The start of a new season presents the opportunity to start fresh, and there’s no better place to begin than in your closet. Luckily for Torontonians, countless brands call Toronto home, making it easy to shop locally while supporting homegrown talent. So, whether you’re looking for an entirely new wardrobe, timeless pieces that go with everything, a few on-trend items, or your next work-from-home uniform, you’re sure to find some faves!
Here are Toronto-based brands to revamp your wardrobe with.
Ellie Mae Studios
It’s safe to say that if Ellie Mae isn’t on your radar already, it will be now. The effortless luxury womenswear brand features collections designed and produced under one roof in Toronto, each thoughtfully made with exceptional craftsmanship in small batches with grace and care.
Province of Canada
Province of Canada is a Toronto-based sustainable clothing brand that ethically makes organic cotton apparel up to extended sizes here in Canada. It offers super soft and comfy sweaters, sweatpants, accessories, home decor, and so much more.
Hoi Bo
Founded by designer Sarra Tang in 2007, this sustainable womenswear label offers classic yet simple everyday pieces with a unique twist that are all made right here in Toronto. You can shop the brand directly in the heart of the Distillery District in Downtown Toronto.
Uncle Studios
Co-founded by Allegra Shaw and Shirin Soltani in 2017, Uncle Studios creates high-quality, timeless foundational pieces, with a focus on playful styling, while creating a sense of family both online and in real life. Uniting function and form, their garments are thoughtfully designed to take their community through their day-to-day lives.
Horses Atelier
Horses Atelier is a woman-founded and woman-run brand that makes gorgeous feminine pieces that are handmade in Toronto using natural fabrics sourced from family-owned mills in Italy and Japan.
Kotn
For those more design-conscious, Kotn is designed in Canada and made in Egypt. Known for its ethically produced, high-quality, everyday pieces for men and women, Kotn is a certified B Corporation company, meaning it meets a list of verified environmental and social standards. With each purchase, Kotn invests in the creation of jobs, infrastructure, systems, and education to alleviate poverty and create shared, sustainable growth for the communities the brand is a part of.
Good For Sunday
If you’re a sucker for leisurewear, look no further than Good For Sunday. Featuring a 90s-inspired aesthetic, this collection spans everything from oversized hoodies and tees to comfy sweatpants made with sustainable materials that have been designed and made here in Canada.
Hilary Macmillan
The eponymous brand is known for its cruelty-free and size-inclusive collection of contemporary womenswear that features versatile pieces in timeless silhouettes. What we love about Hilary MacMillan is that the brand caters to women of all shapes, with sizes ranging from XS-4X.
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While Canada’s rollout of legal pot has been generally accepted as crap – the fact that Toronto has just four legal pot shops open is a testament to that. One thing is for sure though: it can only be up from here, right? Major kudos to the brands who were courageous enough to foray into the world of cannabis in 2019. It’s thanks to them that Toronto, the largest city in Canada and a leader in business and culture, has at least something new and interesting to show for its first year in legal pot.
Here are 9 notable and already-established Toronto brands that made moves in pot this year.
Friendly Stranger
After legalization, the long-standing head shop on Queen West swiftly secured $5 million in investments from 48North Cannabis Corp, VIVO, Green Acre Capitol, and others, to support the company’s growth. We can expect to see Friendly Stranger branch out to 100 stores across the country over the next few years, selling accessories, and cannabis.
The Hot Box Cafe
Kensington Market’s iconic pot cafe has been operating for over 15 years, but this past year, the Hot Box demonstrated thought leadership in a disruptive way. The company’s commentary and journey offered a sobering perspective, and its petition demanding the government open up the application process to private companies allowed others to cast their vote against the ‘insane lottery process.’ The Hot Box may have spent close to half a million dollars getting ready three stores for applications to no avail, in 2019, but it did earn the credit of hosting the first-ever cannabis patio at the Craft Beer Festival at the CNE this past year.
Steamwhistle
The local Pilsner brand caused sparked some buzz when it was revealed that it was in talks with several cannabis producers for a possible investment or joint venture. Ideas on the table were a pot-infused beer, a Steam Whistle brand of cannabis, and a pot shop at the Roundhouse Park building. No plans have been locked down as of yet.
Ste. Annes Spa
For those who can’t make it to the spa in Grafton, just outside of the city, Ste. Anne’s recently debuted a line of CBD-infused skincare products. Those who can make it have the option to splurge on a canna-massage treatment and get rubbed down with hemp-derived CBD oil. St. Anne’s may not be known as the trendiest spa near the city, but its incorporation of pot into its services is certainly forward-thinking.
Evio Beauty
The Toronto-based beauty company teamed up with Aurora Cannabis last fall to launch a vegan, cruelty-free skincare line infused with cannabis-derived ingredients. The use of hemp in the product and packaging helps eliminate animal by-products and reduce the use of plastic. Founder Brandi Leifso was recognized this year for her story and also her success in business and innovation in the beauty industry.
Weedbox
Canada’s only digital-first cannabis retail and lifestyle brand, Weedbox, focused on the 2020 launch of its Palm Springs store while further expanding and building out the success of its media efforts. The brand’s podcast, The Dopist, hit its stride in its second season with the first live broadcast from the 2019 Lift Awards. 2020 will see a series of cannabis and Esports events and multiple CBD brands launched in the States. Stay tuned for what takes shape at Weedbox.
