Ellie Mae has launched a capsule collection in a one-of-a-kind partnership with Kids Help Phone! The collection is available as of today, March 9, 2023.
Kids Help Phone (KHP) is Canada’s only 24/7 e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people. Giving millions of youth a safe, trusted space to talk over the phone, through text, or in self-directed support for any moment they’re in crisis or need.
Luxury Canadian Fashion House, Ellie Mae, has created a collection to amplify Kids Help Phone’s new mission, “Feel Out Loud”. The collection includes a limited-edition collection of t-shirts, totes, and socks, for which the proceeds will go directly to KHP!
The Ellie Mae team wanted to include kids within the community in their partnership this year, so they reached out to local Toronto elementary schools and asked students to draw what they thought when hearing the words ‘Feel Out Loud’. Which resulted in the beautiful artwork seen throughout the collection.
Over the past three years, Ellie Mae has partnered with Kids Help Phone and raised over $50,000!
Ellie Mae shares, “We hope that by bringing awareness to their amazing foundation we can encourage kids to Feel Out Loud and know that they can always text or call Kids Help Phone when they need to talk.”
The Vice President – National Partnerships & Government Relations for Kids Help Phone says, “For more than 33 years, young people have relied on KHP for mental health support – services that are designed and informed by youth. We want every young person in Canada to know that with KHP, their feelings always have a place to go. Every day we are working to break down barriers to access giving young people a safe space to ‘Feel Out Loud – Ellie Mae’s collection will directly help us raise awareness and vital funds to help us meet high demand.”.
You can support the initiative and shop the “Feel Out Loud” collection online at elliemaestudios.com and in-store at 1096 Yonge Street, Toronto, Ontario.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and in its honour, Rethink Breast Cancer has released an awesome awareness collection featuring some of your favourite brands. There are a total of 18 partners in the collaboration, including Smythe, H&M, BIKO, STIL, Unika Swim, Scentsy, Ellie Mae, Phase Skin, and more.
A percentage of proceeds from each product sold will go towards allowing Rethink Breast Cancer to continue to carry out important services throughout the year.
MJ DeCoteau, founder and executive director of Rethink Breast Cancer, explains how vital the foundation’s services are, “This year has been a challenging one and it has shown us how crucial our work is to our community. Thanks to both our loyal and new Breast Cancer Awareness Month partners, we can continue to make an impact by offering resources, programming, and support that understands the unique needs of young women with breast cancer.”
Shop the entire collection on the Rethink website. It’s the perfect excuse to shop for yourself while making a difference in the lives of those affected by breast cancer.
Here are our top picks from Rethink’s Breast Cancer Awareness collaboration:
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As we await the return to what we once called normal, we must find ways to entertain ourselves and let’s be real: shopping is a great pastime. Now that we’ve had ample time to purge our closest of items we no longer need, it’s time to replenish our wardrobes with some of our favourite items, so why not start with shopping and supporting a few local Canadian stores?
If you are in the mood for a good shop, check out these 10 Canadian Stores You Can Shop Online today!
Good Neighbour
Aziz Alam, owner of beloved east end general store Good Neighbour opened for business in 2014. As an east-ender himself, he noticed the lack of shops in the area which promoted Good Neighbour to be born. He focuses on bringing Toronto’s most sought out brands into Leslieville like Adidas, Baxter of California, Citizens of Humanity, Levi’s, Mother Denim, and Nudie, to name a few. These east-end curators of fashion are always on the lookout for trendy new pieces, bringing you an endless variety of apparel for men, women, and children, along with footwear, housewares, bath & body, and much more.
OKAYOK
Adrienne Butikofer, owner of OKAYOK, has been a familiar name in the Toronto fashion circuit since the early 2000s. OKAYOK is she’s known for its playful patterns, bold colours, and fun graphics. The Junction Triangle shop is all about comfort, ease, and a simple, modern aesthetic. You also might just recognize the brand for its comfy loungewear that have become fan favourites.
