Yorkville Boutique Rebrands, Expands

After a busy year directing fashion shoots, dressing opera stars and designing for an ever growing clientele, Rosemarie Umetsu's RU Studio is starting the New Year by re-branding and launching a fantastic new website. RU Studio will now be known as Atelier Rosemarie Umetsu as the brand continues to expand both locally and internationally.

Working from a studio than is equal parts gallery and exhibition space, Umetsu begins every consultation with a private tour and a bottle of wine. The atmosphere is refined yet casual, as Umetsu explains clients can come hang out and play dress up. She admits her favorite part of the job is working with people to discover what looks great on them then pushing the boundaries, arriving at innovative designs her client's look and feel fabulous in.

In addition to her role as designer/stylist Umetsu is an active proponent of the Canadian arts scene. Currently working on Iconic Beauty 2010 with photographer Tara McMullen the series, founded by Umetsu, celebrates Canadian female artists through fashion photography. The series will premiere at an exclusive launch party at her studio later this year.

And if all that wasn't enough Umetsu continues to create one-off designs for performing artists. Recently commissioned to clothe artists appearing at the Royal Conservatory winter series, Umetsu's creations must be fantastic yet functional. That means elegant garments that not only showcase the performer but are hardy enough to withstand the rigors of live performance (as anyone who's ever attended a Wagnerian opera can attest, this is no mean feat!)

Over the past year she's dressed a veritable who's-who of the stage including opera superstar Frederica von Stade, pianist Yuja Wang and Toronto Symphony Maestro Peter Oundjian. It's an exciting niche market that has gained the Toronto designer growing interest from European and US based performers.

So for your own star treatment check out www.atelierrosemarieumetsu.comand indulge yourself this year.

Atelier Rosemarie Umetsu

96 Avenue Road, Yorkville

416 924-7575

By appointment only

Daniel Kuseta
		About the author:
		Originally from Australia and now based in Toronto, Dan’s on a one-man mission to try (and hopefully taste) the best this city has to offer. Whether it's the latest launch, must-see show or a new take on tamales, follow Dan as he shares his experiences of Toronto with you.
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