Advertisement

Canadian fashion designers you need to know

It’s a busy time for many Canadian designers. World Mastercard Fashion Week kicks off on Monday, March 23, and I can only imagine the last minute details being made prior to the big week of showcasing Canada’s homegrown talent.

One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about fashion week is that the Canadian fashion community always seems to stick together. I’ve seen accessories designers supporting the runway shows of clothing designers and vice versa, all in a collective effort to put our best foot forward.

If you’re planning to attend an event or show during WMCFW, you might want to brush up on some of the big or up-and-coming Canadian fashion players. Whether they're showing at this month's fashion week or not, we're extremely proud to call these six designers our own.

Helder Diego

A look from Helder Diego's Spring 2015 collection.
A look from Helder Diego's Spring 2015 collection.

Formerly Blak.i, Helder Diego is a Canadian label helmed by designers Diego Fuchs and Helder Aguiar. The womenswear brand creates ready to wear pieces that are fashion forward but classic enough that you’ll continue to wear them through the decades. A modern vibe characterizes many of the label’s designs, which includes edgy leather pieces and intricately cut separates with surprising details.

Triarchy

Two looks from Triarchy's Fall/Winter 2014 collection.
Two looks from Triarchy's Fall/Winter 2014 collection.

Finding that perfect pair of jeans can be a trying experience — and  denim label Triarchy would love to help you solve that particular fashion dilemma. The brand consists of designer siblings Adam, Mark and Ania Taubenfligel, who will show their collection at the upcoming WMCFW. Form, function, style and craftsmanship are at the core of their design philosophy so you can bet they stand to win by making your butt look great.

The Wild North

The Wild North
The Wild North

It’s only March, but the fashion world is more concerned with Fall 2015. So while most of us are looking forward to wearing bikinis, the stylish fall coats of outerwear brand The Wild North will be strutting down the runway at WMCFW Toronto-based designer, Janet Han is the designer behind The Wild North, whose stylish take on the parka almost makes you wish it was cold year round. Almost.

Klaxon Howl

Klaxon Howl F/W 2015
Klaxon Howl F/W 2015

If you’ve ever wanted your boyfriend or husband to channel Ryan Gosling’s character in “The Notebook,” pay Klaxon Howl a visit. The menswear brand has a stand-alone store located in downtown Toronto, selling military and vintage-inspired designs that are produced in small batches to ensure the highest quality. Designer Matt Robinson strives to make sure all Klaxon Howl pieces retain his signature classic yet rugged appeal.

VAWK

VAWK Fall/Winter 2014 (George Pimentel/Getty Images for IMG)
VAWK Fall/Winter 2014 (George Pimentel/Getty Images for IMG)

Luxury womenswear label VAWK seems to have been maintaining a low profile as of late. But to my delight, designer Sunny Fong will resurface for Fall 2015. His line of beautifully crafted dresses and separates with unbelievable attention to detail will undoubtedly become the next object of your affection.

Miriam Baker

THE CANADIAN PRESS/George Pimentel
THE CANADIAN PRESS/George Pimentel

If you have a fuller bust, designer Miriam Baker has your best sartorial interests at heart. Baker’s own personal struggle to find clothing to fit her body was the catalyst for her eponymous label, which caters to women who experience the same struggle. Her designs are ultra-feminine, making use of full skirts and nipped in waists that give off a seriously vintage vibe.We’re especially fond of her signature eyelet dresses that would appeal to women of all ages.

Watch the video below to see how Canadian designer Mikhael Kale designed his spring/summer 2015 collection.