Including a whole lot of luxury fashion in Canada’s retail market.
The 15 Percent Pledge is launching an online database of Black-owned businesses
Aurora James launched the 15 Percent Pledge back in May 2020, calling on major retailers to dedicate at least 15 per cent of shelf space to Black-owned businesses. Now, with support from Google, the 15 Percent Pledge is launching an online index called the Business Equity Community, which includes more than 1,200 Black-owned businesses and is designed to build the brands’ online presence, support direct-to-consumer efforts and grow their business. Since its launch, the 15 Percent Pledge has racked up a total of 28 retailers who have made the pledge, including Canadian brands like Indigo, Hudson’s Bay and Sephora Canada. The initiative has been able to shift almost $10 billion of revenue to Black-owned businesses so far.
Nobis announces the return of #NoColdShoulder
This week, Canadian luxury outerwear brand Nobis (which translates to “us” in Latin) announced the return of #NoColdShoulder. This global initiative collects gently worn jackets throughout the month of November and places them on the shoulders of vulnerable citizens — with a goal this year to provide warmth to 15,000 people worldwide. The brand will be offering resealable eco-friendly bags for Canadians to donate coats from the comfort of their home, and Nobis customers will receive a limited edition beanie alongside their donation bag.
4 Letter Series is the newest brand in town
Helmed by Toronto-based Rachel Walderman, 4 Letter Series is a new brand of small-batch, high-quality streetwear, entirely handmade in the heart of Toronto. Setting out to acknowledge the very real and motion-filled human experience, each drop dons a four letter word that is chosen to embrace and celebrate all types of expression, all differences, all interpretations, all mistakes and all emotions. What’s more, the brand is committed to ensuring excess product and fabric never becomes deadstock.
Sentaler opens a concept location in Yorkville
Another Canadian luxury outerwear brand is making waves this week. Sentaler — a cult favourite that has been rocked by the likes of Meghan Markle and Gigi Hadid—welcomes the Sentaler Atelier, a brand new concept location set in Toronto’s upscale Yorkville Village that offers customers an opportunity to experience the brand privately, behind blacked-out doors in an intimate luxury setting. Offering both men’s and women’s full collections as well as accessories, the Sentaler Atelier is now open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holt Renfrew Vancouver presents Prada On Ice
Now until November 21, a completely unique and original pop-up, Prada On Ice, is set up in the Holt Renfrew Vancouver Skybridge. An ice rink clad with winter athleticism has been reimagined into a functional shopping experience, and is an ephemeral home to an exclusive Prada collection. Think skis, snowboards, snowshoes, snow goggles, ski bags, sleeping bags, ski trousers, snow pants, cashmere sweaters and more — all with a high fashion seal.
The Webster’s first international store is in Toronto
Multi-brand luxury retailer The Webster has just opened its eighth retail location, all while simultaneously marking its first expansion outside of the United States. Landing in Toronto’s prestigious Yorkville neighbourhood, the retailer is calling a 6,500 square foot, 19th century building its home. And thanks to Stéphane Parmentier, a Parisian interior designer who preserved and designed the space, the store is now illuminating Scollard Street with The Webster’s signature pink.
Tuck Shop Co. releases the second drop in its Rowing Blazers collaboration
Tuck Shop Co. teamed up with Jack Carlson to redesign and relaunch its trademarked line of neighbourhood toques, releasing the collection of American toques for Carlson’s Fall/Winter 2021 Rowing Blazers collection in October. Now, on November 9, Tuck Shop Co. is launching the second segment of this collaboration, complete with Canadian cities and neighbourhoods. The aptly named ‘City of Neighbourhoods’ lineup houses hats with different neighbourhoods and cities, counting a total of 59 toques to choose from.
The Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute introduces three new Fellows
The Suzanne Rogers Fashion Institute (SRFI) at The Creative School has welcomed its fifth round of Fellows. Three new Ryerson graduates, Nadine Mosallam (2017), Curtis Oland (2016) and Wanze Song (2016), have entered the program, designed to financially support and mentor students and alumni during their foray into their fashion careers and practices.
“We are excited for the unique perspectives our new Fellows bring to the SRFI” said Robert Ott, director of the SRFI, in a media release. “Our program has evolved since 2016 and has become a unique entity with the potential to be transformational for our Fellows. Now more than ever, the Fellows are looking at the industry as entrepreneurs, energized by the changing world around them and ready to make positive impacts.”