It wasn’t an April Fools’ Day joke, but it sure sounded like one: The self-proclaimed “fashion vampire” Karl Lagerfeld touched down in Toronto for the very first time on Wednesday. It wasn’t for the city’s World MasterCard Fashion Week (which ended just the week before), but instead to fête his design collaboration with Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos.
The party was hosted by Peter Freed, president of Freed Developments, along with Jordan Dermer and Todd Cowan, managing partners of CD Capital Developments. Invited guests were welcomed into a glamorous venue complete with crystal chandeliers, Perrier-Jouët champagne and music courtesy of New York City model and DJ Leigh Lezark of The Misshapes. Press and fashion fans pored over the designer, scrambling to take selfies with him.
The Misshapes at the Art Shoppe party. Image: Courtesy of Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos
So, what did Lagerfeld think of his first-ever foray into North American real estate design?
“It’s interesting to design public spaces in a big building like this. It’s a vision — you can use modern furniture, modern architecture — things I’m really interested in. It’s up to me to find an idea of what will make this building different from the other buildings. The minute you enter, you have to feel that you’re in a place that’s special,” said Lagerfeld.
The condos promise to be the height (or should we say haute) of decor design: The Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos (2131 Yonge Street) will feature a 28-storey tower on the north side of the property stepping down to a 12-storey mid-rise building of lofts to the south.
Guests at the Art Shoppe party Karl Lagerfeld attended. Image: Courtesy of Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos
“As Yonge and Eglinton is one of the largest and busiest hubs in the Greater Toronto Area, the Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos will provide residents in this area with a landmark address and retail destination,” said Cowan.
On April 25, the completed showroom for Art Shoppe Lofts + Condos will be open to the public (sans Lagerfeld).
