Designers Connect: An Independent Fashion Source for Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and New York

An Independent Fashion Resource showcasing Independent designers and new and emerging fashion trends presented by Designers Connect and Cancon designers. The best resource for Canadian wholesale and retail contacts from Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal. Supporters of Independent fashion, Emerging Designers, Eco fashion, and Sustainable living.

Monday, June 1, 2009

Canadian Eco Fashion


Canadian Eco fashion is on the rise, and it's not just a trend.
Advances in textiles are arising from some heavy financing in Canada. The hunt is on and requests are being made daily from designers and what they want from their fabric suppliers.

Feeling thrifty? Some talented designers are even taking traditional textiles and recycling them with design into a cut and pieced look to make an entirely new garment. I say yes! Let them live a little longer with the appearance as an eco friendly fashion participant. Long live recycled fabrics!

From bamboo fabrics, to recycled polyester, eco textiles are advancing fast. And it's nothing short of exciting! New fashion forward collections are now not only about the design, but also about which new fabrics the designers have found. Not just the look, but also the feel. Not only the garment, but also why you should choose to invest in it.
It's exciting times for Canadian fashion indeed, as designers and their demands are changing the textile industry one season and one request at a time.

Lilikoi from Vancouver uses soy and organic cotton, blended with a small amount of spandex to create a piece from her latest collection. So far, I can't see that anyone has figured out how to make spandex eco friendly. Spandex is usually only 3 percent of a garment. 97 percent sustainable fashion is more than welcome in my wardrobe any day.

Canadian Eco fashion is on the rise, changing the way we look and feel. More manufacturers are looking for local sources. Life is good.

Saturday, April 18, 2009

Every Little Counts


Every Little Counts is nestled in a hilltop in the east side of Los Angeles, owned and run by one nostalgic & romantic girl. The designer makes a small exclusive line of women’s t-shirts for a certain kind of girl; independent, complex, romantic, sentimental,funny. Derived from daydreams, quiet nights outside of the city, the soft glow of streetlights, and staying up late listening to love songs…

Retail sales - www.mudsharkstreetwear.com
Wholesale Opportunities - contact@canconfashion.com

After six years working as a fashion designer in New York and Los Angeles, Amy Snider has emerged with her own label, Every Little Counts. The mission of the line is to provide affordable and feminine garments for women that express feelings of romance, independence, and nostalgia.

Every Little Counts is made exclusively in the east side of Los Angeles as a collaboration between Amy and her husband Adam, who has a background in art and graphic design. Together, they pool their inspirations into a unique line of clothing created for a certain kind of girl; complex and independent while also flirtatious and romantic. This is a girl who daydreams, fantasizes, and falls in love. The loose fit and low necklines combined with esoteric and romantic graphics create a nonchalant sex appeal.

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Kitchen Orange Winter 2009


Kitchen Orange Winter 2009 has arrived ! The wait was worth it. This season, the kitchen orange clothing line boasts a wonderful mixture of fashion forward comfort and eye catching design.
As always, most of the Kitchen Orange clothing line has been manufactured in Canada. Well done guys ! By manufacturing locally, we can all feel a little more connected to both our fashion choices and also to our community. The line also promotes eco-fashion with a large part of each collection boasting new and improved fabrics which were created by the company themselves.
If you're feeling cold and need some fashion comfort, I strongly recommend the Kitchen Orange 2009 winter line. It's beautiful.

Retail sales - www.shopkitchenorange.com
Wholesale Opportunities - contact@canconfashion.com

Keep your eyes on this company, from what I hear there's a lot of excitement surrounding the label right now. More to come...

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Elroy Apparel, Organic Fashion from Vancouver



More about Elroy Apparel, an independent fashion designer with some great ideas from Vancouver. Elroy Apparel is much more than just another clothing line. The company was developed as a stand against impending environmental destruction. By providing socially responsible, health-conscious women with fashion forward, eco-friendly clothing, they have created an alternative- a beautiful garment with an even more beautiful story behind it. Designer Leanne McElroy creates sophisticated streetwear for the contemporary health-conscious woman who cares not only about what she looks like, but about the story her clothing carries as well. Take a look at Elroy's beautiful creations. available online at Mudshark Streetwear. Mudshark Streetwear has been supporting fair trade Canadian fashion since 1997.

