For Canadian lovers of the royal family and fashion, there’s no better thrill than when a Windsor (or soon-to-be) is photographed wearing clothing by a Canadian designer. And lucky for us, it’s been happening a lot recently due to the fact that Meghan Markle (who lived in Toronto for six years while filming Suits), has a penchant for Canadian labels that doesn’t appear to be going away any time soon. In honour of the wonderful union between Canuck fashion and the monarchy, we’ve put together a list of 8 Canadian fashion brands that have the royal seal of approval.
- LINE THE LABEL
When Meghan Markle stepped out for her engagement announcement to Prince Harry wearing a white trench from Line the Label, the coat immediately sold out (obvs) and the company’s website crashed. The Toronto-based retailer proceeded to rename this wrap style trench “The Meghan” in the future bride’s honour.
- ARITZIA
We love how Meghan Markle (or rather her stylist, Jessica Mulroney) is a huge fan of Aritzia – just like us! The future Duchess of Sussex wore the “Lawson Trench Coat” by Aritzia brand Babaton to the UK team trials for the Invictus Games in April. She was also photographed wearing the “Beaune Dress” by Wilfred to the Invictus Games last year. Much to our delight, both items are currently back in stock!
- SMYTHE
Meghan Markle has been photographed wearing the Canadian label Smythe on multiple occasions, the most recent being a long grey trench in April. Meghan actually isn’t Smythe’s first brush with royalty – during her first tour of Canada in 2011, Kate Middleton wore a navy Smythe blazer with gold buttons (which she has since re-worn several times).
- ERDEM
Kate Middleton has worn many designs by Montreal-born designer Erdem Moralioglu over the years and appears to be quite taken with his pretty printed dresses and coats.
- SENTALER
Although Meghan has been photographed wearing outerwear by this brand too, many will remember it first popping up on the global fashion map after Kate wore the brand’s grey ribbed sleeve alpaca coat on the Royal Tour of Canada in 2016.
- MACKAGE
Another homegrown brand that’s gotten a fair share of attention on the royal stage is Mackage. The $790 nude coat Markle wore in March demonstrated the power of the “Meghan Effect”, selling out in just an hour.
- BIRKS
It isn’t only Canadian apparel designers Meghan loves — she’s also a fan of the fine jewellery brand Birks, which was founded in Montreal in 1879. Meghan wore a pair of Birks earrings at the royal engagement announcement and has been photographed wearing their pieces at several engagements since.
- CLUB MONACO
Meghan’s love for Canadian fashion seems to have spilled over into Prince Harry’s wardrobe — the price looked dapper as ever wearing Club Monaco’s grey Twill Topcoat in February.
Which royally-approved Canadian fashion brand is your favourite? Let us know in the comments!
Featured Image: Instagram/@Mackage