When you think of Toronto, do you think of fashion design?
If not, we’re here to change that.
In honour of fashion nerds gearing up for The Devil Wears Prada 2, we’re sharing a list of young fashion designers and brands based in the 6ix.
Each brings a unique take on fashion, expression and even sustainability.
While the pieces range from the price of a shawarma wrap to the price of a TTC monthly pass to that of front seat tickets for the Maple Leafs vs. Montreal Canadiens’ game last year, just following these designers’ journey to learn about their inspiration and process is a great way to support them.
Beyond Space
Beyond Space is a Black-owned clothing brand by Xavier King, a Scarberian creative now based in the East End. His collections include workwear denim with bold zippers, painted poly-wool trousers, dyed cotton dresses, long and short-sleeve shirts and more.
On Beyond Space’s website, King writes, “whatsoever you put together in your closet helps shape the person that you want to be out there in the world.”
The brand’s inspiration and designs play on ideas of adventure and risk, and the belief in something beyond physical space, beyond what meets the eye.
Last year, King opened his own boutique and coffee shop in Leslieville on 349 Jones Ave. to display his pieces and invite locals into his shop.
You can watch King talk about his favourite pieces from his 2026 spring/summer collection and why incorporating a coffee shop into the boutique was important through this interview with Collection Corner on Instagram.
Follow La Maison Atelier on Instagram and TikTok and check out Beyond Space’s website.
@didajewelry Flip Ring – a ring features one gem of your choice on each side #jewelry #uniquejewelry #jewelrydesign #silverring #handmadejewelry ♬ original sound – rhode skin
@la.maison.atelier I’m a fashion designer who recently just opened a shop in the east end of Toronto. Hope you like this bag I made #designer #fashion ♬ original sound – Shedai
@la.maison.atelier I’m a fashion designer who recently just opened a shop in the east end of Toronto. Hope you like this bag I made #designer #fashion ♬ original sound – Shedai
H.Y.L.A
‘SHyla Golden has been adding colour and whimsy to Toronto’s fashion scene, first as a Fashion Design student at Toronto Metropolitan University; now, as the founder of the H.Y.L.A brand. From extravagant earcuffs and lace skirts with bold patterns to collage prints made from used books and magazines, everything is handmade.
Golden also offers repair and mending services.
Sustainability is front and center in the brand’s messaging, with a statement on the website stating that “H.Y.L.A. wants to stray away from the mass consumer mentality. This is why every piece is one of a kind. We believe in purchasing something, an item you truly love, that is unique (1/1)…Our hope is to create a more conscious consumer space and decrease the pollution damage to our beautiful planet.”
If Golden’s take on fashion inspired you, check out her Instagram or brand website.
DiDA Jewelry
DiDA Jewelry is a line of modern statement pieces handcrafted in Toronto by designer and Ontario College of Art & Design University alumna, Joy Yang.
Yang specializes in silver rings, earrings and ear cuffs and shares her process and inspiration on TikTok. She offers custom design services for one-of-a-kind engagement rings or heirloom pieces to be passed down to future generations.
Her latest collection, The Archive of Tomorrow (v.2000), is inspired by “2000s electronic designs and the dreamy retro-futurism of the early digital age.”
If you’re looking for dainty pieces, this isn’t for you, Yang says in a TikTok. So, if you want a statement piece, check out her work on TikTok or her brand’s website.
@didajewelry Flip Ring – a ring features one gem of your choice on each side #jewelry #uniquejewelry #jewelrydesign #silverring #handmadejewelry ♬ original sound – rhode skin
SKALSI
Before you read on…how do you feel about reworked sports jerseys? Because this designer’s work has the internet split.
Sukhdeep Kalsi, the artist behind the brand SKALSI, cuts up jerseys and turns them into corsets and puffer vests.
The Toronto-based artist also turns tapestry blankets into bomber jackets and jeans into tote bags. Behind these designs is a commitment to using recycled materials, flipping thrift finds and slowly producing comfortable, unique pieces.
You can follow Sukhdeep’s work on TikTok and check out her brand’s website.
AUDSMILEY
Who said dress shirts need to be standard and boring? Through audsmiley, designer Audrey Chen reimagines tops, skirts and suits in playful, modular ways.
Every piece is designed, cut, and sewn in Toronto to fit your particular needs. It’s as adjustable and functional as it is fashionable.
Chen’s latest collection, “memento vivere,” or remember to live, invokes nostalgic homesickness and grief, paired with playful memories, shared in a poetic launch video.
The collection contrasts shades of blue-grey with vibrant pink and burgundy, and includes expandable zip bags, layered button-up shirts, dress-skirts, trousers and jackets.
Check out Chen’s work on Instagram and her website.
Are you still craving more?
The City of Toronto boasts about having more than 24,000 designers, making it the largest design workforce in Canada.
You can explore their shops and websites by category here.
Do you have a fave local designer who’s pushing the boundaries of fashion? Let us know by DMing us on Instagram @tglhelps or TikTok @greenlineto.
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