With holiday shopping officially underway, we’re tapping into the people, like maximalist fashion icon, champion of Canadian designers and vintage treasures Sara Camposarcone, who influence our carts the most—TikTok creators. From Canadian-made beauty and lifestyle finds to the restaurants and products that defined their year, this Q&A series spotlights the gifts they’re giving, the brands they’re backing, and the standout moments that earned a spot on their personal “2025 wrapped.” Consider this your shortcut to what’s actually worth buying right now. —Noa Nichol
Your holiday picks feature indie designers, vintage gems, and small-batch accessories—what makes these the perfect antidote to generic holiday gifting?
What sets my holiday picks apart from generic holiday gifts is that these are truly one of a kind! Each of these designers/ businesses create pieces that are handmade, unique or have been on this earth for 40 plus years. To me, that’s what makes a gift so special… when it comes with a story. It’s also such a lovely time to support our local small businesses who deserve the extra recognition for their talented work.
Pieces from brands like Rashelle and Indoor Cat feel deeply personal. How do you approach gifting fashion in a way that feels thoughtful and not intimidating?
I enjoy gifting my friends pieces that remind me of them in some way or another. I think that makes the gift more meaningful and special. For example, Indoor Cat makes custom screen printed tights, so gifting a friend a pair of tights with all of her favorite things on them is truly the perfect gift one can get!
Vintage gifting is having a huge moment. What should shoppers look for when choosing a secondhand fashion or décor piece as a holiday present?
Looking for a secondhand gift that speaks to you is most important. Something that stands out and sets it apart from any other gift makes it that much more special. You can stumble across so many beautiful gems at a vintage store, sometimes narrowing it down to the perfect gift can be hard.
Do you have a go-to strategy for finding “wow factor” pieces—like a statement scarf or glass jewelry—that still feel wearable?
My strategy is… if I can picture myself in at least 5 outfits wearing the piece, it’s a good investment to me. I’ve shared brands I enjoy shopping before on my TikTok, and it sparks a conversation in the comments where people will suggest brands that they love to shop, and even I get to learn something new. There are so many unique brands to share with my community so it’s nice to hear their suggestions too.
Holiday dressing leans toward sparkle and drama (your specialty!). What Canadian brands are giving you that festive energy right now?
Tristan Réhel is a Montreal based avant-garde designer who creates the most extravagant pieces! Glitter, volume and all! He designs for popular Drag Race superstars often, who bring his work to life with their iconic makeup and personas on stage.
Another Canadian brand that feels perfect to shop for the holiday time is Wuthering Delight which is currently featured on Project Runway Canada. Curtis, the designer makes the most stunning puff sleeved corsets that just make you feel like a superstar!
Top gift picks:
- Rashelle: Rashelle is a textile designer, making everything from home decor, rugs, and even glass jewelry. I love her whimsical designs and appreciate her talented craftsmanship. Her pieces fit perfectly into my maximalist home, as well as suit my personal style.
- Eliza Faulkner (@elizafaulknerdesigns): Eliza’s brand is elevated and chic – she’s based in Montreal, which is my personal favourite city for vintage shopping! She carries amazing basics, but also beautiful evening wear, and a bit of everything in between.
- Le Febour (@le.febour): The TikTok-viral “it” bag is from a Canadian-made brand, made in small batches in Ontario. I personally own one of her stunning bags, and have another on the way! I use one as my work bag – they’re so classic, yet useful and durable.
- Ian Drummond Vintage (@iandrummondvintage): Ian Drummond Vintage is the best place to find the most unique, one-of-a-kind vintage gems! They sell vintage designer clothing, jewelry and accessories, as well as pieces used in cinema across Canada and have items from a vast array of eras- anywhere from the 1800s to Y2K.
- Indoor Cat: I’m a new fan of Indoor Cat- a crochet and hand printed clothing brand based out of Toronto. I love their nostalgic and feminine designs, on everything from classic baby tees to printed tights.
- Salty Face (@saltyfaceofficial): Salty Face is where I purchase my freckle paint! They focus on healthy skin first, so all products are 100% vegan and cruelty free. I’ve been using freckle paint to create my faux freckles for years and this is one of the best I’ve tried!
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