THE need FOR retail SUPPORT

MILNER “We have all these talented people, but they need economic development. In other countries, retailers will buy from a designer for several seasons and work with them, so it’s not a one-hit wonder. Some designers need time to grow. Simons is a great example of that here at home: It nurtures a lot of Canadian brands.” CHARTRAND “The opening of the fivestorey SSENSE flagship in Montreal last May was a significant moment. It was the first building in Canada to be designed by internationally renowned David Chipperfield Architects. We’re grateful for the massive amount of international attention the opening attracted. The store has become a mustvisit destination and, by extension, so has Montreal.” KENNEDY “I’ve seen international platforms taking notice of Canadian brands like Sid Neigum and Beaufille. Around five years ago, I was excited when I started seeing a lot of Canadian brands I work with in international retailers and magazines and on celebrities.” ZEE “And now there is Meghan Markle, who has put Canadian fashion on the map in a bigger way than almost anyone else. That is the biggest billboard anyone can have these days.”