The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI) hosts a bi-annual showcase for buyers of Toronto’s latest innovative designers. This year they hosted the TFI Buyers Brunch at the Ritz Carlton, a welcome change to last season’s event. As in the true Toronto fashion, the trend of sustainability transferred from the runway to other areas of the fashion industry. Here are my five favourite Canadian designers that showcased sustainable options for Autumn Winter 2017.
Rocking Vibe
I’m putting this jewelry line first because I love this one, “For rocking your vibe,” said Liana Louzan, the designer and life-force behind Rocking Vibe. Designed in Ontario, with rocks and metals selectively sourced around the world for their vibration and energy.
I’ll rock some semi-precious stones with a high-end feel every day! Louzan’s soulful designs encompass the healing energy of the crystals and are set with electroplated stainless steel to devoid any metal allergies.
You don’t need to wear braids and walk around barefoot to embrace using crystals for fashion and function. “I was playing around with vibration but I didn’t want to seem bohemian,” said Louzan.
R pick, Rocking Vibe’s new chokers that haven’t even launched yet–and bonus it draws energy to your throat chakra.
Betty Barbs
I love these ear cuffs because they are magnetic–meaning you don’t need to pierce your ears to wear them. Designed and made in Toronto by Kristin Barbaree and each season her jewelry gets bolder and more unique.
With large geometric shapes molded out of silver, the minimalist design stands out without being overt. Other magnetic offerings include septum rings (yes I’m sure you’ve wanted to try it without piercing your septum!) and three finger rings–yes it must be cool if it isn’t functional. Most of the cuffs are made in silver, meaning you don’t have to worry about your ear turning green, but she is beginning to offer some pieces in 18k gold-plated as well.
Metropolitan Attitude
Jeans are everyone’s best friend, but have you seen the documentary RiverBlue? The denim industry consumes a high amount of water and chemicals in the production and finishing of their product.
Manufactured in Montreal but currently being designed in Toronto, Metropolitan Attitude is here to change all that. Firstly they offer custom fit jeans, where they send a stylist to your location to fit you. Hello custom! Then, using the most sustainable methods possible and a new dying process called laser washing–sounds techie I know. Laser washing doesn’t use any water and basically uses a laser to give denim that distressed look. All this and the price point is around $300 for a pair of personalized denim.
Oh and I forgot to mention, the producer of RiverBlue, Roger Williams is a client. Do the planet a favour and get custom jeans.
Casa Como
Step out in style with the contemporary pieces from Casa Como by designer Diana Ivanova. Designed and manufactured in Toronto, with the fabric sourced in Montreal–they couldn’t be closer to home. Pieces from the collection are made to order–but you can check out pieces from their new Autumn/Winter 2017 Collection soon at All About Eve, a boutique at 602 Danforth Ave. in Toronto’s east-end.
Kate Austin Designs
I saved the sunniest for last because, can summer get here already? Well, when it does, check out these comfy kimonos and tunics from this Toronto designer. Made with 100 per cent fair-trade organic cotton, you’ll love the colourful looks of this collection, and don’t be afraid to mix and match prints!
I can envision myself by the pool with the sarong and kimono right now–it looks wonderful.