet and it's overflowing with made-to-measure designs. The ambiance not only matches the luxury and style of the gowns, but it also creates a space worthy of a 'girl's day out' beyond the monotony of regular shopping trips. All of the dresses are organized by colour and size; but if they don't have the colour, size or style you're looking for, don't worry as Pam's studio is just around the corner so you can order exactly what you want and Pam can cater to you for a more personalized shopping experience.
Nicole O. purchased her bridesmaid's dress for a friend's wedding at Fashion Crimes. She told The Ring, "Whenever I was downtown shopping, I always made it a point to stop in at Fashion Crimes. It's such a fun store - packed full of beautiful stuff! When I knew I had the chance to pick my own bridesmaid dress, it was on the top of my list. I tried on dresses on a few separate occasions, and all the girls were super nice and helpful. They were all very knowledgeable, and made the whole experience a fun and comfortable one!"
"The dresses are literally walked to the studio," Caitlin told us. She went on to explain that the styles are not limited to what you see online or in the store as you can mix and match a certain neckline with a skirt style for a completely customized dress. This is also true for bridesmaid dresses, where each maid can have the same dress fitted to suit their body shape.
On top of gowns and cocktail-style dresses, Fashion Crimes can also finish off your glamorous look with unique accessories to match you and your dress style, including necklaces, brooches, earrings, rings and bracelets, which they make in collaboration with local artists and can usually accommodate requests for custom designs.
"We have quality pieces that we can recommend to everyone," says Caitlin. "We try to have something for every price range, age, body type and style." Nicole said that she describes the gowns at Fashion Crimes as "A little funky and fun, but still very elegant and classy."
Pricing your gown
Depending on the style you buy and whether it's off the rack or custom-made, prices can range from $30 to $50 on sale, to the more couture fabrics which can go upwards into the thousands. Caitlin says that the "prices are very competitive compared to bridal shops." Nicole pointed out that while you can find cheaper options elsewhere, the product isn't the same, "In terms of cocktail dresses and bridesmaid gowns, they are above average in price, but worth every dime! My dress fit me like a glove. High quality, and made in the city!" She added that she never regretted her purchase.
Accessories also range in price depending on the style and materials used. For example, earrings can be three for $10 and some accessories are in the $100's, like the custom, handmade Austrian crystal piece that's in store.
Alterations are included in the price for the made-to-measure custom-made dresses, but if you're buying something off the rack, there is an additional alteration fee if the dress needs to be taken in. "All pinning is done in store," explains Caitlin, "but before we cut or pin anything the dress has to be paid in full. For wedding gowns that are purchased a year in advance, we require a 50% deposit." The reason for the made-to-measure fee is because Fashion Crimes actually stops production in order to specially make your one of a kind dress at their studio that's just two blocks away on Richmond Street.
Walking you through...
Unless you have a huge bridal party or require a lot of personal attention, you can usually just stop by Fashion Crimes to try on dresses - though it's always nice to let them know you're coming. Caitlin says stopping by during the week is always the best time if you need a lot of attention as it's typically less busy.
If you find what you're looking for when you stop by, you can have it fitted that day and sent off to the nearby studio. Otherwise, custom orders can take two to eight weeks, but Fashion Crimes can also accommodate rush orders (those with less than two weeks beforehand) at an extra cost.
Either way - whether you find what you're looking for that day, or get your dream design custom-made - Fashion Crimes exclaims that "any person who has entered [the] store can tell that this is no ordinary place created by any ordinary person... [and it] is the home to some of the most unique accessories and garments that can be found in Toronto."
Details, details, details
• Alterations are extra if you are purchasing off the rack at Fashion Crimes.
• Alterations will not be made on a gown until it has been paid for in full.
• Made-to-measure gowns do not have additional alteration changes.
• A 50% deposit is required for custom orders.
• Custom orders generally take 2 to 8 weeks to design, but the more time the better the design!
• Rush orders are accommodated if possible.
For unique vintage-inspired gowns with a modern edge, found in a local shop that offers each client a completely memorable and personalized shopping experience, Pam Chorley's Fashion Crimes is the place to go. Pam Chorley, Designer and President has twenty-five years of experience in the fashion world with an impressive repertoire of fashion feats for women of all ages, including creating designs for proms, weddings and even the Academy Awards. Fashion Crimes has been a longtime fixture on Queen Street West in Toronto and Pam, along with General Manager, Crystal Rickard, and their team of fashionistas offer brides, bridesmaids, flower girls and even mothers with a flair for red carpet style in a store full of glamorous, couture dresses, jackets and accessories.
With a studio just around the corner from their storefront, Pam can personalize your dress to fit your body and style
order, not to mention the fact that her designs are exclusively available at her store only. It's no wonder, then, that her designs are well known throughout North America and that brides love Fashion Crimes for that dress that's different from the norm. We spoke with Pam and Crystal to find out more about why the designs are so unique and what the shopping experience at Fashion Crimes means for brides. Here's what we discovered...
Personally speaking...
Now a part of Toronto's fashion district for twenty-five years, Fashion Crimes began as a small store with a few racks and has evolved into a haven of classic inspired yet cutting edge dresses for girls and women of all ages and for all occasions.
Fashion Crimes was one of the first independent Toronto designers to take up shop on Queen Street West, and it's now the last independently owned boutique remaining. Pam entered the fashion industry over twenty-five years ago, starting out with jewellery making and shortly thereafter moving into designing and making gowns. She has been featured in many magazines and TV shows, including Toronto Life, City TV, Fashion Magazine, Wish Magazine, Flare Magazine, Parade, Wedding Bells, and more.
What's in store?
