Listed in Fashion Stores
Young & Tae might be situated on Queen Street (a.k.a. a hub for the best shoe stores in Toronto), but it isn't your average women's footwear boutique. You can tell after your first glance.
The spacious room is blown up with blonde wood floors, bright lights, and a logo-adorned mirror down the length of the right side wall. On the left, there are exactly 377 oak plywood pillars sitting at different heights, each one acting as a personal pedestal for the product. I'll admit there's not much else going on décor-wise, but I'm not so sure the boutique needs it. 
The modular, nested pillars are simple, but nevertheless a sight to see. Plus, owners David and Jenny Kim, a husband-and-wife duo, were quick to let me know they're not bolted to the floor - they can be moved around to instantly change the setup. 
On my visit, the pillars were sporadically placed to accommodate the current stock: boots on boots on more boots (and a handful of heels and flats), all of which are made with love and genuine leather in Seoul, Korea by shoemakers with years of experience under their belts. A pair of oxblood riding boots ($170) and sleek sling backs ($110) immediately caught my eye. I looked at the prices. I looked back at the shoes. Something didn't add up.
I asked Jenny how on earth they're able to offer quality, handmade footwear at a fraction of a reasonable price. I also apologized for being so upfront. Her husband chimed in with pride, "Her parents own San Marco - the wholesaler!" Apparently, having bloodline hook-ups to a successful, 35-year-old Korean company has its perks; Young and Tae has no middle men so customers get the best prices possible. 
I ended up walking away with a pair of stark white, pebbled leather, tennis-style shoes ($75) in a robin egg blue box. Later this month, they'll also offer made-to-order options for almost every pair in stock. Customers will be able to change up heel shapes and materials for hardly any extra cost - and receive them in as little as two weeks. I've no doubt I'll be back to request something ridiculous like D'orsays in printed pony hair. 
Photos by James C Lee