We’ve all heard the twin man-tras “Shop Local” and “Support Local.” Many of us support these goals, but are they realistic when it comes to our fashion buying decisions?
When I was attending U of T in the 80’s sourcing Canadian made fashion was easy, although I didn’t have the budget to buy as much as I would have liked! I enjoyed window shopping in Yorkville and strolling into Holt Renfrew to see designs by Leo Chevalier, Pat McDonagh, Simon Chang Sung.
Much has changed in the realm of Canadian manufacturing, due to events such as the signing of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, and the introduction of “fast fashion” in early 2005 when import quotas on fashion were lifted. All the more reason to support entrepreneurs who remain committed to offering home-grown fashions.
Linea Intima
196 Lakeshore Rd E, Oakville | lineaintima.ca
Canadian-made products at Linea Intima include elegant sleepwear of 100% silk and French lace, designed by Christine Morton and manufactured in Vancouver, and haute couture SHAN swimwear made in Montreal.
According to Linea Intima’s President, Karen Capocci, customers are pleasantly surprised to know that such beautiful apparel is made in Canada. Supporting local independent retailers often comes with a higher price tag, but quality sells.
“Customers today are more and more conscious about what they buy due to the economics of current times,” Capocci says, “so they are looking for items that they know will last the test of time.”
Jus B’ Gauze
4019 New St, Burlington | jusbgauze.com
This women’s clothing store in Burlington proudly carries Canadian labels such as Frank Lyman, Compli K, and Sympli — because customers are willing to pay for superior quality and style.
Sales associate Carol McKellar tells of a recent fall display of Frank Lyman clothing in the store’s window that virtually flew off the rack. “We’re already down to just one piece,” she says. “Ladies who know their fashions love that brand… and we all feel better when we can buy anything Canadian-made, whether it’s groceries, clothing, anything else.”
RevolutionHER Inc.
900 Maple Ave, Unit A11A, Burlington
125 Lakeshore Rd. E, Oakville
revolutionher.com
A passion for women, which includes supporting women owned brands, is central to the work of RevolutionHER. One of their initiatives is a 3,000 square foot retail space, the RevolutionHER store, whose flagship location is in Burlington’s Mapleview Mall. The store features 100 women-owned brands, including Smash & Tess and Dotty, which are also available in their new downtown Oakville Location.
Founder and CEO Maria Locker reports seeing a rising trend in women-led clothing design and manufacturing businesses in Canada, and says customers regularly seek home-grown fashions.
“From my experience,” she says, “women-led clothing brands place a more prominent focus on how their products look and feel for their customers, while also being mindful of their impact on the environment and avoiding fast-fashion pitfalls.”
Joseph Tassoni
390 Pearl St, Burlington | josephtassoni.com
A success story who has combined his love of fashion, design and innovation with caring for his community, Tassoni launched his outerwear label in 2017. His elegant, comfortable and innovative designs are proudly made in Canada using locally sourced materials.
One of the most significant challenges I’ve encountered is elevating the recognition of Canadian craftsmanship on the global stage and ensuring that people know where to find and support Canadian-made fashion—including the Joseph Tassoni brand,” he says.
“I’m deeply passionate about showcasing the exceptional talent we have here in Canada and demonstrating that we are not just participants but leaders in the fashion industry and our communities.”
On your next fashion spree, be sure to ask for clothes that are made in Canada. You’ll up your style game and learn what quality feels like, all while supporting the artistic innovators who are the backbone of Canada’s fashion industry.
By Cindy Ingle