Saturday, November 8, 2008

One of a Kind Show Toronto, the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale


One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale 2008


It's that time of the year again where shopping is enjoyable at the One of a Kind Show in Toronto. If you've never been, it's worth checking out. For a small admission fee, you can browse some amazing creations you normally wouldn't find in Toronto. Many of the artists come to Toronto from all over Canada, many designers being from Montreal and Vancouver.
My personal favorite thing about the show is that it's so relaxing. There's something about the hum in the air that is cheery, yet calming. Look for Annie 50 from Montreal at the show: (see photos)
Location, date, and times :

Thursday, November 27–Sunday, December 7, 2008
Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, Toronto

Weekdays 11am-10pm, Saturdays 10am-9pm, Sundays 10am-6pm

for more information you can go to their website at:

www.oneofakindshow.com

"The One of a Kind Show and Sale features thousands of one-of-a-kind items each made by hand by some of North America's most talented fine artists and craftspeople."

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Farahbella, Independent Womens Fashion from Japan

The Farahbella line is independent fashion from Japan. We are happy to introduce you to the fashion forward designer duo of Farahbella. The designers are husband and wife, originally from San Francisco, California. After art school, jobs, traveling, wishful thinking and dreaming, the two decided to live abroad to continue to enrich their lives. The idea was to push beyond their personal comfort zone, living in a foreign culture, learning a new language, studying traditional Japanese arts, and merging with modern Japanese culture. In 2006, they decided to establish their design company and brand, Farahbella. Based in Japan, the surroundings reflect the philosophy and sensibilities of the artists.

The image of the "Farahbella woman" is someone who is expressive, thoughtful and daring. She is a woman who uses the art of fashion as a vehicle to express herself. Farabella's designs allow the female form to beautifully reflect the dichotomy of the nature of the cosmopolitan woman. The brand creates an undeniable chemistry that exudes passion, creativity and intrigue. Farahbella places high regard on the fit and comfort of the clothing, prototypes are repeatedly reviewed to ensure a flawless fit. We are confident you will love your new Farahbella piece.

Entering their third season, the Spring Summer 2009 Farahbella collection features silhouettes that are minimal and bold yet hang gracefully to create an overall elegance that is both edgy and timeless. You can preview their Spring Summer line at Farabella, or shop direct at Mudshark Streetwear

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Organic Fashion in Canada - Eco-friendly Fashion and Elroy Apparel, Independent Fashion from Vancouver


Eco-friendly fashion has made its mark with many top Canadian designers. Many fashion designers are reducing impact at the source by making conscious decisions to use more environmentally-friendly materials. Yes, we know...there's been a lot of hype about organic and sustainable fabrics. But wait, there's more! If you haven't actually felt the fabric bamboo or soy, now definitely is the time.
Introducing Elroy Apparel from Vancouver:
Elroy Apparel is much more than just another clothing line. The company was developed as a stand against impending environmental destruction. By providing socially responsible, health conscious women with fashion forward, eco-friendly clothing we have created an alternative. A beautiful garment with an even more beautiful story behind it.

Everyone should feel good about the clothes on their back. (Elroy Apparel)
The Gin Lady . com has more to say : We met up with Nicola from and told her all about Elroy Apparel. The Gin Lady . com is a newer blog which focuses on eco friendly fashions. You can read more about Elroy Apparel and her wonderful fabrics here.

Enjoy !

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Canadian Designer Janet Hill at L'Oreal Fashion Week


Canadian Fashion Designer Janet Hill will also be showcasing her line at L'Oreal Fashionweek in Toronto on Friday October 24th at 3:00 p.m at The Studio at Nathan Phillips Square.
Be sure to check out the L'Oreal Fashionweek webpage for a schedule of participating designers. The show runs all week from October 20th - October 25th, 2008 downtown Toronto. L'Oreal Fashionweek is produced by the Fashion Design Council of Canada. All of the participating designers will be showcasing their Spring 2009 designer fashion collections. Hope to see you there.

