Canadian designers have been taking the world by storm lately from Pink Tartan to D Squared to Sid Neigum, they're coming full force and ready to dominate!
Over the course of 2017 we've experienced numerous runways and fashion events here in Toronto and we have to admit there were certain designers who jumped up on our radar. From vibrant and eccentric to minimalist and neutral collections, these Canadian designers are beginning to headline magazine and television networks alike representing the Canadian fashion industry like no other!
With that, we've decided to shift these designers onto your radar because they are definitely going places and we can't wait to watch.
So, without further ado here are the top Canadian designers you need to watch out for:
Inspired by the vintage rock & roll and old Hollywood glamour icons Marilyn Monroe and Jimi Hendrix, Jordan Erin McKay or "JEM" created one of the most iconic fashion brands in Toronto. From eccentric and artistic runway shows (seriously, her TOM* and TW runways were out of this world good) to her vibrant personality, Jordan Erin McKay is a Canadian designer you need to watch.
Where you can find her collection: www.hendrixroe.com
Photo from TOM*
Combining luxurious materials with relaxed silhouettes Hip and Bone is every man's wardrobe essential. Started by Carlos Fogelman in 2010 in order to redefine “hip” to elegance, he's taken his collections international featuring at TOM*, Mercedes-Benz and Shanghai Fashion week.
Where you can find his collection: www.hipandbone.com
KAZZ - stemming from the family surname 'Kasdorf' - plays between masculine and feminine principles. With her collections, Ashley brings wearable designs for the urban modern woman/man, a concept we are in love with. Since inception she's been featured in many publications including Global Regina, and CTV Morning Live.
Where you can find her collection: www.kazzclothing.com
Known for promoting diversity on the runway Lesley Hampton created her label in 2016 and is - quite literally - taking over the world. As a Toronto-based First Nation's fashion designer, Lesley has shown her collections from coast to coast and is known for dressing ET Canada’s anchor, Cheryl Hickey, Small Town Pistols’ singer/songwriter, Amanda Wilkinson, Degrassi actress, Sarah Fisher and many more.
Where you can find her collection: www.lesleyhampton.com
Founded in 2013 Hilary has built a cruelty free contemporary womensware brand that's adventurous and fashion aware. "Hilary pulls inspiration from many facets of her life, among them, her Scottish heritage, her love of realist art, and the Canadian landscape". Her last collection for FW17 was out of this world so we can't wait to see what's in store for SS18 and FW18.
Where you can find her collection: www.hilarymacmillan.com
We've got two words for you: Luxury. Streetwear. Slovakia-born David Kollar created this brand as an art form and has made amazing strides since inception, introducing footwear and accessories as of last year.
Where you can find his collection: www.kollarclothing.com
Photo: http://www.realstylenetwork.com/fashion-and-style/2016/08/canadian-designer-david-kollar-on-his-line-kollar-clothing-and-effortless-casual-fashion/
Inspired by her fathers work ethic and mothers designing ability, Tara launched her brand Tara Rivas. Her collection offers timeless essentials made with maximum comfort without compromising style. Since inception Tara's collections have been featured on numerous media outlets including Fashion Magazine, and The Marilyn Dennis Show.
Where you can find her collections: www.tararivas.com
Rhowan James has been featured on our magazine numerous times, and it's simply because we see his potential and drive. As a self taught fashion designer he started his brand in 2017 as a strong, sophisticated and edgy collection for the modern man, since then he's been growing and growing; Rhowan won the World Financial Group Emerging Menswear Designer Award at TOM*.
Where you can find his collection: www.rhowanjames.com
Photo: http://www.shiftermagazine.com/interviews/rhowan-james-tom-edma