New Creative Director of LV Menswear Announced
Virgil Abloh, the former designer of cool-kid streetwear brand, Off White makes history as the first black artistic director at Louis Vuitton. Since founding Off White in 2013, Abloh successfully intermixed streetwear with luxury wear, turning hoodies into prestigious pieces. He is also known by many in the music industry for working and collaborating closely with Kanye West. In 2011, Abloh was nominated for a Grammy for his art direction on Kanye West’s and Jay-Z’s hit album, Watch the Throne. A few years later, Off White’s womenswear line gained serious momentum as Beyoncé was seen sporting his sweatshirt in a music video and he became a finalist for the famed LVMH Prize. Virgil Abloh’s career has been a whirlwind since the moment it began, proving he is a worthy pick for the job at Louis Vuitton. We are anxiously awaiting his first collection at this esteemed fashion house.
Calling all Sneakerheads
Time Magazine has deemed San Francisco’s, Allbirds sneakers as “the most comfortable shoe in the world” and now we Canadians can finally get our hands (or feet) on a pair. The start-up sneaker brand launched its Canadian e-tail yesterday at www.allbirds.ca. The comfort factor and sleek style has gained attention from sneaker-heads and celebrities alike and gained the company a large following in the last few years. Allbirds creates lace-up and slip-on shoes from materials like merino wool for a soft and cozy feel and fibre spun from eucalyptus tree pulp for a breathable, lightweight option. Just in time for their e-commerce launch, Nordstrom in Vancouver’s Pacific Centre will be hosting a pop-up with the brand today on floor 1, be sure to check it out if you’re in the area. With minimalist, easy styles and affordable prices, Canadians, including myself, will be sure to jump on the Allbirds bandwagon.
Browns Success Prompts Company Growth
In light of major success and growth seen across the board, the Montreal-based shoe company continues its development with two new stores, two relocations and one expansion in Canada. Over the next several months, Toronto will see two new locations at Don Mills and Sherway Gardens expected to open in May and July of this year. The existing Browns stores in Pacific Centre in Vancouver and Quartier DIX30 in Montreal will be relocated to more spacious locations with an implemented new store design. An expansion will also be taking place of the B2 location at Place Laurier in Quebec City. Browns credits its growth to a customer-service oriented environment and a wide selection of styles and sizes – if you can’t find your size in store, they will ship it to you free of charge!
Sweden’s Second Largest Fashion Brand to Enter Canada
Popular Swedish fast-fashion brand, Lindex is preparing to launch in Canada as the company searches for an exclusive Canadian partner. The company is looking to open stores in major markets such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Founded in 1954, Lindex is a sustainability-focused company offering a wide array of products in women’s fashion, lingerie, kid’s wear and cosmetics. Their values of socially responsible business practices, reliable design and sustainable materials to increase product quality are sure to appeal to many Canadian consumers. Like H&M, Lindex has also seen success in collaborating with well-known designers to create capsule collections. Past collections have included works from Jean-Paul Gaultier, Matthew Williamson, Narcisco Rodriguez, and Missoni. Once Lindex has found a Canadian partner, plans for brick-and-mortar stores as well as a Canadian e-commerce platform will come into place.
Inspirational Image:
Image courtesy of Harpers Bazaar
By: Laura Findlay, Vancouver, @lofindlay
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