Canadian Fashion - BODYBAG by Jude at L'Oreal Fashionweek

This Thursday October 23rd, Bodybag by Jude will be showing her spring 2009 collection at
L'Oreal Fashionweek. Look for Bodybag by Jude in the new Studio tent located at Nathan Phillips square. Downtown Toronto.
"The Bodybag look is re known for the styles cut from various styles and materials, allowing the sense of detailed chic and sensual well being to shine through. Bodybag by Jude combines the elements with which each woman can express a truly unique style." BODYBAG by Jude. ~ Montreal Fashion.

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Wholesale Canadian Fashion, Introducing Cancon Fashion

A big welcome to Cancon Fashion: if you're a boutique owner, things just got a little bit easier. /

Cancon Fashion is a wholesale fashion collective ready for placement in boutiques. The collective features over 90 percent Canadian made product, by Independent talented fashion designers. Price points are fair trade, and everyone involved is just amazing !

Visit their photo gallery to find collections by participating designers.

Or visit their retail site for a list of available products.
Cancon designers makes ordering easier with one stop shopping !

With the help of their designers, the collective offers immediate product, and also pre-bookings. It has never been easier to order season to season.

Interested in opening a store ? They offer support and guidance to help new boutiques get set up. Are you a designer wanting to join ? email contact@conconfashion.com

Know of a store who could use some help with their fashion selections ? Tell them about Cancon designers! The designers would be happy you shared. It's no secret that Canadian fashion is hot! And through supporting these Independent designers, you can feel good about the clothes you are in.

The designers forming the collective range from from high designer fashion to casual and contemporary fashions. Many of the designers are now using eco-friendly fabrics, and even donating portions of clothing sales to charitable organizations in support of the environment.

Well done to all involved. It's nice to see people working together.

***Participating boutiques will also have access to online clothing swaps and trade forums.

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Valerie Dumaine Clothing - Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion Designer


* Valerie Dumaine - Just released, ... Valerie Dumaines' Fall 2008 / Winter 2009 collection has just arrived at MudsharkStreetwear.com

It's Valerie Dumaines second season on the Mudshark site. The collection seems to have really made a mark. The response for the line has been nothing but amazing. "Valerie Dumaine's line projects an image of confidence, with clean and elegant lines, embellished by a careful finished touch. Inspired by the past, the designer is a master when it comes to mix and match styles, creating refined and bold garments." We certainly already have a few of our favorite pieces in the closet, ... but nothing they didn't have doubles of. We're confident these new Valerie Dumaine designs are sure to peak interest with a fashion forward clientele and repeat clientele from previous purchases. We are happy to introduce the newest collection from Valerie Dumaine, available now at Mudshark Online

Monday, June 23, 2008

Yoga Jeans - Second Clothing - Montreal Fashion - Organic Fashion - Eco-Fashion


// New - Yoga Jeans - Introducing Second Clothing Company (womens) - Montreal.
SECOND JEANS ARE SIMPLY THE MOST COMFORTABLE JEANS IN THE WORLD!

About Second:

Second was founded in Montreal in 2000 by Éric Wazana. The company specializes in up-market jeans, including Second’s Yoga Jeans, named the best women’s jeans by a number of magazines. It is known for the quality of its cuts and for its social conscience, reflected in its 100% Quebec production and its constant search for new ecological fibres to use in its clothing. The latest S(eco)nd collection is the natural extension of the company’s collective vision.


New - Yoga Jeans - Made of top-quality denim containing 97% brushed cotton and 3% elastane, Second Yoga Jeans hug the curves of the body in any position.
They fit the ups and downs of a hectic day and metamorphose into laid-back fashion in the evening. Second uses denim with 92 percent shape memory, while the industry standard is only 64 percent. And thanks to their revolutionary treatment, the cuts and styles actually shape, hold, and lengthen the body and helps flaunt just the right areas. Multifunctional and perfectly malleable, Second Yoga Jeans are offered in mid and low rises, with the option of a boot cut, straight, flare, wide leg pants, or skinny leg. SECOND uses natural materials and organic fibres to protect the planet. Every Second Jeans is hand crafted on an individual basis to give them an authentic vintage look. With this unique attention no two Second Jeans are exactly alike.

