The Canada Dry x Roots Summer Collection officially launches July 25 and will be available online at Roots.com, as well as in person at a pop-up running July 25 to 27 at Wellington Square at The Well in downtown Toronto from 11 am to 7 pm. The event promises more than just fashion, with complimentary Canada Dry Ginger Ale and a themed experience designed to evoke the nostalgia of Canadian summers.

Designed by Roots in collaboration with Canada Dry, the collection features vintage-inspired graphics and a custom logo combining the Roots beaver with the crown from the Canada Dry crest. The artwork draws from Canada Dry’s advertising archives and celebrates traditions like road trips, lake days, and East/West coast landscapes.

Two standout pieces anchor the capsule: a relaxed-fit hoodie made with organic cotton ($138 CAD) and a pair of graphic tees ($54 CAD) featuring playful illustrations and retro branding. All items are gender-free and made in Canada.

“This collaboration celebrates what makes Canadian summers special,” said Ruben Beltran, Senior Brand Manager for Canada Dry. “We’re bringing together comfort, style, and the refreshing feeling our brand is known for.”

Leslie Golts, Chief Marketing Officer at Roots, added, “Every item in this collection is crafted to inspire connection: to people, to Canadian memories, and the great outdoors.”

The collection will be available exclusively while supplies last. More information can be found at Roots.com.

The post Canada Dry and Roots Team Up for Limited-Edition Summer Collection appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Long-time customers might remember the shop’s signature jars of jujubes at the front — a sweet detail that made the shopping experience all the more memorable. Known for having the city’s best selection of denim, the staff were always experts when it came to cuts, fits, and fabrics. For many, it felt like the store grew right alongside them — from teenage years to adulthood — and even now, it’s a go-to for families who continue to shop and visit regularly.

When Joel Carman first opened the store in the heart of Yorkville, the area was eclectic and artsy, teeming with coffee shops and art galleries. “There were no tall buildings, just beautiful tree-lined streets,” said Carman. “The area attracted artists, performers, athletes and authors. It was exciting to come to work every day – you never knew who was going to walk through the door.”

Carman grew up in the 1960s at a time when “blue jeans were a symbol of freedom and independence from authority”, he tells us. “It was the staple in my wardrobe and all my contemporaries. The bonus, I could wear jeans to work!” And it became an industry that went beyond just functional wear. “There were a lot of new innovations within denim when I was starting, and it was the birth of a real fashion denim business. New denim styles and fabrics emerged, and the denim industry was becoming an exciting community of shoppers.”

Yorkville began to evolve in the 70s. The bohemian era was transitioning and the area was becoming a mecca for designer brands and trendy restaurants. But Over The Rainbow remained steadfast in what is still considered the most fashionable area in the city today. The area continued to attract locals and visitors alike. Even celebrities made their way to Over The Rainbow to grab the latest styles. Carman mentioned there were so many stories and interesting people that came through their doors over the years including;  Sonny Bono, Miley Cyrus, Natalie Cole, Wayne Gretzky, Wendell Clarke, Alec Baldwin, Renee Zellweger, Doug Gilmour, Hilary Duff, Chris Bosh, Roberto Alomar, and Gene Hackman.

When Chris Bosh, a 7-foot-tall basketball player, shopped at the store, they had to think fast with his height leading to his head sticking up over the change room door. He also remembered the days when a young Wayne Gretzky shopped for jeans — that was always a treat.

But the most gratifying part of the business is the relationships they have built with their customers and the staff who have passed through the business. “Retail is a marathon and a lifestyle for me and my family,” said Carman. “I have watched three generations of families grow and have made so many friends. The store has evolved with our customers through the generations, and I feel so lucky to be where we are today.”

So, what’s changed and what has remained the same in this business for him and his team?

“When I first started, I was riding a horse; now with technology, I am flying a jet plane. When I got my first fax machine, I thought it was magic! Now with computers, it has revolutionized the game. What remains the same throughout time is our core values: great one-on-one service, respect for our customers and a fun shopping experience. Fashion constantly evolves and we work very hard to be ahead of the curve to offer our customers the best quality fashion,” said Carman.

