> PICK OF THE WEEK

Leilanni Todd is a Toronto designer as notable for her optimism as for her forwardthinking styling. When she found herself “stuck” in a yuck job that then disappeared during the recession, Todd started fulfilling her own dream, founding a label on Etsy. She then picked swimwear because, “Honestly, when you think of the times you’re wearing swimwear, chances are you’re conjuring up some pretty positive vibes — summertime, holidays, travelling, weekend adventures, sunshine, being active. That’s what I want my life to centre on, so that’s where I’m putting all my energy. This is a really exciting time for self-expression in fashion, both as a designer and as a consumer. There’s all this new technology available — both for creating and distributing swimwear and print — that’s making it possible to do things now that would never have been possible five years ago for a small label like me.” The Yes! Project includes collaborations with artists for limited-edition releases that Todd prints onto her sleek designs. Artists include: Rcade, a Toronto-based artist known for handlettering who did the Yes! tag; the Low Bros from Berlin who make stylized graffito animals, and Chicago’s Clay Hickson, who has reinvigorated ’80s PoMo, in this case with glam palm-tree prints. Styles include sexy, deep-plunge-back one-piecers ($200 for the one above), bandeaus, reverse racers and the athletic-styled Fiji top. At leilanni.com. Leanne Delap