These New-Gen Designers Are Re-Energizing Toronto's Fashion Scene

Those who have accused Toronto of being boring and lacking in culture are about to be proven wrong. If the recent buzz in the city's previously stagnating fashion scene says anything, it's that Toronto's youth is not only alive and kicking but ready to trailblaze on the international stage.

Despite Toronto's only fashion week being shut down in 2016, and the industry splintering across the globe, streetwear continues to flourish, with three exciting new-gen designers in particular redefining Toronto as the North's streetwear capital with a direct-to-consumer approach.

 

WIL STUDIOS

Young label WIL STUDIOS may officially be menswear, but the tees, hoodies, shirts and tracksuits of the “City Fair” Spring/Summer collection are pretty gender neutral. We're obsessed with the “WHAT” motif throughout and the super-cool statement zips on the shirts.

Shop the collection here.

 

WRKDEPT

Describing their presentation as “royals on acid,” design duo Tinashe Musara and Andy Long Hoang's latest collection was inspired by both drag queens and the Queen of England – an unlikely but genius combo. The pieces arrive in a bold color palette with a focus on denim, outerwear, loud graphics and OTT styling.

Shop the collection here.

 

Andrew Coimbra

The designer themed his latest collection “rude,” emblazoning tees with the motif to inject a hint of street culture into a sophisticated range inspired by '70s minimal sculpture. 

Shop the collection here.

 

S.P.BADU

Repped by A$AP Rocky, the gender-neutral designs of S.P.BADU is right on point with the current noughties zeitgeist and Matrix aesthetic. There's plasticky jackets and pants, puffer jackets and all – all with a badass edge. We're in love with the heavy-duty trouser, featuring poppers from top to bottom.

Shop the collection here.

 

Next up, Wood Wood and Champion team up for an emotive sportswear collection.