Made in Canada

Celebrations are looking a little different this year, but there’s still plenty of reason to raise a toast to events like Father’s Day, Pride and, of course, Canada Day. This July 1, whether you’re joining one of the many virtual parties going on or having a small, solo barbecue, why not pay tribute to some of our country’s great brands and designers with pieces not only designed here, but made here? Rebecca Tay presents five styles to commemorate our nation’s birthday — and its great design talent, too.

STRONG & FREE

A bear isn’t an official symbol of Canada, but given there are so many in our country (especially here in B.C.), it could easily be considered one. Enter this Mother Bear clasp bracelet by Pyrrha, the Vancouver-based brand known for its talisman jewelry, all locally designed and handcrafted using Victorian-era wax seals and images.

Pyrrha, pyrrha.com | US$279

RED DRESS DIARIES

We’ve been fans of Horses Atelier for a while — alongside Margaret Atwood, Neko Case, Georgia May Jagger and Jerry Hall — and love practically everything designed by its founders, Claudia Dey and Heidi Sopinka. Every single piece is made in Toronto, by sewers paid a living wage, and a portion of each online sale goes to Clean Clothes, which improves working conditions in the global garment industry, so we feel pretty good forking over our money. And when we’re talking about pieces such as this cherry red Italian cotton midi sundress, we’d say we look pretty damn good, too.

Horses Atelier, horsesatelier.com | $445

ROMP AROUND

Harly Jae — named for Vancouver designer Laïla Bedard-potvin’s dad — is a self-professed “slow fashion” brand: each piece is made using deadstock fabrics where possible, or more sustainable materials such as linen, hemp, organic cotton and bamboo. Colours are kept neutral, and timelessness and longevity are key to each design. Case in point: this lightweight Beatriz romper, which feels contemporary, yet destined to be a piece we pull out every summer for years to come.

Harly Jae, harlyjae.com | $260

FIND YOUR ROOTS

Of all the quintessentially Canadian brands, Roots is still one of our favourites — partly thanks to the quality of their leather goods and clothing, partly thanks to their iconic, instantly recognizable logo. The Canada Collection features pieces that are designed in Canada and made by Canadian craftspeople; there are maple leaf-emblazoned tees and tank dresses, but our favourite is this simple Cooper hoodie. A true classic.

Roots, roots.ca | $92

BLACK MAGIC

There’s something about a caftan that instantly transports you into a holiday mood, even if you’re just pottering about the house doing errands. This oversized, 100 per cent linen black caftan with kimono-style sleeves by The Sleep Shirt is made in Canada and is so chic and glamorous, you’d be forgiven for swanning around in it.

The Sleep Shirt, intothebedroom.com | $330