Last week on September 21st-22nd, brands from across the country popped up at the Fall 2018 edition of INLAND - a curated shopping event showcasing the best and brightest of Canadian apparel and accessory designers.
The concept of INLAND is unique, it provides everyone with an opportunity to shop directly from independent labels and makers, so you can support small businesses and the local economy. In addition, all of the products available to purchase at the event were either ethically made or manufactured in Canada, so you know that they have been carefully crafted with quality in mind.
With clothing, shoes, handbag and jewellery labels all available to shop, INLAND had the basics of Fall fashion covered. Several Avenue24 favourites were on display, including Mayer Man, Tara Rivas, and Hillary Macmillan, with some newbies like SELFISH Swimwear, Atelier Hotel Motel and From Rachel catching my eye as well. With many of the designers themselves on hand to chat with customers, I had the chance to speak with several of them throughout my time at the event. I heard stories of startup life, business expansion, and even a cross-country move for love!
For me at least, getting the chance to speak to the people behind the brand was a fantastic opportunity that took shopping to a deeper and more personal level. It was also a chance to learn about new labels that are changing the way we think about sustainability and ethical design practices. Sustainable fashion can sometimes be received with less than stellar enthusiasm, but speaking to the designers that focus on crafting quality pieces you’ll love for years to come makes it easy to understand the growing momentum behind the slow fashion movement.
“Slow fashion” is born out of a desire to return to quality clothing rather than quantity, and takes into account the environmental impact that the fashion industry is leaving on our planet. There are many ways that a business could be considered part of the slow fashion movement, but ultimately creating objects that are mindfully produced, using environmentally and ethically conscious practices is the key focus. At INLAND, you’d find plenty of ways to join in on the slow fashion movement and easily find pieces to suit all styles and tastes.
Although the Fall 2018 lineup may be over, you can bet that there will be more INLAND features to come! If you’re interested in sustainable design and staying on top of the talented up and comers on the Canadian fashion scene, be sure to check out madeinland.ca for all the details.