I Miss You Vintage
If designer consignment is your jam, step onto Ossington’s I Miss You Vintage. This store sells a wide range of both vintage designer items and current designer pieces for resale. It’s here that you’ll find a selection of designer bags, clothes, shoes, scarves, luggage, jewellery, and so much more. The store carries designer labels like Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Balenciaga, Gucci, and many more.
VSP Consignment
High-end consignment boutique, VSP Consignment has a carefully curated selection of designer labels and vintage fashion that are 40-70% off the original retail cost. The Dundas West boutique keeps a limited selection of its best pieces to ensure you find items to fall in love with every day. Expect to shop iconic designers like Fendi, Givenchy, Chloe, Hermes, Prada, Chanel, and so many more.
Ellie Mae Studios
Ellie Mae Waters, owner of Ellie Mae Studios, creates stunning pieces that’ll add joy into your closets. This fashion brand is known for its use bright colours and all of its whimsical designs. Not to mention, Ellie Mae Studios has been worn by some of our favourite celebrities – Gigi and Bella, Gwen Stefani, Nicky Hilton, and Sophie Gregoire- Trudeau, to name a few. The brand focuses on high quality fabrics and local production with longevity in mind so you know what you’re getting will last.
Meg
Megan Kinney, owner of her namesake store Meg, has had a love for fashion beginning at a young age. As a teen, she started designing and sewing her own clothes and today, she creates contemporary fashion for women by offering pieces for their modern-day lifestyle. Every piece within her brand is locally made with the mission to empower women by making them feel confident in the clothes they wear. Whether you are in the need of cozy lounge clothes of perfectly tailored workwear, Meg has got you covered.
The Narwhal
Sydney Wills and Marisa Buchkowsky, co-owners of high-end women’s clothing store The Narwhal, first opened the boutique in 2010. Narwhal focuses on sourcing ethically made brands while also bringing you up-and-coming labels. The Narwhal caters to women that have both a strong sense of style and a love for contemporary designer brands. Expect to shop a wide variety of clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, and jewellery from your favourite contemporary designers like Apiece Apart, Re/Done, Golden Goose, Mara Hoffman, and more.
Province Of Canada
Launched in 2014 to celebrate all things Canada, Province Of Canada creates authentic Canadian staple pieces that are all designed and manufactured right here in Canada. The brand offers a selection of apparel for men, women, and children. In addition to POC’s cozy essenials, you can also get homeware and accessories too that’ll add a charming Canadian touch to your space.
Kotn
If well made basics are what your wardrobe is needing, make sure you check out sustainable brand Kotn. Its goal is to create and provide clothing essentials that are ethically sourced and affordable. Canadian store Kotn is known for its super cute and comfy t-shirts, pants, loungewear, dresses, and more.
NRML
Founded in 1997, this streetwear boutique quickly became the first choice of the urban scene that it encases. NRML carries hip streetwear for both men and women, as well as an exclusive shoe collection. The Canadian store prides itself on its curated collection of fashion forward pieces from iconic brands like Stussy, Reigning Champ, Adidas, Nike, Comme des Garcons, and many more.
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During this uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have heard of many companies and services close temporarily, and in some cases, even permanently.
But Canadian ready-to-wear designer Ellie Mae is stepping up to the plate to ensure that this doesn’t happen to a much-needed service.
As of April 2, 2020, the designer has raised over $30,000 for Kids Help Phone after seeing the effects COVID-19 has taken on youth and their mental well-being.
Katherine Hay, President and CEO of Kids Help Phone, says, “Ellie Mae’s donation will allow Kids Help Phone to continue to be there for the young people of Canada 24/7.”
Every item purchased in Ellie Mae’s limited-edition accessories collection sees 100% of the profits go back to Kids Help Phone—talk about empowering.
Ellie Mae Water, Creative Director and Founder of Ellie Mae Studios expresses her gratitude, “We’re excited about the success and response from this year’s campaign. Supporting organizations like Kids Help Phone means they’re able to do more good work and help more people.”
