CANADIAN STYLE SPOTLIGHT
Sarah Power knows Canadian designers. As the founder of Inland, Power has created a marketplace stocked with outstanding homegrown clothing and accessories — Lesley Hampton, Hilary MacMillan and Cat Janiga are just a few of the dozens of top-tier designers available on the site. But Power is more than a retailer — she’s a tireless champion for Canadian fashion talent. We asked her to share a few Canadian pieces she’s most excited about right now.
The Pippa dress by Montreal designer Eliza Faulkner feels like a contemporary take on “power dressing,” a term born in the 1970s with origins found in the Chanel suit of the ’20s, a style that “enables women to establish their authority in a professional environment traditionally dominated by men” (thanks, Wikipedia). The way we dress and express gender has thankfully evolved, but I still enjoy a vintage reference when it comes to fashion. Eliza Faulkner dress, $234, madeinland.ca
I’ve grown a bit tired of wearing almost exclusively sweats and loungewear the past few years, so when Montreal-based designer Jennifer Glasgow launched her Caol sweatshirt earlier this season, I immediately fell in love. This elevated yet ultra-comfortable piece has dreamy smocked forearm sleeves, plus it’s made from organic cotton and Tencel, one of the most environmentally responsible fibres, with a touch of Spandex, which is always welcome. Jennifer Glasgow sweatshirt, $128, madeinland.ca
Although dainty jewelry is still trending, I’ll always have a soft spot for ’90s-dream-pop-inspired chunky adornment — which now actually feels more futuristic than nostalgic. The No Drama ring collection by Vancouver-based Christina Sicoli is a charming example of this bold statement jewelry. Each piece is handpoured and then layered with colour and non-toxic materials to create a decadent, one-of-a-kind palette. Christina Sicoli rings, $65, christinasicoli.com
Handcrafted in Montreal by designer Madeleine Beaulieu for Partoem, the Domus tote is created using vegetable-tanned leather and signature hardware with an origamiinspired technique free from glue or stitching. The brand name is inspired by the French saying “par toimême,” which means “on your own.” It neatly fits all of my daily essentials and always commands attention. Partoem tote, $500, madeinland.ca Whether on the cover of Designlines magazine or launching a new collection at the recent DesignTO Festival, Toronto-based artist and designer Yaw Tony is full of colour and surprise. It’s all expressed through his brand LLiM (Life Liveth in Me). His wearable art scarves reflect a blend of sophisticated African adages with Western influences. All the patterns, motifs and details are hand-drawn, then digitally printed or screenprinted on 100-per-cent silk. LLiM by Yaw Tony scarf, $250, madeinland.ca
Papier-mâché is not a material you would expect to wear, but when Toronto friends and co-creators Golnar Ahmadian and Hediyeh Maadi Tehrani decided to use recycled, low-impact findings for their jewelry line, Lo’bat Accessories, they took a more daring approach than most. The result, as you can see, is stunning. Their work is playful, thoughtful and incredibly eye-catching. I love the romance behind each piece and the way they contrast softness with bold strength. Lo’bat earrings, $125, madeinland.ca
Sarah Power is more than a retailer — she’s a tireless champion for Canadian fashion talent. We asked her to share a few Canadian pieces she’s most excited about right now