Look who's HOT @ 175!

Pop the champagne corks! It’s not everyday you see a Canadian retailer turn 175 years old! Holt Renfrew, the luxe retailer to those who appreciate the finer things in life, celebrates in style! What started off as a small and humble hat shop in Quebec City, the store has evolved into a destination for luxury goods. In the 1930’s Holt Renfrew began exclusive accounts with some of the best designers in Europe and in 1947 hosted Christian Dior when he launched his “New Look”. After many years of foreign ownership Holt Renfrew was bought in 1986 by W. Galen and The Honorable Hilary M. Weston. Under their ownership, Holt Renfrew has become known as Canada’s luxury retailer with stores in Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Quebec City, Ottawa and Toronto.

To celebrate Holt Renfrew’s birthday, Hot@175 festivities will include designer personal appearances, parties, events and collaborations with global designers. The flagship store in Toronto kicked off the celebration with the biggest street party with thousands in attendance enjoying magenta labelled Diet Coke, popcorn, party favours, and fashion images projections that spanned the entire frontage of Holts to pulsating tracks from DJs. It was a perfect night to party on the streets!

Holt Renfrew has also unveiled their pop-up mobile shop that will be travelling cross country. Here you will find limited edition anniversary sweatshirts designed by seven internationally renowned graphic artists like Justin Broadbent, Jonathan Mak Long, and Alex Viau. The artists have all produced videos that describe their designs. Check them out at www.holtsmuse.com

“The Hot@175 Mobile Tour is a special project that we are so thrilled to bring to our customers across the country as we share in the excitement of this milestone birthday,” says Barbara Atkin, Vice President, Fashion Direction at Holt Renfrew. “Our mission was to inspire our customers with unique designs from incredible artists in true Holt Renfrew style.”

In addition, Holts has unveiled the Limited Edition Magenta Collection with international

designers including Christian Louboutin, Manolo Blahnik, alicia+olivia, Roberto Cavalli, Judith Leiber, Smythe, Michael Kors, Jurlique, Valentino, Deborah Lippmann, David Yurman, Giorgio Armani, Sydney Evan, Paul Smith, Kate Spade, , Bobbi Brown, Alexis Bittar, Ferragamo, NARS, Charbonnel et Walker, Kenneth Jay Lane, Stuart Weitzman, Jimmy Choo, Hanky Panky, Naked & Famous, JBrand,Canali, Moose Knuckles, Mackage, Rag&Bone, Naked Boxers,Estee Lauder, MaxMara, Canada Goose, Pendleton, ETRO, Danuek /bycgker,Pantone, and Diet Coke.

Elton John and David Furnish were in town this past Saturday to launch their limited edition candle to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. In partnership with NEST Fragrances this candle ($50, available in two scents) was created exclusively for Holt Renfrew with a goal of raising $100,000 for the life-saving work of the Foundation.

Other events planned include:

Thursday, September 13 personal appearance by Temple St.Clair at Holt Renfrew, Montreal.

Thursday, September 13, J Brand event with The Coveteur, Holt Renfrew Bloor, Toronto.

Thursday, September 20, personal appearance by Nanette Lepore, Holt Renfrew, Calgary.

For more information about the Hot@175 Mobile Tour, the Magenta Collection, and event updates visit www.holtrenfrew.com

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HOLTS!