This is the second time Ellie Mae and Kids Help Phone have collaborated together In Aiding to continue The over-the-phone counselling service for youth, which is available 24/7 in Canada.
Ellie Mae is a Canadian brand selling women’s clothing and accessories. Each piece is made in small quantities but, of course, with high-quality and durable fabrics.
The conversation-starting limited-edition collection includes scrunchies, ties, and pocket squares with the classic Liberty of London floral fabric.
With there being bounded quantities available for these impactful purchases, be sure to check out the website and make a difference today.
Shop the Ellie Mae x Kids Help Phone collection and learn more about it below.
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10 Canadian Companies Stepping Up & Doing Good During the COVID-19 Outbreak
During this global health emergency, it’s easy to get caught up in the negative news. But in the chaos of what’s happening around us, there is so much good happening in the world, too.
Communities are coming together for a greater cause: to help those in quarantine and those who are the most at-risk. And Canadian companies are doing their part to help their communities during the COVID-19 outbreak, too. These acts of kindness put a smile on our faces and show us that there’s hope in uncertain times.
Here are 10 Canadian companies stepping up and doing good during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Spirit Of York
With hand sanitizer being a scarce commodity across the world, distillers like Toronto-based Spirit of York have pivoted business towards creating more. The distiller, which is based in the Distillery District, put a pause on producing vodka, gin, and whisky, and began producing hand sanitizer, which is free to elders and those who can’t afford it. The cost for others is $2.95 per bottle, and proceeds are donated to local food banks.
Salts And West
Based on Vancouver Island, Salts and West is a Canadian fashion company that specializes in eco-friendly fashion for women. However, during this time, Jennifer Graham, the company’s owner, has made COVID-19 prevention her top priority. She and her team of 10 have been making reusable masks for doctors and clinics in Canada and the U.S.
Nickel 9 Distillery
Nickel 9 Distillery is another Canadian company helping COVID-19 prevention. It’s turning its facilities into production space for hand sanitizer. The company is distributing its hand sanitizer to hospitals across the city, as well as the community in Toronto neighbourhood, The Junction.
Rebelstork
Toronto-based company Rebelstork, an online marketplace for baby gear, has partnered with The New Mom Project to help new mothers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Rebelstork’s shoppers can make donations by purchasing gift cards to the store. Rebelstork will then match the donation and deliver funds to The New Mom Project, which will be used to acquire baby gear essentials for marginalized new moms.
Last Straw Distillery
This Vaughan-based distillery is also producing hand sanitizer and offering it to the community completely for free. Health care professionals are able to grab bottles and go, while members of the community are asked to bring their own reusable 250 mL bottles.
Ellie Mae Studios
From Monday, March 23 to Friday, March 27, Ellie Mae Studios is hosting an online Spring Warehouse Sale. A portion of sales will be donated to organizations impacted by COVID-19, specifically Toronto Humane Society, which has had to close its facility to the public due to COVID-19. Donations to Toronto Humane Society will go towards housing, food, and restarting community services after COVID-19 has passed.
SudWest Gyros & Co.
With food banks across Canada struggling to help meet the needs of marginalized individuals, Montreal-based SudWest Gyros & Co. has stepped up to help provide meals to those in need. As a way of giving back to the community, the restaurant is offering a buy-one-give-one program, and for every meal purchased, a meal will be given to one of three local food organizations: Head and Hands, Sun Youth, and Share the Warmth.
Glad Day Bookshop
Toronto-based shop and event space have created a fund to help support its community. Money raised will go towards those without financial supports such as LGBT2SQ artists, performers, sex workers, and tip-based workers.
InkSmith
Based in Kitchener, Ontario, InkSmith has changed gears and begun 3D printing and cutting face shields to distribute to healthcare workers on the frontline. While the design still needs to be approved by health officials, the company says each visor takes about one hour to complete and plans to make the design available free online for any of those who are able to help.
