• Newsletters
  • Subscribe
/
1x
Advertisement
Emerging Canadian fashion designers: Alex S. Yu designs
Photography by Mara Zillums
Style

10 Emerging Canadian Designers to Watch

The new generation of Canadian talent is making some serious noise.

Copy link

There’s no shortage of creativity in Canada. We may have only had room for nine designers on our September issue’s cover, but there are so many more who deserve your attention.

Across the country, a new wave of talent is redefining what our sartorial scene looks and feels like. From sculptural tailoring and subversive streetwear to dreamy upcycled styles, these emerging Canadian fashion designers are carving out space on their own terms.

Here are a few (very) honourable mentions.

Lakuachimoto

Don’t let Vincent La Kuach’s day job fool you. Though their nine-to-five may be in dentistry, this campy designer is quickly making a name for themselves in the worlds of drag and Canadian music. Fans include Nelly Furtado and Gia Metric.

Advertisement

Haven

Gorpcore but make it chic—that’s the aesthetic of West Coast brand Haven. Founded by brothers Arthur and Daniel Chmielewski, the store carries both their own brand and others, but the vibe is still singular: Japanese minimalism meets Canadian functionality.

Sons of Man

In the hands of streetwear veteran Patrick Yee, the classic button-down isn’t just a shirt; it’s a canvas for creativity. Combining cut-outs, ruching and utilitarian details, his pieces are a masterclass in proportion and futurism.

Alex S. Yu

Welcome to the whimsical world of Alex S. Yu, where its namesake designer happily has his head in the clouds. Tulle, ruffles and frills abound in this unapologetically feminine universe, which can only be described as couture cotton candy.

3-Dimensional Up

Fashion, at its best, is transformative, but Mari-Ève’s brand takes it a step further. Her Malleable line features hats, jackets and pants with hidden bendable wire, letting wearers sculpt new silhouettes at will. Think of it as sartorial sorcery.

Advertisement

Offtn

There’s an undeniable rawness to Tia Kureshi’s label. Whether it stems from her youth or her reverence for concrete (the inspiration behind her latest work), her modern eveningwear reflects a pure industrial minimalism that’s about to be everywhere.

Justin Jacob Louis

While you may already know this Indigenous genius for his work at Section 35, in 2023 he launched his eponymous brand. Where Section 35 is unapologetically streetwear-inclined, Justin Jacob Louis is more universal—see tailored coats, relaxed separates and meaningful knitwear.

Styntsov

Have you ever put your phone on airplane mode? Anton Styntsov certainly has, as his latest work pays homage to air travel. Looking more Y2K than 1960s Pan Am, his brand has taken off for its menswear-infused womenswear. Boarding passes not included.

Sapodillas

In their own words, Sapodillas dresses the “ethereal hot gurl,” and one look at their slinky ties, ruched curves and candy-bright palette makes it clear that character is real. Each piece moves like liquid, cut to cling, twist and catch the light, crafted entirely from reclaimed textiles. In Sapodillas you’re not just dressing up—you’re making a statement.

Advertisement

Wynn

Who said that basics have to be boring? Not here. Wynn transforms simple essentials into sculpted, gender-fluid statements that seamlessly elevate your look. From innovative buckle tops to refined casual tanks, each silhouette plays with shape and structure in a clean, bold and unmistakably modern way. Thoughtfully designed and made in Toronto, these pieces bring effortless style to your everyday wardrobe.

With files from Stephanie Davoli.

This article first appeared in FASHION’s September 2025 issue. Find out more here.

Annika Lautens is the former fashion news and features director of FASHION Magazine. With a resumé that would rival Kirk from "Gilmore Girls", she’s had a wide variety of jobs within the publishing industry, but her favourite topics to explore are fashion sociology and psychology. Annika currently lives in Toronto, and when she’s not interviewing celebrities, you can find her travelling.

Copy link
Advertisement
Advertisement

Fashion FWD:

The next best thing to being a fashion editor - BTS access to trends, products & news.

By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.

Subscribe to FASHION!

Subscribe to FASHION!

FASHION magazine inspires and empowers with fashion and style trends, aimed at all sizes, ages, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations.

  • In This Issue
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Travel
  • The Drop
© 2026 SJC.Privacy PolicyTerms of Use