SHOP LOCAL
Fill your fall wardrobe with homegrown design. Head to Inland, the country’s most exciting fashion pop-up
“It’s fashion without the smoke and mirrors,” says Sarah Power says of Inland, the shopping popup she started in 2014 to spotlight emerging and established Canadian designers.
Inland makes its local debut at the Art Gallery of Hamilton on Sunday, Nov. 11 with an exciting lineup: 30 clothing, accessory and jewellery designers from Hamilton, Toronto, Montreal and London, Ont. Every collection is either ethically made or manufactured in Canada. We talked to Power about the vitality of Hamilton talent and the future of Canadian fashion.
What inspired you to start Inland?
“I noticed a gap in how Canadian independent designers were being recognized locally and, at the same time, I saw that global retail platforms were adopting more agile, direct-to-consumer models. I wanted to open up that opportunity in Canada, to provide a space for designers and consumers to connect and to bring awareness to the everyday shopper about our local talent.”
What inspired you to host Inland in Hamilton?
“Hamilton was an obvious next step for Inland. I moved to Hamilton three years ago with my husband
because we were attracted to the vibrant arts and culture scene, and I’ve been impressed every day since by how collaborative and support the creative community is here. I feel very grateful to be able to take part. I think Hamilton has the opportunity to become the next hub for our growing national fashion industry.”
You’ve hosted Inland in Toronto for several seasons now. How is this event different?
“Like always, the event is free and curated with an amazing selection of designers, but the Hamilton edition is much more intimate and relaxed — like Hamilton.”
What three designers are you most excited about who are showing at INLAND Hamilton?
“I’m excited about every designer, of course, but some standouts include Hamilton-based, internationally-renowned, native Canadian designer Angela DeMontigny. Her work is stunning and Angela is such an important figure in Canadian fashion. I’m also thrilled to welcome Heather of Knots and Pipes, another Hamilton designer. Using repurposed vintage beads and leather, Heather creates gorgeous statement earrings, perfect for the upcoming holiday party season. Elisa C-Rossow from Montreal is another favourite. I love her structured, minimal esthetic. I bought two of her dresses at the fall event in Toronto and can’t stop wearing them!”
How would you describe the fashion scene in Hamilton? How is it evolving?
“Hamilton’s fashion scene is growing rapidly. We have an impressive community of designers and designer boutiques who offer everything from trendy looks to timeless classics. Our history of fashion manufacturing is a testament to the strength of the scene. Coppley has been making tailored menswear in Hamilton since 1883. Between Hamilton Fashion Week, Glamour in the Hammer, the Supercrawl Fashion Stage and many other events, there is always something stylish happening in Hamilton.”
How did you first become interested in Canadian design?
“In 2007, I was working as show co-ordinator for the Clothing Show. The show had a small section, 20 or so exhibitors out of 300, who were local designers. I was deeply inspired by their passion. Creative people make the world so much more interesting.”
What are the biggest misconceptions about Canadian fashion?
“That it’s conservative and overpriced.”
What is needed to create a viable Canadian fashion scene?
“That’s a big question because Canadians can be a bit shy about taking creative risks — not just in fashion, but in all creative industries. It’s about exposure and the right voices speaking up. I think having more Canadian representation in mainstream media makes a huge difference. I’d also like to see our creative communities working more collaboratively, in particular music and fashion — we need our homegrown icons showing up in Canadian (clothes). I’d like to see more government and corporate investment directed toward fashion innovation as well. I think we have an opportunity to be global leaders in this space.”