TORONTO (Digital Journal) — With the unseasonably warm weather in Toronto this week, it has really felt like Spring is just around the corner. In fact, it’s very easy to forget the holiday shopping season has begun.
That is, until Holt Renfrew throws a party.
 |
Torontians lined the streets outside Holt Renfrew’s flagship store on Bloor St. to catch a glimpse of all the action. — Photography by Digital Journal |
Covering Bloor Street in ice and stopping traffic in all directions, Holt Renfrew set off its holiday shopping season with a bang. With a skating rink as the centrepiece for one of the coolest parties to hit T.O. this year, Canada’s biggest high-fashion retailer played host to hot celebrities and haute customers at the company’s flagship store in the downtown core.
The first annual “Holiday Window Unveiling” kicked off — or picked off — with a special figure skating performance from Canadian Olympic gold medallists Jamie Salé and David Pelletier. Following the performance by the renowned skating duo, Canadian Matt Dusk headlined a concert to launch the holiday shopping season. In his familiar crooner fashion, Dusk’s Sinatra-style music wowed a crowd gathered along one of the city’s busiest streets.
 |
Holt Renfrew has made a name for itself hosting extravagant parties, but this year the retailer decided to try something different, launching a holiday bash to get the city warmed up instead. — Photography by Digital Journal |
Holt Renfrew has made a name for itself hosting extravagant parties like “Vinyl” and “Flick” during the Toronto International Film Festival. But this year, the retailer decided to try something different, launching a holiday bash to get the city warmed up instead.
The gala event was hosted by Entertainment Tonight‘s Cheryl Hickey and Roz Weston. Once they gave the cue to unveil the beautiful window displays, it was time for invited guests to head inside to shop, shop, shop.
 |
Crooner Matt Dusk playfully poses with Holt Renfrew president, Caryn Lerner. — Photography by Digital Journal |
Holt Renfrew president Caryn Lerner also played host, as she was on hand to greet guests and showcase Holt’s new winter clothing lines. Wearing fashionable faux fur boot covers, Lerner entertained guests while Dusk signed autographs.
As the only real outfit for high fashion remaining in Canada, Holt Renfrew received tons of attention from media and onlookers. With the recent news of U.S. businessman Jerry Zucker’s bid to buy Hudson’s Bay Co., and the loss of Eatons and Simpsons over the decades, all eyes are turning to Canadian retailers that can survive the American take-over bids.
 |
As the only real outfit for high fashion remaining in Canada, Holt Renfrew received tons of attention from media and onlookers. — Photography by Digital Journal |
And nobody creates a bigger buzz than Holt, as the company is the only fashion emporium that continuously delivers spectacular and swanky events that offer impeccable planning, amazing presentation and unprecedented panache.
