Toronto-based fashion brands aren’t hard to come by – it feels like there’s a new one turning up every single day. More local labels aren’t just based in the city; they’re also designed, manufactured, and distributed right in our backyard. Plus, many of them are partnered with non-profits for a particular cause. The future of Toronto fashion is mindful – not maliciously marked up or mass-marketed.
Here are some startup fashion brands based in Toronto you need to know.
Heir
Heir launched a couple of months ago as the kids’ line of your streetwear dreams. The brand offers luxury, made-in-Canada basics in an array of neutral colours. Available online and in-store at affiliate boutique Get Fresh Company, the practical pieces are must-haves for any hip-and-with-it parent.
NTHNG
Founded in 2012, NTHNG is a menswear label of everyday basics with an avant-garde twist. Brushed cotton tees, hand-dyed baseball caps and draped trousers are among their made-in-Canada offerings; find regular drops of new limited edition pieces online, or select items in-store at Community 54.
Uncuffed
Uncuffed is an accessories brand I first fell in love with after seeing pieces on Helder Diego’s fall/winter 2016 runway. Crafted from mindfully sourced leathers, the chokers, harnesses, and flower crowns are handmade in Toronto by one-woman machine Olga Barsky. Leather straps and gold hardware have a typically aggressive look, but Uncuffed’s are somehow wonderfully delicate.
Quill & Tine
Born in 2012 in the depths of a Canadian winter, Quill & Tine combines fashion and technology in their luxury leather touchscreen gloves. With a wide array of styles for both men and women, the gloves are designed and made in a Toronto studio with artisanal care. At $95-$240 a pop, they’re not a bad investment for a tenacious texter or Instagram junkie.
Coup de Tête
Coup de Tête is a bespoke hat label. Hat maker Jay Mitchell and leather smith Ryan Tavares came together to offer one-of-a-kind handmade pieces for the truly unique wearer. Available via private appointment, Coup de Tête hats are dyed, shaped, burnt, and embellished to the customer’s delight starting at $300.