Shop Canada
Fill your fall wardrobe with homegrown design this weekend. Head to Inland, the country’s most exciting fashion pop-up
“It’s fashion without the smoke and mirrors,” says Sarah Power, the founder of Inland, about the shopping pop-up she started in 2014 to spotlight emerging and established Canadian designers.
Inland returns to 134 Peter St. Friday and Saturday with its most exciting lineup yet: 72 clothing and accessory designers, with price points ranging from $40 to $1,000. Every collection is either ethically made or manufactured in Canada. We talked to Power about the vitality of homegrown talent and the future of Canadian fashion. How did you first become interested in Canadian design?
“In 2007, I was working as show coordinator 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 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 adopt- ing 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 are the biggest misconceptions about Canadian fashion? “That it’s conservative and overpriced.”
What are three Canadian brands that people need to know about?
“Eve Gravel, because her clothes are classic and comfortable and her fabrics are stunning. OKAYOK because in my opinion every woman needs a fashionable sweatshirt, and Poppy Barley because this Canadian shoe brand is exploding — for good reason.” What are your top three shopping picks from this season’s Inland? “I’m really excited about Toronto de-
signer Anu Raina’s new fall jackets, especially the pastel plaid — very contemporary Canadian. I’m also loving the new Le Lou Ula collection by Calgary jewelry designer Bramble Lee Pryde. Her earrings are almost sculptural, which is so interesting. I also love Marigold, a clothing line from Montreal, which has really evolved season after season.” 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.”
“I think we have an opportunity to be global leaders in this space.” SARAH POWER FOUNDER OF INLAND