Outfitting With Canadian Pride
By Paul Matheson of Ambrose Closet
Oh Canada! We are experiencing a renewed sense of national pride, in part due to the current global economic climate. Clients are now looking for value in a new form with apparel, not just about style, price points etc. It’s gone beyond that, they are now looking to see and learn more about home grown brands and learn how to bring those brands into their wardrobes.
There is a handful of Canadian brands that Mabelle Style clients have gravitated to over the years. Aritzia, Mackage, Jenny Bird, Melanie Auld, La Canadienne, Left On Friday as well as larger Canadian department stores Simons & Holt Renfrew. There also is a couple of more brands, I think are worth featuring. Favorites for styling but also have great stories to contribute to their brands. See below to learn more.
Smythe
Founded in 2004 by Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe, SMYTHE started by creating the perfect blazer. Since then the brand has expanded across categories, growing to become a full lifestyle brand worn by the likes of Catherine, Princess of Wales, and Meghan Markle. The current collection offers bold fashion forward options with a playful colour palette, sophisticated prints & elevated tailoring.
Shop Smythe at you local Holt Renfrew, Simons and they have free standing locations in Toronto & Calgary.
Here are some favorites from the current collection.
KOTN
Based in Toronto, Benjamin Sehl, Mackenzie Yeates and Rami Helal set out to create the perfect t-shirt by establishing Kotn in 2015. Following founder Rami’s time living in a cotton-farming community in the Nile Delta the brand has spun into a full range of offerings while setting a new standard in transparency, traceability and sustainability. The brand buys fabrics from certified organizations to help ensure the cotton farmers and their land are cared for. Fun fact about KOTN, they are a certified B Corporation and is the fourth-highest B Impact Score of apparel brands in North America. Find KOTN at one of their freestanding stores across Canada (Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver and smaller assortment at Holt Renfrew.)
Judith & Charles
With an over 30 year old legacy in Canada, Judith and Charles was founded by Judith Richardson and Charles Le Pierres. Focusing on quality, Judith and Charles sources the finest fabrics from Japan and Italy and offers an impressive Made in Canada collection. The brand empowers confidence in their customers by designing clothing that is meant to last as well as they embody a strong emphasis on a European effortless style, perfect for capsule wardrobes.
