MEANINGFUL FASHION
Canadian companies that are making a difference
Smash + Tess
VANCOUVER
WOMEN’S, MEN’S AND CHILDREN’S LOUNGEWEAR
The mother-daughter-bestie trio that founded clothing company Smash + Tess believes that what people wear matters, not only for style, but also for function—self-expression, physical comfort and confidence—as well as for our environment. In order to slow the fashion cycle, the company deliberately makes small batches of clothing on demand, so they’re not overproducing and contributing to clothing waste, which is a shocking global issue. Known for its extremely comfortable rompers, Smash + Tess ensures the pieces are made locally. Plus, the majority of them are fabricated with a long-lasting sustainable rayon made from a blend of bamboo and cotton produced by skilled seamsters who experience the best working conditions. One of our favourite things about the Canadian brand is its focus on being size and shape inclusive, with all items ranging from XXS Petite to 3XL (4XL coming this fall!) and a flexible size guide. Follow Smash + Tess on social media, or check its website seasonally for product launches in new styles and patterns for the whole family.
OUR PRODUCT PICK
The Friday ROMPER in Midnight Black, $119, smashtess.ca.
Sophiegrace CALGARY
WOMEN’S WORKWEAR
As a busy working mom herself, Emma May, the founder of clothing company Sophiegrace, wanted to help women rid themselves of the mental weight of figuring out what to wear to work. If you’ve ever wished it was as easy for women to get dressed in the morning as it is for men to throw on a suit and tie, May offers the solution with Sophiegrace clothing. Each item in the collection is designed with simplicity, timelessness, comfort and quality in mind; plus, all the pieces can be mixed and matched to create a new look each day. The brand uses sustainable Cupro satin, a plant-based, biodegradable cellulose fibre, and 75 percent of the line is manufactured in the company’s Vancouver factory. To top it off, a percentage of the proceeds from Sophiegrace’s graphic tee collection goes to support local organizations— recent recipients include Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre in Vancouver, The Marine Mammal Rescue Centre and Momentum.
OUR PRODUCT PICK
The Short Sleeve Ashley DRESS in Navy, $210, sophiegrace.ca.
Encircled TORONTO
WOMEN’S APPAREL
Clothing that’s made to last forever is what Toronto-based slow fashion brand Encircled does so well—but that’s not all the company stands for. With factories located close to the head office, the quality of production is easy to oversee, as well as the quality of life of the people who make the clothing. Every person employed by Encircled makes a fair wage and works in a safe, respectful environment. When it comes to fabrics, the brand is on point as well, using only sustainably sourced, all-natural materials such as Tencel, Modal, rayon from bamboo, organic cotton and linen—which all feel amazing on the skin. With the clothing from this company, you can build a capsule wardrobe with timeless pieces that will stand the test of time, and—bonus!—often look even better as they age.
OUR PRODUCT PICK
The Comfy Linen BUTTON-UP in Black, $158, encircled.ca.
Indi City CALGARY
JEWELLERY
Authenticity and mindfulness are at the heart of Indi City. Co-founders Angel Aubichon and Alexandra Manitopyes design and create contemporary Indigenous accessories and jewellery. Each piece offers an acknowledgement of their ancestry and connection to this land. The stunning pieces are crafted 100 percent by Indigenous people: Show-stopping earrings like those shown here offer up the perfect opportunity to express yourself and support Indigenous artists and designers at the same time.
OUR PRODUCT PICK
EARRINGS
Arrowheads in Pink Mirror & Purple Sparkle, $50, Moon Phases EARRINGS in Pink Sparkle, $60, indicity.ca.