TO SUM THINGS UP SECOND JEANS ARE THE ABSOLUTE BEST FASHION JEAN YOU COULD HAVE IN A WARDROBE.

Second Clothing is available online at Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Combining natural materials, new technologies and avant-garde textiles, the 2008 S(eco)nd Spring-Summer collection is 40 % eco-friendly, one of the most earth-conscious on the market.



Saturday, May 17, 2008

Peel Design - Vancouver Fashion - Organic Fashion - Eco-Fashion

The Peel Label was launched in the Fall of 2004 by Vancouver designer Megan Berks. The line has become synonymous with classic style and lovely details, resulting in clothes that will stand the test of time. Peel's Spring 2008 collection delivers a fresh and feminine vision inspired by the simplistic beauty of nature and the outdoors. It's perfect for travel to exotic locales, or to the next beach party or backyard barbeque. Soft, flowing fabrics and fun, feminine prints dress creative women who appreciate the balance of simple fits and ornate details.

Peel Designs is available online at Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Friday, May 9, 2008

Eve Gravel - Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion - Designer Fashion


Spring has Sprung, and so has the Eve Gravel 2008 line. Eve Gravel is quickly becoming recognized as one of Montreal's most successful up and coming designers.
Gifted with uncommon creativity and a great vision, it's hardly a surprise that her clothing design is catching like wild fire.
The Eve Gravel Spring / Summer 2008 line certainly is no exception. It's more of an addiction I think.
" I create my collections based on what I experience and what I feel , " explains Eve Gravel. "There are days when I feel like a woman, and others when I feel like a tomboy or a mischievous child. For me, fashion is a way of expressing a full range of emotions."
Today, the young designer's eccentric collections are eagerly awaited each new selling season by her clientele and fashion experts alike.
The Spring / Summer Eve Gravel Collection is available through Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Bodybag by Jude - Montreal Fashion - Canadian Fashion - Designer Fashion


The Bodybag by Jude clothing line was founded in 1995 by daring and avant-garde designer Judith Desjardins, under the name of Jude Clothing Co. The line found its true identity in 1998 with the creation of the Bodybag label. Bodybag is the external layer of an awareness rooted in insight on things transient and permanent, on life and death, on the beauty of humans and the world that surround them. The Bodybag look is reknown for the styles cut from various styles and materials, allowing the sense of detailed chic and sensual well being to shine through. Noteworthy is the ingenious combination of materials such as knittings, microfleece, denim and corduroy. One sees more than merely zippers, hoods and elegant lines, but the very definition of the Bodybag aesthetic. The elements with which each woman can express a truly unique style.

Bodybag by Jude Clothing can be purchased through Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers


Saturday, May 3, 2008

Anastasia Lomonova - Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion - Designer Fashion


The Anastasia Lomonova line boasts confidence in every piece. Alluring and sexy, compliment all around,

Anastasia Lomonova is based downtown Montreal, Canada.

This collection is both luxurious and comfortable. Beautiful printed silks, pure cottons will make you feel light and sexy during the hot sunny days while slinky jerseys will add sensuality to your evening attire. Inspired by all things "summer" and tailored to perfection, each piece is bound to be a valuable addition to any wardrobe.

After moving to Canada at 17, Anastasia studied fashion design at Ryerson University in Toronto. A few years later she decided to move to Montreal! Here, she completed internships with designers Valerie Dumaine and Nadya Toto while working various part-time jobs in the evenings. Having worked briefly for a fashion company on Chabanel Street, Anastasia decided to embark on a long-term dream of creating a clothing line of her own. In March 2007, aged 23, she launched her first collection under the Anastasia Lomonova label. Now available across Canada, in the United States and on-line, Anastasia's pieces focus on individuality, outstanding design and femininity – most importantly, making the wearer feel beautiful and unique.

