Anyone who loves fashion knows that there’s a story behind every garment. “Perhaps it is the artisanal method with which they are made, the unique materials used, or the way they might celebrate a culture,” says Alexandra Weston, the Director of Brand Strategy at Holt’s.“The H Project shops will present products which may be extraordinary in a number of ways.”

The mission behind H Project? To tell those stories, and to present a space in which they can be experienced. Holt Renfrew has hand-picked extraordinary products with extraordinary stories, and as of this week, customers can go to H Shops and explore them. 

H Project comes to us in the form of a modern and gallery-like space, designed with the help of Janson Goldstein. These open shops will invite customers to discover elements of theatre and art through artisanal installations, cultural music, and videos on a listening wall. Designers from across the globe have been invited to share not only clothes, but accessories, crafts, home décor, and beauty products. Brands that have been scouted include the uniquely-designed jewels of Jenny Bird, as well as the slick and suistanable WeWood watches.  

We’re sold. The first full concept H Project shop will open at Holt Renfrew’s Yorkdale location in fall 2013. H Project pilot shops are open this week at Holt Renfrew Toronto (Bloor), Calgary, and Vancouver.

————

Farrah Khaled is an intern at the Toronto Standard. Follow her on twitter at @farkhaly.