It’s been a wonderful year for fashion in Toronto. With so many up-and-coming designers taking a chance at founding new companies, along with big moments for established fashion brands with local roots, this was a year of inspiration and taking risks with major payoffs. Here are our top five fashion stories of 2021.
Miriam Baker’s size-inclusive boutique
When Miriam Baker’s first boutique opened in Bayview Village earlier this year, we spoke to Miriam Baker herself and plus-size fashion blogger and model Mariah Alderson about the need for size inclusivity in the fashion industry.
A homegrown preloved kidswear shop
Our interview with Toronto mom Nyla Obaid about her pandemic-inspired kids clothing brand was one of our most-read fashion stories this year, and we’re not surprised! Lode Store, a secondhand shop curated by Obaid herself, is the perfect answer to buying for fast-growing kids without breaking the bank.
A new shop location for Ellie Mae
Toronto’s own Ellie Mae has been a celebrity-approved favourite since its inception in 2015. They announced their flagship studio location opening this year at 1096 Yonge St., and the team behind the brand spoke about operating as a fashion house during the pandemic, sourcing fabrics from Europe and their celebrity clientele.
Canada Goose expands to boots
Everyone wanted to read the news of Canada Goose’s first footwear line after the company acquired fellow Canadian footwear brand, Baffin, three years ago. The line includes two styles of shoes – a heavy-duty, Arctic ready snow boot in three different colours, and a more casual luxury hiking boot. Despite the hefty price tags, the line sold out quickly.
New Raptors-endorsed streetwear shop
Vintage shops open and close pretty regularly in Toronto, but this King St. E. vintage streetwear shop had the added intrigue of a Raptors endorsement. When Northern Touch Vintage opened in the fall, owner Aly Jamal hosted a nightclub-style opening night and was visited by Fred VanVleet before the shop officially opened its doors.