Annie Aime translates from French as “Annie loves,” and it describes owner Annie Mesenge’s philosophy when it comes to fashion. “Whatever I love,” she says, “I put in the store.” What Annie loves is classic fashion pieces that are both comfortable and affordable. She believes looking good should be an opportunity available to everyone.
In the early ‘90s, Annie opened up a shop in Yorkville called French Accents, a by-appointment-only boutique that paved the way for Annie Aime. “I’ve always been into fashion in Paris,” she says, “and when I first arrived in Canada, I thought that businesswomen didn’t really dress their best. I thought that you could be a businesswoman and dress very feminine and be powerful-looking.”
Annie Aime, which opened its doors in May of 2013, was born of a desire to see businesswomen in Toronto look as sharp as their male counterparts. In a world where first impressions matter and where women still have to power through glass ceilings, Annie wanted to outfit them in a way that made others stand up and pay attention. “I think businesswomen are very confident now with themselves,” she says, laughing as she notes that she did not singlehandedly spearhead a new movement.
