Holt Renfrew

Holt Renfrew is a department store based in Toronto, Canada. In the years of the 19th century, Holt Renfrew built their reputation on their fine furs, but in the mid 20th century they became as well known for their fine fashions.

The store traces its roots to 1837, when William Samuel Henderson joined retailer Ashton and Co in Quebec City. In 1837 Henderson bought controlling interest in the business and renamed it after himself. In 1852 the store was sold to William’s brother John, who took on G. R. Renfrew as a partner in 1860. By this time the store has gained a reputation as a leading retailer of furs. John Holt bought Henderson’s share of the company in 1897 and the company was eventually renamed Holt, Renfrew and Company (1908).

Queen Victoria appointed Holt, Renfrew as “Furrier to her Majesty” in 1886 and this began a long run of the company holding the Royal Warrant. The company’s prestige was also heightened in the 1930s when the store began selling clothes from Paris designers.

Today, Holt Renfrew has nine stores across Canada; they are known for carrying quality goods and for their furs.

Written by fuzzylizzie

from a 1930s velvet and ermine coat

Courtesy joji furukawa

from a mid 1950s suit

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from a late 1950s/early 1960s Dior dress

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from a 1950s/1960s smoking jacket

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from a 1960s suit

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from a 1960s blouse

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from a 1970s dress

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from a late 1970s suit

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from a 1980s Trigere dress

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