Anastasia Lomonova Designs can be purchased through Mudshark Online - Featuring Independent Canadian Designers

Tuesday, April 29, 2008

Marmalade Clothing International - UK Fashion


Summer 2008


It's what we've all been waiting for. The new full collection by Marmalade Clothing International. This independent fashion label specializes in unique cuts inspired by the trends of the 1960's.

Marmalade clothing is the concept of polish born, toronto based designer, magdalena sokolowska. The original store, located in Kensington Market Toronto was closed in December 2005 in order to concentrate exclusively on wholesale and custom orders online.

Marmalade, applauded constantly by today's in demand flair seekers has grown to successfully encourage those seeking original and daring styles to turn heads in magdalena's creations. As you will see, colour is of immediate prominence in all of the marmalade outfits with an emphasis drawn on fun. The marmalade line is available in a continuously growing array of global boutiques.


shop for Marmalade Clothing International




Tuesday, April 22, 2008

Canadian Fashion - Independent Canadian Designers, Toronto Fashion, Montreal Fashion, Vancouver Fashion


Here is a quick reference for all of our fans to join our many communities. Find us and join. We are always looking for new designers to feature. Watch for more designs by Kitchen Orange Clothing, Eve Gravel Clothing, Revolve Clothing, Device by Melanie Ferrara, Dollface Clothing, Clothing, Bodybag by Jude, MyEmpire design, Sparrow Handbags, Genux Clothing, ok47, Hardboiled, Blak Mass Clothing, Charlie Designs, Lilikoi Clothing, Lily and Jae Clothing, Dace Clothing, Marmalade International, Sweetsoul Clothing, Valerie Dumaine Clothing, Anastasia Lomonova Clothing, Glyphiks Design Clothing, Movement Juma Clothing, Elroy Apparel, Hipline by Eve Kinzio, Beata Dirycz Clothing, Greenbaum Clothing, Annie50, Namoda Clothing, Scandal House Designs Clothing, Tryd and True Clothing, House of Spy Clothing, Juma Clothing, and more





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Sunday, April 20, 2008

Toronto Fashion - Juma Movement - Organic Fashion - Eco-Fashion


The Movement JUMA line is a hybrid of style and activewear for the woman who enjoys an active lifestyle along with fashion.

Juma Movement, based downtown Toronto, Canada.

This high- fashion athletic line is derived from the designer line JUMA and is made with luxury athletic fabrics including organic cottons, French fleece and enzyme-washed cotton jersey that have moisture wicking properties. The apparel is offered in a sophisticated style and functionality for a full range of sports activities as well as for casual comfort.

Juma Movement Clothing can be purchased through www.mudsharkstreetwear.com

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Montreal Fashion - Independent Fashion - Valerie Dumaine Clothing - Designer Fashion



Valerie Dumaine Clothing is now available at www.mudsharkstreetwear.com

Mudshark Online would like to introduce Valerie Dumaine to their collection of Independent Canadian Designers.

"Valerie Dumaine has been active in the Montreal fashion scene for over ten years. Between 1997 and 2002, she has been an illustrator, patternmaker and designer for various local companies. A year after graduating from Lasalle College, she departed Montreal briefly in 1998 for London, where she completed an internship with designer Gaile McConaghie. Upon completion of her Certificate in German at UQAM in 2002, Valerie Dumaine was once again Europe-bound; this time, her focus was Berlin. She reveled in the German fashion scene and culture, acquiring a firm and definitive direction. This experience would become a major turning point in her career. After returning to Montreal, she decided to work on her own line and in Spring 2004 Valerie Dumaine was finally born!

Valerie Dumaine’s line projects an image of confidence, with clean and elegant lines, embellished by a careful finished touch. Inspired by the past, the designer is a master when it comes to mix and match styles, creating refined and bold garments.

Her Collections are entirely made in Canada and are now available across Canada and few stores in USA."

Nice to meet you Valerie Dumaine...
you can view the entire collection at www.mudsharkstreetwear.com
See you soon !

Mudshark Online Store

Anastasia Lomonova
www.kaboodle.com

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DesignersConnect - Independent Canadian Designers
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Independent Canadian Designers Resource. We are always looking to promote new and socially responsible Independent Designers. Contact us.
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Juma Movement
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