STYLE

What does the future hold for the Canadian fashion industry?

Status update: the future of the Canadian fashion industry.

CANADA’S HOMEGROWN TALENT is off the charts. From incredible designers (the dark romance of UNTTLD, the playful femininity of Tanya Taylor, the critical acclaim of self-taught Vejas) to change makers (photographer Petra Collins, Business of Fashion founder Imran Amed), there is no shortage of creatives making their mark. But, unlike the old guard across the Atlantic, we still haven’t quite built a comprehensive support system. Fashion weeks are held across the country every season, but for some designers, the cost of taking part doesn’t bring a return on their investment. What is needed for our stars to shine? We asked a panel of experts. The answer: a (big) village—from investments (federal and otherwise) in brands to retailers carrying homegrown labels to the media supporting said labels and, yes, to us, the consumers, opening our eyes and seeing the bounty in front of us.