Varsity Brown
You can find this purveyor of leather goods in many upscale boutiques (Toronto’s Dutil, Community 54 and the newly opened Elevator). Fashioned by 24-year-old McMaster grad Matt Boston, his popular belts (see above) and wallets are made in the basement of his Queen West home.
Twigg & Hottie
Vancouver’s Twigg & Hottie carries more than just homemade fashions from 50-plus designers. It focuses on clothing that is sustainable, like the store’s in-house line, We3, by owners Glencora Twigg, Christine “Hottie” Hotton and Jessica Vaira.
Muttonhead
A relaxed brand that trumpets unisex, laid-back sportswear, Muttonhead is headed by sisters Meg and Mel Sinclair along with their partner Paige Cowan. Their popular raglan sweaters (above) are developing a loyal following thanks to their Toronto manufacturing, sustainable fabrics and counter movement to “fast fashion.”
Comrags
A very well established line Comrags, by Judy Cornish and Joyce Gunhouse, design and produce all their goods locally, working with some of the same Ontario sewers for the past 28 years. The inspiration for their breezy prints and workplace tailoring comes from everywhere — the street, television, even literature.
La Canadienne
Finally in the footwear department, you can’t boast a name like La Canadienne without waving a Made in Canada label. This boots and shoes from this Montreal based store are handcrafted in Canada to the highest European standards (using Italian materials no least). Their boots and sandals (above) come with a practical sensibility and you can learn about the entire manufacturing process on their site, from design right the way through to packing.
