Charlie & Lee, 1115 Wharf St.

The grand opening is on May 8th, but Kleah Graham and Josh Michnik have already opened the doors of their hip new boutique on Wharf Street. An airy, open space with windows overlooking the Harbour, Kleah admits that the beautiful view is “one of the reasons we love this space so much”. They’ve fully renovated the store, adding a photo lab and studio space in the back for Josh, who has a history in art direction & design.

Both Kleah and Josh are Canadians who’ve spent many years living in places like Sidney, London, and LA, so they’re both pleased to find a place to settle down; as Josh’s parents are local business owners, and as he’s a surfer, Victoria was the ideal place for them to open their boutique. Kleah says that it’s been great, especially meeting their new neighbours – “they come to say hi, to shop a bit, and one brought us a bottle of wine.”

They carry a remarkable selection of brands, many unique to Victoria (check www.charlieandlee.com for lists), in a mix of different price points, fabrics, and from several different countries. Their strategy is to buy pieces that aren’t particularly trendy, but are unique: “well made pieces you can wear with anything”. Their online store will launch in the next couple of weeks (and they’re looking for local models for their clothes) – but though it hasn’t officially launched, they’ve already had people sign up from as diverse locations as Dubai, California, and France.

On May 8th, they’re hoping to feature a local artist at their grand opening, and then show a different Victoria artist every few months. Though they’ve only been open a short time, they’ve already had two different artists create window displays; as Josh puts it, “we want to have fun with this.” And until the end of May, they’re offering each individual customer 25% off their first purchase – “a great excuse,” Josh said with a laugh, “to have your first purchase be a big one.”

The store began out of their mutual love of art, photography, music, and fashion, and both Kleah and Josh say they’re delighted to be opening their business in such a beautiful spot. We’re as delighted to welcome them to Downtown Victoria.