Canada’s Holt Renfrew flagship goes all in with Beyonce

A luxury department store in Toronto is celebrating the fashions of Beyonce’s “Renaissance World Tour.”

Holt Renfrew has transformed 5,000 sq. ft. on the third floor of its Bloor Street flagship into the “Renaissance Flagship,” an “immersive” experience that includes a 21-piece “memorabilia” edit of never-before-seen apparel and accessories. The items, which are being sold for the first time in North America and are priced from $25 to $325 (Canadian dollars), include a “Summer Renaissance” hoodie and a “Renaissance Cowboy” hat.

The Renaissance Flagship opened on July 5 and will be up until July 11, in step with the timing of the Renaissance tour dates in Toronto (July 8 and 9).

The installation also includes a display of pieces from the Renaissance Couture by Beyoncé x Balmain.  It’s the first time the collection, co-designed by Beyoncé and Olivier Rousteing, has been seen publicly in North America. The collaboration marks the first time a Black woman has overseen the couture offering from a historic Parisian housee.

“At Holts, we stand behind empowering self-expression and igniting positive change and we truly believe that the Renaissance Flagship is an incomparable Illustration of this spirit,” said Sebastian Picardo, president and CEO, Holt Renfrew. “We can't wait to welcome all to this unforgettable experience in partnership with one of the greatest icons in entertainment." 

Accompanying the exhibition is a four-piece, limited-edition product extension titled Renaissance Beyoncé with Balmain. The range, which draws inspiration from the couture pieces that are on display at Holt Renfrew,  includes two oversized tees, a dropped-shoulder hoodie and giant tote emblazoned with the collection's moniker. The  pieces will debut as first to North America exclusive at Holt Renfrew and will be available only for the duration of the installation. 

First conceived in London, the Renaissance Flagship is produced by Parkwood Entertainment, the film and production company, record label and management firm founded by Beyoncé Knowles-Carter in 2010. 

Holt Renfrew operates seven stores across Canada, including four in the Greater Toronto Area.