The Biking Lawyer
The Biking Lawyer David Shellnutt, who has an office on College St. in Toronto, recently launched the Toronto Bike Brigade. Along with 250 other volunteers and the support of organizations like University Health Network’s Friendly Neighbour Hotline, he will be making bike deliveries to those who aren’t able to leave home at this time.
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It was another tough year for fashion retailers; Forever 21 went bankrupt, closing 44 stores in Canada just last month, and following in the footsteps of retailers like Payless and Topshop. Still, many Canadian retailers dared to expand their direct-to-consumer footprints in 2019 with the launch or their own storefronts or via strong retail collaborations.
From lingerie brands to a tattoo concept shop, I’m counting down some top Canadian brands that broke into retail this year.
Knix
Canadian intimates brand Knix kicked off its retail debut this year with the opening of its first standalone stores. The brand opened a storefront in Vancouver and inaugurated a flagship retail store in Toronto on Queen West. The brand, which had its start in 2013, equally launched a nationwide partnership with Nordstrom in 2019, rounding out a very busy retail year.
Marigold
It was especially exciting to see independent Montreal-based designer Marilyne Baril break into retail this year with a brand new space for her brand Marigold. She opened a storefront in the Montreal borough of Verdun for her made-in-Montreal line that encourages ‘Slow Fashion’. The store’s interior is characterized by orange accents housing the womenswear designer’s latest creations.
Okayok
Canadian indie label Okayok inaugurated its first permanent retail location in its hometown of Toronto in 2019. The boutique houses the brand’s playful contemporary loungewear, as well as the company’s new commercial studio space. The brand, founded in 2017 by designer and entrepreneur Adrienne Butikofer, is well-known for its niche, and sometimes cheeky designs.
Manitobah Mukluks
Following a successful pilot pop-up project last year, Manitobah Mukluks expanded its number of retail locations this year to 18 stores in several major cities. The brand, which specializes in indigenous modern footwear, opened the pop-up experiences temporarily this year. The brand opened stores in several locations across the country including Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and the Toronto area.
Wuxly Movement
Cruelty-free Canadian outerwear brand Wuxly Movement opened its first storefront in 2019, in Toronto, in a retail space shared with fellow local brand Vitaly. The brand, co-founded by former Canadian pro-football player, James Yurichuk, and master-tailor, Anthony DeBartolo in 2012, offers a range of parkas, bombers, jackets, hats, and vests that promise to be sourced ethically.
Inkbox
Toronto-based tattoo startup Inkbox opened its first permanent retail space on Queen Street West this year. The temporary tattoo brand has experimented with a number of pop-ups since first launching in 2015. The new location offers tattoo designs and a retail space housing the company’s temporary designs. Inkbox also launched an area for permanent tattoos, dubbed Inside Out.
Province of Canada
After 5 years online, Province of Canada announced the official opening of its first brick and mortar store in Leslieville, Toronto, in 2019. The new digs at 1004 Queen Street East houses the brand’s well-made basics collection of made in Canada pieces, as well as accessories like toques, totes, and candles.
Ellie Mae Studios
This year, Toronto-based fashion brand Ellie Mae Studios teamed up with decor brand COFO, to open a retail space at Toronto’s shipping container market, Stackt. The new space is filled with Ellie Mae’s womenswear collection, as well as the two brands’ chic cannabis accessories, and COFO’s modern and streamlined furniture.
Melanie Auld
Six years after launching her eponymous label, Vancouver-based jewellery designer Melanie Auld opened a brick-and-mortar store during the summer of 2019. The 805-square-foot flagship, characterized by pink and green decor, carries Auld’s full range of west coast-inspired bling. Beyond the brand’s jewellery collection, the store also houses an in-house collection of Murano-glass vessels and white ceramics.
Gazelles
Montreal-based designer Habi Gerba opened her first storefront for her high-end clothing line designed for the modern working woman this year. Customers are invited to make an appointment at the boutique located in Montreal at 3859 Saint-Denis for a personalized shopping experience, where they can choose between custom-made or ready-to-wear clothing options by Gazelles.
