7 Canadian Fashion Brands You Need to Know
I think over the last few months I’ve given you some very useful tools that have helped you get your style on track. So today I wanted to focus on some brands that would be great investments for your closet. Canada is a city bursting with creatives from music to art and of course fashion, and in the last 10 years there’s been a significant increase in fashion brands designed by people of colour, and I’m here for it. From custom designs, high-end pieces and cultural wears to everyday basics, edgy street, and active wear these brands are making their marks on the Canadian fashion scene.
So, today I’ve complied a list of 7 brands that I’ve had my eye on for a while and wanted to help introduce them to the masses. These brands are making great strides in fashion and offer products you’ll want to include when you update your wardrobe.
1. Bôhten Eyewear
I know this isn’t a fashion brand, but I would be crazy to not acknowledge Bôhten on this list. Inspired by African fashion Nana Boateng Osei and Nana Kwadwo Osei have designed these unique and chic frames. Bôhten operate locally across Africa and support environmental sustainability, eyecare, and youth employment. They also have this amazing Try at Home options! It works like this, pick any three frames and Bôhten will offer a 2-day trial period to choose what looks best for you.
2. Broke & Living
Can we take a second to acknowledge the how witty this name is? Broke & Living founders Nicole Simmons, Charlene Akuamoah and Meg Prosper have developed a stylish unisex brand that truly encompasses the average millennials experience. Divided into 2 entities BROKE is made up of everyday basics while LIVING consist of their Ready to Wear designs, Broke & Living is a brand many will be able to fine meets their ascetics.
3. SIRΞ
Maybe I’m biased on this one, but I don’t care. SIRΞ by PBK™️ is the best of both worlds fresh and creative streetwear and quality upscale pieces. It’s kind of like if Supreme and Hugo Boss had a baby. I recently got the SIRΞ BUCKET DETAIL SHIRT, and it was easily one of the best decisions I’ve made by far.
4. Section 35
Stylish, creative and a brand with a message Section 35 has it all. Unapologetically steeped in Co-Founder Justin Louis has found a genius way to marry his political activism, business know how and Indigenous heritage together in a way the consumers want more of. Even the brand’s name Section 35 is based off Section 35 of the Canadian Constitution Act everything is rooted in socially conscious and awareness making this streetwear line is one to watch.
5. LoveClosely
This brand always makes me smile, LoveClosely is a brand that if you don’t know they I’m judging you. This brand has been featured in Complex, featured in Drake’s What’s Next video and on the like of Maluma, Riz Ahmed and French Montana, Taha Yousef is KILLIN’ IT!!! Tradition, culture, and history LoveClosely is meaningful streetwear bridging social consciousness and high-end streetwear together. Trust me this is a brand you want to know.
6. Huri Movement
As I said when I interviewed George Amoh, Huri movement is a Jack of all trades and a brand you can’t help but root for. Between the new collection, the podcast and the community partnerships Huri is a brand that is making an indelible mark on the Toronto fashion scene. If this has piqued your interest and you want to know more about what’s to come check out our interview here.
7. Clothing By AIM
The tagline is simple, “Africa In Me.” This brand does it all from accessories to outerwear. Repped by the likes of Akon, Sarkodie, Stonebwoy and Davido (Now, if you don’t know these artists then what have you been listening to during quarantine?!) Clothing By AIM is bursting with lively designs, quality fabrics and great collaborations.
Hopefully some of these brands will make their way into your closets for the next fashion season. I’d love to hear your thoughts on my picks, do you disagree with any of my choices? Are there any other brands that I’ve missed or should check out? As always let’s keep the conversation going in the comments section.