For the last decade Aritzia has really dominated the Canadian fashion conversation and seemingly over night established a uniformed aesthetic for Canadian shoppers. A reliable destination for everything from office tailoring to weekend basics, and for many women, the first (and often only) place they think to shop. But in the name of personal style I aim to change that!
As a person who loves a Canadian success story I am happy for the brand. As a stylist not so much, as it has created a carbon copied style of easily replicated looks. Due in part to both it’s availability and accessible price point. If you follow my videos, you’ll often hear me talk about the “missing middle” and joke that I’m “allergic to Aritzia”—and while the latter is said with a wink, I stand by the sentiment. Creating a more personal wardrobe takes a little patience, a little research, and a commitment to shopping less but better, mixing in vintage and second-hand pieces to create layers that feel uniquely yours.What we need is more diversity, more points of view, and more compelling mid-market shopping options in Canada. I know we will get there.
One of the greatest luxuries in getting dressed is developing a point of view. The most interesting wardrobes aren’t built from a single retailer; they’re curated over time, mixing familiar favourites with lesser-known labels that bring personality, quality, and a sense of discovery.
If you’re looking to diversify your wardrobe—or simply want to know where fashion insiders are shopping next—here just a few Canadian brands worth adding to your list. —Lauren Walker-Lee
Paper Label
Women-owned and designed in Vancouver, this brand captures the effortless ease of West Coast dressing through elevated basics, easy-breezy sets, and versatile separates that act as the building blocks of a modern wardrobe. With a focus on thoughtful fabric choices and timeless silhouettes, each piece is designed with both the wearer and the planet in mind, creating styles that are meant to be worn season after season. The aesthetic is relaxed yet refined—pieces that feel polished without ever feeling overdone. For real-world styling inspiration, look no further than Creative Director Taylor Burtlake’s TikTok, where she shares effortless outfit ideas and a behind-the-scenes look at personal style.
Eliza Faulkner
Montreal’s celebrated champion of bold femininity, Eliza Faulkner has been creating romantic, sculptural designs filled with colour, volume, and playful prints for well over a decade.The Central Saint Martin’s graduate honed her skills at Erdem and Roland Mouret and recounts her earliest memories sitting under a sewing machine with her mother and grandmother. Made in Montreal, the brand supports the local industry and ensures integrity with each piece. In Faulkner’s own words, her collections are “designed to move with women who lead with instinct and aren’t afraid to take up space”—a perfect reflection of the confident, expressive wardrobe she creates.
KOTN
Every great wardrobe begins with exceptional basics, and few brands do them better than KOTN. While a white T-shirt may seem simple, the quality of the cotton, the weight of the fabric, and the precision of the cut are what separate a wardrobe staple from an afterthought. Founded in Toronto, KOTN built its reputation on beautifully made essentials crafted from traceable, long-staple Egyptian cotton sourced directly from farming communities.What began with elevated basics has grown into a thoughtful ready-to-wear and home collection, but its philosophy remains the same: buy less, buy better.
Decade Studio
Vancouver-based Decade Studio is a denim brand putting fit, quality, and inclusivity at the centre of its design philosophy. Founded by a small team of two, they create thoughtfully designed denim with a focus on timeless silhouettes rather than fleeting trends. Designed in Vancouver and crafted in Portugal with an inclusive size range, Decade Studio is committed to creating jeans that celebrate different bodies and feel as good as they look. For clients looking to move beyond mass-market denim, this is the kind of independent Canadian brand I love discovering—pieces that are made to become wardrobe favourites for years to come.
Province of Canada
A chic matching sweatsuit has become a modern wardrobe essential, and Province of Canada answered the call. While the Toronto-based brand may have recently gained a new wave of attention thanks to its sold-out Heated Rivalry fleece, its cult following was built over years of perfecting elevated everyday pieces- tees, tanks, shorts with a nod to Canadiana. Their signature neutral-toned sweatsuits, slogan shirts, and wardrobe staples have become favourites for those looking for comfort with a distinctly cool Canadian point of view. Alongside the essentials, their playful Canada focused pieces celebrate everything from Prince Edward County to the famously cheeky declaration that Montreal bagels are better than New York’s.
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