Comrags, established in 1983, has evolved from a small, local design team into one of Canada's most well-known labels. Comrags has been described as 'feminine despite themselves' and 'prettiness with an edge' inspiring legions of die-hard fans.Inspiration for Comrags' designs come from everywhere: the street, television, art and literature. In the words of their creators, Comrags clothes are for women of any age; women with a modern attitude toward style; women with self-confidence.more...See more text
A strong work ethic and a similar taste for music and vintage clothing first brought designers and co-owners Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish together while studying Fashion Design at Ryerson in the early ‘80s. Young and unsure of how their line would fare with the public, they decided against a self-titled brand and instead went with Comrags: a hybrid of ‘comrades’ and ‘rags. “We wanted a name that was familiar and had a masculine feel but was also a word all unto itself,” explains Joyce. It was only at the suggestion of fellow Canadian designer John Fluevog, that they added Gunhouse and Cornish to the label 11 years later. “John told us we were crazy for not having our names on the label and that customers want to know who they’re buying from,” says Joyce.
After selling wholesale for around 15 years, they opened their first bricks-and-mortar shop on Queen Street West in 1997, later moving to Dundas Street West in 2012. The retail shop gave the two designers the opportunity to go back to what they had originally loved about working in fashion: the hands on approach.
Keep it stylish from nine to five and beyond in locally made fashions from this independent Toronto boutique in Dundas West. Designers and co-owners Joyce Gunhouse and Judy Cornish have earned a loyal following from women of all ages thanks to their distinctly smart, structured designs and high-quality textured fabrics. The classic-yet-edgy separates, dresses and outerwear are all made on-site at the shop’s upstairs showroom.