Karsten SturmayRaise your hand if you’ve ever thought, “Edmonton fashion? Is that an oxymoron?” (I’m raising both hands here.) But guys, I’ve seen the light! Turns out, while we were busy complaining about the windchill and hoarding parkas, some seriously talented designers were quietly crafting a style revolution right here in our city.
I’m so impressed that I’m actually considering trading in my beloved Oilers jersey for something a bit more… chic. (Okay, fine, maybe not. Gretzky wouldn’t approve.) But seriously, these designers are so good; they’ve got me rethinking everything I thought I knew about fashion.
And trust me, if they can convert a die-hard hockey fan like me, they can do anything. So grab a cup of Tim Hortons (or a locally brewed craft beer), get cozy, and let’s dive into the world of Edmonton’s most unexpected style icons.
Kathleen Todoruk
Media from todoruk_designs
Location: Mercer Warehouse, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Contact: 780-497-2957
Operating hours: Monday to Friday: 9 am to 5 pm
Specialization: Bespoke designs crafted from exclusive fabrics
Tucked away in the trendy Mercer Warehouse, Todoruk is a hidden gem for those in the know. Her bespoke designs are crafted from exclusive fabrics that caress your skin and move with your body, turning you into a walking work of art.
What she’s really known for is her 5 Cut Core Couture/Ready-To-Wear Hybrid collection, which is designed to give your wardrobe a sustainable glow-up. It’s all about five essential pieces, cut to flatter your unique form and ready to blend seamlessly with your existing treasures.
Oh, and did we mention her claim to fame? Avenue Edmonton’s Best Dressed 2020 edition couldn’t resist her allure since they recognized her as a style icon in Edmonton’s fashion scene.
Zachary Ward
Media from studiowarddesign
Location: 206, 10343 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5J 1Y5, Canada
Contact: You may contact them here
Operating hours: By appointment basis only
Specialization: Bespoke tailoring with a personal touch
Let’s talk about Zachary Ward and his top-tier services. This guy’s got bespoke tailoring down to fine art, letting you jump in on the design process so your outfit screams “you” from head to toe. We’re talking perfect fit, personal style – the whole nine yards.
Now, if you’re more of an off-the-rack kind of person, Ward’s ready-to-wear collections are the perfect blend of current trends and timeless styles. Luxurious fabrics? Check. Bold prints? Absolutely. Innovative cuts? You bet.
And here’s a cherry on top – Ward dishes out expert styling advice. He’s your go-to for curating a wardrobe that boosts your personal brand and confidence. Just a heads-up, though – consultations and fittings are by appointment only.
Malorie Urbanovitch
Media from urbanovitch.co
Contact: [email protected]
Specialization: Ethically sourced and vibrant textiles
Starting out in university with sciences and human ecology, Malorie Urbanovitch soon found her true calling in textiles and design. Her collections are a delightful mix of natural fabrics and bold colors, showing off her background in painting and her love for vibrant hues.
But here’s the kicker – Urbanovitch is all about ethically sourced materials. Take her 2014 collection, for instance. She used angora wool from Nova Scotia to dodge the shady practices tied to angora production elsewhere.
Her lineup ranges from cozy knitwear to luxurious, machine-washable suede silk pieces designed to be both practical and elegant. And while she doesn’t have a standalone store, you can snag her stylish creations at Simons, Pont Neuf Boutique, and Garmentory.
Samu_couture
Media from samu_couture
Location: 8519 Cushing Pl SW, Edmonton, AB T6W 3L2, Canada
Contact: +1 438-275-8557
Operating hours:
- Tuesday – 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Wednesday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Specialization: Bespoke tailoring for every shape and size
Imagine a place where everyone, no matter their shape or size, walks out feeling like a million bucks. That’s the mission of Samu Couture: to make sure every single client finds their perfect fit and struts their stuff with confidence and style.
Samu Couture is your go-to for bespoke tailoring. Think custom-made clothes that range from stunning evening wear to effortlessly chic everyday outfits. Each piece is tailored with such meticulous care that it feels like it was made just for you – because it was!
But what probably differentiates them from the rest is their knack for blending the latest fashion trends with timeless elegance. Whether you’re a fan of minimalist chic or avant-garde flair, they’ve got something for everyone.
Lewis Mayhem
Media from lewismayhem
Location: 10139 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1Z5, Canada
Contact: +1 587-415-1225
Operating hours:
- Tuesday to Saturday – 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- Sunday – 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Specialization: Bold and unconventional fashion
Founded by Cory Richard Jones in 2008, this brand is all about embracing the bold and the unconventional. They specialize in goth, occult, and festival wear to cater to those who love to stand out and express their unique style.
One of their standout features is their range of unique patches. These patches let you customize your clothing to add a personal touch that reflects your individual style.
But that’s not all. Lewis Mayhem also thrives on collaborations that bring fresh, artistic perspectives into their collections. For example, Cory’s partnership with her husband, award-winning comic book artist Nat Jones, has resulted in an incredible line of streetwear that fuses fashion with art.
