By Eden Ramsay (@EdenRamsay)
Normandy, 791 Corydon Avenue (EDEN RAMSAY PHOTO)
Eyewear and accessories on display at Normandy (EDEN RAMSAY PHOTO)
Normandy is breathing new life into the menswear scene in Winnipeg.
Chris Saniuk and Amanda Remond have recently opened up the shop at 791 Corydon Avenue. According to their Facebook page, their vision with Normandy is to create a “modernized general store specializing in quality menswear, accessories, and furnishings for the aesthetically conscious mind.”
The shop itself is gorgeous and brings rustic decor to a whole new level. It’s rough, wood paneled and stone walls give a nice backdrop to the high quality products they offer. The wooden walls of the place are made up of wooden panels in a variety of different shades, but still look natural with their earthy matte finish. These walls are juxtaposed against a beige brick wall and cement floor. This gives a nice industrial contrast against the shop’s organic feel.
Normandy’s adorable copper-toned watchdog. (EDEN RAMSAY PHOTO)
Beside the change room is a ’65 Ducati motorcycle that welcomes people to a comfortable seating area. Here, one can sit on a black leather couch, read a coffee table book, and spin one of the vintage records in their collection. As well, a very cute and playful copper puppy wanders around the place, keeping its owners company and greeting visitors to the store.
The products Normandy offers would cater equally to the Dapper Dan, Rugged Traveller, or Guy Next Door types who appreciate good quality and design. The clothing has a general classic appeal, some are even vintage inspired in their cut or fabrics. The shirts, pants, jackets, shoes, and leatherwear offered here will easily pair with other items in most wardrobes. Because their products have a universal look it is easy to find new staples for many clothing collections.
Fine leather shoes (EDEN RAMSAY PHOTO)
I love the Canadian wanderer feel of the place, which might make you get the itch to hit the road for your own road trip adventure.
Check out this great feature on Normandy from Muddy Water Magazine.
Even though Normandy primarily caters to men, I couldn’t help but be drawn to many products I felt had universal appeal. Items such as wallets, satchels, coffee, even shoes available in smaller sizes can easily appeal to both men and women.
Pay Normandy a visit and chances are you will find something that caters to the urban nomad in all of us.
— — —
Eden Ramsay is a Creative Communications student at Red River College. She has a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours) from the University of Manitoba and majored in graphic design. She loves culture, design in its many forms, and exploring the world around her.