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We all know that Toronto is filled with many creators, designers, artists, and makers. In a city as big and creative as ours, it’s pretty obvious that we have our fair share of talented folks that keep us all looking unique and not blending in with the crowds. This is something I absolutely love about being from Toronto and it’s something I carry proudly. If you (like me), are always on the lookout for the next big collab or newest store to shop, then here’s one that you won’t want to sleep on.
Toronto-based fashion brand Ellie Mae Studios has just opened a retail space with decor brand COFO, and it’s located at Toronto’s shipping container market, Stackt.
If you’re unfamiliar with Ellie Mae Studios, all you need to do is do a quick search because you’ll soon find out lots about the brand. You’ll see photos of “it” girls like Gigi and Bella Hadid, Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, Gwen Stefani, and Jen Atkins because they’ve all been seen in her whimsical designs.
The idea to open a retail space with COFO came about while smoking a joint. Hence why when telling me about it, founder Ellie Mae Waters referred to it as a “joint” venture.
“We both believe in Stackt and we came here without knowing each other. Then 6 months later we decided that we believed in this place so much that we came together in a bigger space because we feel that it showcases our products more,” says Ellie Mae to StyleDemocracy.
In addition to joining forces and opening a new store together, Ellie Mae Studios and COFO decided to collab on a cannabis accessories collection. And yes, it’s gorgeous.
Fans of Ellie Mae Studios might be surprised with the minimal and muted collection as the brand is known for its use of bright colours but Ellie Mae told me that “it was cool putting on a different creative hat.”
The partnership came about so organically, and it’s a match made in heaven because the both Ellie Mae Studios and COFO hold similar business morals like being made in Canada and being considerate to the environment.
In addition to being stunning, the new space is filled with Ellie Mae’s designs, the two brands’ chic cannabis accessories, and COFO’s modern and streamlined furniture. It’s important to note that everything you’ll see in the store is available for purchase including the furniture, racks, chairs, etc. and it’s made by COFO.
Take a closer look at the ellie mae studios x COFO store and collection:
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It might often feel like Canadian fashion brands don’t quite measure up to their American and European counterparts, but the truth is, that just isn’t the case. Canada is home to some incredible talent, especially when it comes to fashion. Some of the world’s most favourite brands were born right here on Canadian soil, including Aritzia, Jason Wu, Sentaler, and more.
From casual everyday wear and accessories, to red-carpet approved gowns, celebrities and models alike can’t seem to get enough of our homegrown talent. We’re talking about everyone from Meghan Markle, Michelle Obama, Kendall Jenner, Hailey Bieber, Miley Cyrus, Camilla Cabello, and many many more.
In case your wardrobe is in need of some local labels, here are Canadian fashion brands celebrities all over the world just can’t get enough of.
Tanya Taylor
Raised in Toronto but designed in New York City, the Tanya Taylor brand embodies youthful spirit with its artful use of colour, bold prints, and simple feminine silhouettes. The pieces are sophisticated yet fun, and have been spotted on a slew of stars including Reese Witherspoon, Lena Dunham, Sarah Hyland, Tracee Ellis Ross, Michelle Obama, and Beyoncé.
Pink Tartan
Whether you knew it or not, Pink Tartan actually started in Toronto in 2002 and creator Kimberley Newport-Mimran has been providing effortless simplicity to its garments ever since. Over time the brand has garnered a following by celebrities like Jenny McCarthy, fashion icon Kim Cattrall, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Suits star Sarah Rafferty, and others. Clearly whatever Pink Tartan has been doing has been working, as more and more celebs are repeatedly wearing the brand at red carpet events.
Jenny Bird
Founded in 2008, Jenny Bird is known for its bold, modern designs that are carried in leading fashion retailers worldwide. The Toronto-based brand’s playful designs have garnered international attention from A-listers such as model Ashley Graham, former first lady Michelle Obama, tennis-star Bianca Andreescu, comedian Chelsea Handler, legendary actress Jane Fonda, reality TV star and makeup guru Kylie Jenner, singing queen P!nk, runway icon Hailey Bieber, This is Us actress Mandy Moore, and the one-and-only Celine Dion, just to name a few.