Rosen’s Cinnamon Buns
Cult-followed cinnamon buns dealer Rosen’s Buns lent its signature cinnamon bun spread to a joint product offering with baking company Mom Jeans Provisions – spiked cookies. ‘High Rise’ cookies have caramel chips, sea salt, and 10mg of THC, and ‘Relaxed Fit’ versions have CBD. The buzz-worthy cookies were ‘shared’ at stores like Easy Tiger and Likely General.
Sackville & Co.
This women-founded, design-forward accessories brand made a name for itself this year and was recently acquired by 48North. Keep an eye out for a more robust selection of the stylish high-end ceramic pipes, bongs, and, grinders in the distinct Sackville style. This brand was a major trendsetter as far as paraphernalia was concerned, this past year.
High Noon
High Noon’s handcrafted ceramic pipes received some accolades this year by outlets like VICE, The Kit, Toronto Life, and more. Founder Leah Lavergne’s mission to serve women in the cannabis space with beautiful, simple accessories has been a key driving force of the inclusive ethos of cannabis 2.0.
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While scrolling through Instagram is a great way to stay up-to-date with what your friends are eating for lunch, or what your favourite celebs are up to
We look to our local brands who know the depths of the Canadian cold for our winter accessories. Check out our favourite Canadian brands, if you’re in the market for some stylish, high-quality and warm winter accessories that will keep you safe even on the coldest winter days.
RAISED BY WOLVES
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpx0iX2B5mv/
Raised by Wolves is a great place for warm meets “cool”. Founded in 2008, their mission was to put Canada on the streetwear map. After a decade of operation, this brand has accomplished their mission, operating in over 20 countries while maintaining their streetwear aesthetic and ultimately keeping it real.
Shop their toques here
HUDSON’S BAY
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpj_T5nFbQw/
Hudson’s Bay is an iconic Canadian brand. It is nearly impossible to leave without mitts on your hands, a hat on your head and a scarf around your neck that will be stylish and properly equip you for the cold of winter. You can always kick it in true Canadian style with their Canadian Olympic Team Collection.
Shop hats, scarves and gloves here
MUTTONHEAD
https://www.instagram.com/p/BncTk8lhEla/
Muttonhead is made and operated right out of our own backyard – Toronto! They offer unisex, fair-trade, quality made apparel. This is a great brand to get a minimal, reliable and great looking toque!
Shop their winter accessories here
FRANK AND OAK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BojfFSCFgKG/
Frank and Oak is solid for winter accessories – literally, carrying toques, mitts and scarves in both neutral and fun colours. Have some fun with colour-play, pull up the colour wheel and choose a winter accessory that complements your parka!
Shop their winter accessories here
ROOTS
https://www.instagram.com/p/Boz31m2ndm4/
Roots is near and dear to Canadians. Most of us have grown up with it in our lives (to get sentimental). The brand has been keeping us warm through the Canadian winter since 1973. They have a cabin-wear aesthetic and just looking at their pieces makes us want to curl up beside the fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
Shop their winter accessories here
HERSHEL SUPPLY COMPANY
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl06O5xh6Zx/
Hershel is a great brand to keep it urban yet streamlined. Their no-nonsense approach naturally spills over to the good selection of toques they offer.
Shop their beanies here
Featured Image: Instagram/@Frankandoakwomen
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We love this country, this city and, of course, our local brands both big and small. These start-ups are changing the game, employing our friends and serving up seriously amazing products.
Check out five new(ish) Toronto-based brands you need to need to know now.
Province of Canada: These self-proclaimed “typical Canadians” love all the same things we do. Maple syrup? Of course. Lumberjack plaid? Obviously. And while this brand cherishes beloved Canadiana staples, they’re also about modernizing what it means to be Canadian. If you’re looking for casual luxury that can be brought to the beach, worn at the cottage or even in the city, look no further. Follow their truth north journey: @provinceofcanada
Lake Simcoe Coffee: It’s time to trade in your double-double for a local roast that tastes better than your average bean. Lake Simcoe Coffee, born and bred just north of the city, is incredibly new, seriously just hitting the pavement. So, show your support by buying a cup at your local market, or simply following their brewing journey @lakesimcoecoffee
Flawless by Friday: This Toronto-based beauty brand began with the idea of inner confidence in shaping outer beauty. What resulted was a diverse range of products that focused on each individual’s version of flawlessness, as compared to someone else’s. All 22 beauty buys require minimal time to apply and have a proven track record of addressing a variety of skin concerns. Follow this #flawless journey @flawlessbyfriday
Goodboy: Sit, stay, good boy! This Toronto-based e-commerce site is dedicated to you and your pooch. Look great while walking your dog in this high-end athletic wear range that also happens to gives back to local dog shelters and rescue centres. Get your daily dose of chic and cute right here: @thegoodboyshop
Rosehound Apparel: Created by Toronto-based designer Meg Campagnolo as a Ryerson graduation project, this Toronto-raised brand has since evolved into a mecca of products with flair. Purchase pins, patches, houseware items and yes, even apparel! Outfit your Canadian Tuxedo here: @rosehoundapparel
Do you know any other Toronto-based brands? Share with us in the comments!
Featured image: Instagram/ @rosehoundapparel
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