Before you run down to Adelaide E and Jarvis, let me be clear: Gautier is a family-owned French furniture empire that has been established for more than 40 years. Don’t run in expecting to find Jean Paul Gaultier anything. What you will find are multifunctional furniture pieces, some of which are so cool you will want to own them just to show off.

During the Friday morning VIP media breakfast, the president and vice-president, who flew in from France especially for the opening, welcomed everyone to their first store in Canada. Is it worth the trip? Yes, but do not expect CB2 prices -- each Gautier piece is an investment.

The prices start in the low $800s and rise from there. Mixed in are some great home accessory pieces, which start at around $12. Many will be scared off by the prices, but it is worth at least a window shop. What to look for?

For the bedroom, there is a dark walnut dresser with a cutout in the middle. It is sleek, sexy, with a variety of functions, and is $2,000. For the motorcycle enthusiast, there is a ceiling lamp that displays the wheels you love -- even though it’s really part of the kids' collection, no one will know and it retails for only $300. If IKEA is too far, and you can’t find what you want at CB2, then stop by Gautier for a new take on French modern.

gautier-shops.com/canada/toronto.html

photos by Mikey Sin