For your wedding fashion needs, Pam has several unique designs and colours for bridesmaid dresses, mothers of the bride and even flower girls; not to mention her one of a kind bridal gowns. Pam also creates garments for other special occasions, such as bat mitzvahs, proms, balls, galas and cocktail parties - and a majority of her designs can take on many of these occasions in one dress. But perhaps more impressive is the fact that Pam's creations have been worn on the red carpet for the Academy Awards, the Toronto Film Festival, Juno Awards, Grammy Awards, Dora Mavour Moore awards, Book Lovers' Ball and numerous other prestigious events across North America.
"Our stylists provide personalized fittings and collaborations with musicians, actors, journalists, press representatives and television personalities. These celebrities and elite VIP's have dazzled in Pam Chorley's garments," explains their website.
Her style for yours
When browsing through Pam's website or visiting the Queen Street location, it's easy to see the unique style she puts into every dress, jacket and accessory. She continues to impress with fresh and new design concepts. But, it's not just these couture designs that make Pam a significant icon in Toronto, it's also the fact that she is hands-on in every aspect of design.
"Pam has influences from the Victorian era to the 1940s and 1950s movie start style," Caitlin McCoy, Assistant Manager at Fashion Crimes told The Ring. "The style is vintage-inspired but with a real modern edge." And that's perfect for the eclectic range of customers who make their way to the shop. "We get a lot of unconventional brides who are looking for non-traditional colours or shapes," says Caitlin. "We've dressed everyone from the grandmother of the bride to a two month old baby girl - all sizes and styles from pencil skirt suits for office wear to grade eight graduates. Anyone who is looking for locally made, unique designs," says Caitlin.
What she offers
This glam emporium is set up in a vintage, classic way and adorned with chandeliers, making you feel like you're already on the red carpet and it's overflowing with made-to-measure designs. The ambiance not only matches the luxury and style of the gowns, but it also creates a space worthy of a 'girl's day out' beyond the monotony of regular shopping trips. All of the dresses are organized by colour and size; but if they don't have the colour, size or style you're looking for, don't worry as Pam's studio is just around the corner so you can order exactly what you want and Pam can cater to you for a more personalized shopping experience.
Nicole O. purchased her bridesmaid's dress for a friend's wedding at Fashion Crimes. She told The Ring, "Whenever I was downtown shopping, I always made it a point to stop in at Fashion Crimes. It's such a fun store - packed full of beautiful stuff! When I knew I had the chance to pick my own bridesmaid dress, it was on the top of my list. I tried on dresses on a few separate occasions, and all the girls were super nice and helpful. They were all very knowledgeable, and made the whole experience a fun and comfortable one!"
"The dresses are literally walked to the studio," Caitlin told us. She went on to explain that the styles are not limited to what you see online or in the store as you can mix and match a certain neckline with a skirt style for a completely customized dress. This is also true for bridesmaid dresses, where each maid can have the same dress fitted to suit their body shape.
On top of gowns and cocktail-style dresses, Fashion Crimes can also finish off your glamorous look with unique accessories to match you and your dress style, including necklaces, brooches, earrings, rings and bracelets, which they make in collaboration with local artists and can usually accommodate requests for custom designs.
"We have quality pieces that we can recommend to everyone," says Caitlin. "We try to have something for every price range, age, body type and style." Nicole said that she describes the gowns at Fashion Crimes as "A little funky and fun, but still very elegant and classy."
Pricing your gown
Depending on the style you buy and whether it's off the rack or custom-made, prices can range from $30 to $50 on sale, to the more couture fabrics which can go upwards into the thousands. Caitlin says that the "prices are very competitive compared to bridal shops." Nicole pointed out that while you can find cheaper options elsewhere, the product isn't the same, "In terms of cocktail dresses and bridesmaid gowns, they are above average in price, but worth every dime! My dress fit me like a glove. High quality, and made in the city!" She added that she never regretted her purchase.
Accessories also range in price depending on the style and materials used. For example, earrings can be three for $10 and some accessories are in the $100's, like the custom, handmade Austrian crystal piece that's in store.
Alterations are included in the price for the made-to-measure custom-made dresses, but if you're buying something off the rack, there is an additional alteration fee if the dress needs to be taken in. "All pinning is done in store," explains Caitlin, "but before we cut or pin anything the dress has to be paid in full. For wedding gowns that are purchased a year in advance, we require a 50% deposit." The reason for the made-to-measure fee is because Fashion Crimes actually stops production in order to specially make your one of a kind dress at their studio that's just two blocks away on Richmond Street.
Walking you through...
Unless you have a huge bridal party or require a lot of personal attention, you can usually just stop by Fashion Crimes to try on dresses - though it's always nice to let them know you're coming. Caitlin says stopping by during the week is always the best time if you need a lot of attention as it's typically less busy.
If you find what you're looking for when you stop by, you can have it fitted that day and sent off to the nearby studio. Otherwise, custom orders can take two to eight weeks, but Fashion Crimes can also accommodate rush orders (those with less than two weeks beforehand) at an extra cost.
Either way - whether you find what you're looking for that day, or get your dream design custom-made - Fashion Crimes exclaims that "any person who has entered [the] store can tell that this is no ordinary place created by any ordinary person... [and it] is the home to some of the most unique accessories and garments that can be found in Toronto."
Details, details, details
• Alterations are extra if you are purchasing off the rack at Fashion Crimes.
• Alterations will not be made on a gown until it has been paid for in full.
• Made-to-measure gowns do not have additional alteration changes.
• A 50% deposit is required for custom orders.
• Custom orders generally take 2 to 8 weeks to design, but the more time the better the design!
• Rush orders are accommodated if possible.
