Joy Theatricals

The owner here is amazing — she is so talented and friendly. I went here with a friend to get ball gowns (really last minute) and she had two BEAUTIFUL gowns for us. Though it is a small selection, it is a quality selection that would suit many styles. Love it here!

I can’t believe there aren’t multiple reviews here for this place which has been a staple in Toronto formal wear and costume for over 25-​years!
Joy Theatricals specializes in custom ladies evening-​wear and has been one of the best kept secrets of the Toronto women professionals who regularly by-​pass the expense of Holt Renfrew frills in exchange for custom-​fitted evening-​wear rentals for the multiple charity galas, balls and events that dot their calendar.
Boutique isn’t quite a suitable description given that there is no haughty flavour and everything is made in-​house by Joy and a few limited seamstress staff. There are a broad selection of gowns which are individually altered to fit your frame or you may elect to work with Joy in creating a custom piece for your wardrobe made-​to-​order with several fittings and supplies sourced direct from what’s left of the original textile district of Queen West as if often the choice for brides seeking some financial relief from Vera Wang and the likes not far down the street in Yorkville.
You’ll find a framed picture of Sir Richard Branson’s muscle-​man costume on the table for the stunt he did a few year’s back in Yonge-​Dundas Square further exhibiting the history and broad repertoire of this place within Toronto. While costumes rentals might seem like a departure from evening-​wear, it’s the true character which breeds life into the store’s «theatrical» name as component of Joy’s humble beginnings as a costume designer with a history at CBC and CTV in it’s hay-​day.
Consequentially, Joy Theatricals transforms around Halloween into a haven for party-​goers in October — every year the classic Wonder Woman costume iconically hangs in the window for full view of drivers stuck in rush-​hour traffic along Davenport Road.
Like the gowns, all costumes are altered to fit. Don’t expect to find any of the value-​village pre-​packaged stuff here — prices for costumes range from $ 65 to $ 200. For the serious Halloween-​folk, you can be guaranteed a shot at winning the best-​dressed award at your costume party!
Lots of costumes to chose from in an array of sizes for the buxom to lithe for women, including some couples costumes. Classics like the French Maids go for $ 75; Play Boy Bunnies for $ 95 and a stunning Showgirl complete with rhinestone-​encrusted feather tail and headdress for $ 200. A more limited selection for the gents, however, but this place is a great departure from the more worn-​out gear at Malabar’s!
Recommended for brides, mothers-​of-​the-​bride/​groom, gala go-​ers and Halloween enthusiasts alike!