SENTALER
Toronto-based SENTALER, which is known for its luxury outwear, has become not only a favourite of Canadians, but also the Royal Family. Made with ethically sourced, sustainable, and cruelty-free fabrics and furs, SENTALER is an internationally recognized brand thanks to support from the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, who has appeared publicly on multiple occasions in the brand’s Long Wide Collar Wrap Coat with Signature Ribbed Cuffs.
Aritzia
Known for its elevated and quality-crafted basics, Vancouver-born Aritzia is where most shoppers go to stock up on well-made coats, great jeans, tailored trousers, layering essentials, and cozy knits. And it’s not just Canadians that can’t get enough of the brand, but celebs, too, including Riverdale actress Camila Mendes, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle, model Haley Bieber, fashion icon Cindy Crawford, social media queen Kylie Jenner, and more.
Aldo
Even some of the biggest names in the industry can’t get enough of our beloved homegrown footwear brand, Aldo. Singer Camila Cabello recently wore Aldo heels at the MTV Video Music Awards, Pretty Little Liars Actress Lucy Hale donned a pair of Aldo heels at New York Fashion Week, and country music star Kacey Musgraves was spotted in the Canadian brand at the Country Music Hall of Fame this summer. But let’s not forget about the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, who opted for Aldo heels at the 2019 Wimbledon Championships this year.
Smythe
Since launching in 2004 with blazers and jackets, Smythe has evolved into a collection of everyday wardrobe essentials that have gained a cult-status following. Today, Smythe is a go-to Canadian favourite among celebrities and the list of supporters is endless. The brand is known for receiving support from actresses Viola Davis, Nicole Kidman, Jessica Biel, Amber Heard, and Lucy Hale in addition to English-American model Georgia May Jagger, and reality TV star Bethenny Frankel.
Ellie Mae Studios
If you’re not a fan of Ellie Mae Studios yet, you definitely will be soon. The high-end womenswear line, which is focused on creating limited-run production collections, is located in the heart of Toronto, and 90% of the Ellie Mae production is done on-site in the brand’s very own production house. Since launching, the brand has picked up a cult following, which includes A-list stars. The Canadian brand’s list of celeb supports includes Bella Hadid, Nicole Scherzinger, Kate Beckinsale, Molly Sims, Alessandra Ambrosio, and even Miley Cyrus.
Jason Wu
While Jason Wu is now based in the U.S., the designer was born in Vancouver, which is where he first learned to sew. Known for his chic yet edgy designs, Wu most notably went mainstream amongst celebs when Michelle Obama wore one of his gowns to her husband’s first inaugural ball after winning the presidency in 2009. Since then, Wu’s designs have been seen on multiple celebrities including Naomi Watts, Gwyneth Paltrow, Olivia Palermo, Adriana Lima, Linda Cardellini, Meghan Markle, Kate Bosworth, and Gemma Chan to name a few.
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Canada is proving itself more and more as a country that has something to offer the fashion industry. While Canadian style might be known for denim tuxedos and flannel shirts, this image isn’t entirely accurate. Canadians dress well and are quick to wear and support labels from their home and native land. So much so that many Canadian brands have become world renowned fashion labels.
While New York or Paris might come to mind when you think of major fashion centres, Canada isn’t that far behind. With budding young designers who have fresh perspectives on fashion, Canada has become a breeding ground for successful fashion brands and Toronto right at its core.
Being an influence in the global fashion scene now more so than ever before, here are 9 successful fashion brands you probably didn’t know started in Toronto.
Joe Fresh
Image: Instagram/@joefresh
Canadian retailer Joe Fresh started off as a supplier for the grocery store Loblaws but has grown into much more. With multiple solo locations across not just Canada but the globe (plus a flagship store in New York City), Joe Fresh is simple yet affordable and hosts clothes that fit a variety of body types (they introduced their plus size line earlier this year), making it a brand favourite of shoppers and stylists alike.
