Little alcoves built into the Bamboo Ballroom space display beautiful shoes, boots, hats and bags like they’re the latest pieces of art at a gallery. Meanwhile, everything from formal dresses to jeans hang on racks throughout the women’s clothing store on Whyte Avenue.
Since 2005, Bamboo Ballroom has been a staple spot in the city to purchase local brands from best friends, Kyla Kazeil and Anastasia Boruk. And, the name of the business, Bamboo Ballroom, summarizes not only the personalities of the two friends – Kyla considers herself casual and organic, while Anastasia is more glitzy and glam –but also the types of items they carry.
“We had the space, we had the business plan but we couldn’t come up with a name. I said, 'what about Bamboo something,'" says Kyla, who is also the owner of the restaurant, The Common, on 109 Street. "And, Anastasia said, ‘Maybe, if it was Bamboo Ballroom.’ It’s really a juxtaposition between our two personalities." And, the store also carries high-end items that sway between the glamorous and the casual spectrum.
Located just off of Whyte Avenue, this popular boutique is full of awesome dresses that will make you the belle of any ball you go to, no fairy godmother required. The collection of flirty, floaty dresses from Bardot are dreamy, while the lacy looks from For Love & Lemons will have everyone at the party asking who you are wearing.
This longstanding hipster hangout has a massive selection of locally designed and handcrafted jewellery. There is an eclectic mix of everything from polished, fashion-forward pieces adorned with natural stones, to earthy bohemian inspired chains and drop earrings. Another bonus to shopping locally is that many of the designers that The Bamboo Ballroom features create small batches of their products, so you can often find pieces that you won’t see anywhere else.
This cool boutique carries a selection of bags from Mat & Nat, who are known for their gorgeous designs when it comes to clutches, totes, satchels and handbags. If you need assistance picking the perfect purse, they offer private shopping sessions.