Club Monaco
Image: Instagram/@bibicornejoborthwick for @clubmonaco
Founded by Joe Mimran and Alfred Sung, Club Monaco began as a small store on Queen Street West in 1985. Known for its simple, classic black and white styles and fine fabric choices, Club Monaco has over 140 locations worldwide including the United States, London, Beijing and Macau. In 1999, Club Monaco was bought by Ralph Lauren however, the company has remained an independent entity within the Polo group with its classic designs and modern flare.
Ellie Mae
Image: Blogger @NatalieOffDuty wears @EllieMaeStudios via Instagram
Ellie Mae established her namesake label in Toronto in 2015, focusing on chic and versatile jackets. Her approach to clothing is fresh and exciting as she reworks tired-and-true pieces with colourful accent detailing and bright materials. Her revival of vintage clothing into modern statement pieces is what makes her brand a stand out in not just the Canadian fashion industry, but the market as a whole.
Pink Tartan
Image: Instagram/@PinkTartan
Kimberley Newport-Mimran founded the womenswear brand Pink Tartan in 2002 and opened her first flagship store in Toronto’s trendy Yorkville district in 2010. Since its early days, Pink Tartan has developed into a world renowned label with its mix of luxurious womenswear and professional designs being carried in multiple specialty stores across North America, Central America, the Middle East and Europe.
SENTALER
Image: Kate Middleton wears SENTALER via Instagram/@sentaler
Luxury outerwear designer Bojana Sentaler knows the secret to creating warm yet fashionable winter wear. She started her line of luxury outerwear in Toronto’s fashion district after a chance meeting with Karl Lagerfeld and has since seen global success. The SENTALER brand has been spotted on Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau, Meghan Markle and most notably, the Duchess of Cambridge Kate Middleton.
Mikhael Kale
Image: Instagram/@brentgoldsmith for @mikhaelkale
Canadian designer Mikhael Kale — who previously worked for Bally and Antonio Marras — launched his namesake brand in Toronto in 2007. Known for its conceptual approach to fashion design with specific attention to craftsmanship and detailing, Mikhael Kale has been featured in international publications such as WWD, New York Times Style Magazine, ID magazine and Teen Vogue. As well, he has worked with major global trendsetters including Beyoncé, Gigi Hadid and Sky Ferreira.
Greta Constantine
Image: Instagram/@gretaconstantine
Greta Constantine is a Toronto-based luxury line of womenswear from fashion designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong. The brand has been featured in Vogue, FASHION, Flare, In Style, People Magazine, Nylon, WWD, Elle Canada, US Weekly and more. The brand appeals to “the sleek, worldly, empowered and sophisticated woman,” and offers clothes that have a professional effortlessness to them. Greta Constantine has been worn by many celebrities including Coco Rocha, Nelly Furtado, Angelina Jolie, Victoria Beckham, Naomi Campbell and Jeanne Beker, among others.
Zvelle
Image: Instagram/@zvelle
Zvelle founder Elle AyoubZadeh moved to Canada in 2007 to pursue a career in finance. But little did she know she’d end up creating a line of luxury shoes that would make international headlines when Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau wore them on a national visit to Japan. The occurrence has since put Zvelle on the map making in a must-have for consumers around the world.
Dsquared2
Image: Instagram/@DSQUARED2
Founded by identical twins Dean and Dan Caten, the brothers grew up in Toronto before exploding into success internationally. Being the youngest of nine children in a predominantly female family, the two found much of their inspiration at home, later leading them to explore their talents at Parsons School of Design in New York City. The duo got their big break after they were asked to design the wardrobe for Madonna’s Don’t Tell Me video and her 2001 Drowned World Tour. Today, Dsquared2 has boutiques across the globe, and has been seen on celebrities like Lenny Kravitz, Naomi Campbell, Christina Aguilara, and Justin Timberlake, to name a few.
Did we miss any big fashion brands that started in Toronto? Share them in the comment section.
Featured Image: Instagram/@_janekim
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