Now that the homegrown retailer celebrates its 50th year in business what has been the biggest learning curve with Over the Rainbow?

He sees fashion as a dynamic industry and they are always adapting to what’s ahead. “It is a marathon that requires patience and an open mind – everything moves fast! Technology in all realms has been the biggest change, and we’ve learned to use it to power our growth forward.”

What’s one piece of advice he wishes he could offer to his younger self at the beginning of his career?

“Buy real estate! (cough – joking!). Patience and perseverance are keys to success. Embrace technology even earlier than we did! Luckily, my son and daughter have followed me into the business and have been instrumental in pushing us forward – especially in the digital world,” said Carman.

To commemorate this major 50th-anniversary milestone, the Carman family, who still own and operate the legendary Over The Rainbow store, delved into their archives to launch a collection reintroducing their vintage-inspired puff logo, originally designed for a promotional sweatshirt in the 1980s. This nostalgic logo, done with a modern twist, has expanded into a full collection of Made-in-Canada essentials for men, women, and children, including cosy sweat sets, tees, hats and socks; perfect for summer, camp, back-to-school and everything in between. It is a homage to Over The Rainbow and extends into their elevated casual and everyday premium essentials.

The collection includes hoodies, sweatshirts, sweatpants, t-shirts, hats …and yes, the jujube jar is in there.

Over The Rainbow is located at the Manulife Centre (55 Bloor Street West) in Toronto.

The post Toronto’s Beloved Over the Rainbow Turns 50 – Still Stylish as Ever appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

“Fashioning Indigenous Futurism” fashion show at the Getty Museum in collaboration with Autry Museum of American West took place on September 30th, 2024. Models dressed in Ayimach Horizons pose with the designer, Jason Baerg, after the show. Photo by: Shinae Kim

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Which neighbourhood are you in?

I’m in the Annex.

What do you do?

I am a Cree Métis multidisciplinary artist, educator, creative technologist, and fashion designer. My work focuses on the intersection of art, technology, and Indigenous culture. I create immersive installations, digital media, and interactive performances exploring themes of identity and community. Creatively, I aim to foster dialogue, offer new perspectives on contemporary issues, and honour my Indigenous community.

What are you currently working on?

I am working on a new art exhibition for Vancouver, some garments for VIPs for The Indigenous Fashion Collective Gala at the Autry in Los Angeles, and teaching drawing and painting at OCADU here in Toronto.

Where can we find your work?

You can find more of my work at the links below, through my Instagram and websites, and the galleries that represent my work:

Art: Fazakas Gallery | Art Mûr | Instagram

Fashion: Ayimach Horizons | Instagram

The post “A Day in the Life” with: Multidisciplinary Artist Jason Baerg appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Esaad’s work takes form under the guise of the cyborg body – the hybrid body – the site of possible being. There are a lot of parallels that can be drawn between pharaonic bodies and the idea of the cyborg. A pharoah can adorn the wings of a bird, the body of a human and the senses of a cat. Why can’t a human carry those same secrets?

Working interdisciplinary, she roots her practice in a utopian place of imagined existence. On one end, acknowledging the body as a site by which racialized people navigate trauma, while also, using the figure of the cyborg to represent otherness.

Currently, alongside her artistic practice and career in Fashion Styling at SSENSE and within commercial, editorial and e-commerce fashion, the UK native is the acting Co-Editor-in-Chief of Lotion Magazine as well as a Fashion Model signed to Chantale Nadeau, Faces MGMT and Niwa Models.

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What neighborhood are you in?

My studio (and probably favourite place in the world), is in Bloordale, where I work alongside a group of stellar artists + makers. Currently, I am based between Montreal and Toronto – a blessing to be in both cultural spaces simultaneously, yes, but I’d be lying if I said Toronto didn’t have my heart.

What do you do?

Okay, that’s a somewhat loaded question, haha. I work first and foremost as a Fashion Stylist working between Toronto and Montreal on Commercial, Editorial and E-commerce projects, adjacent to my career as a Model with Chantale Nadeau, Niwa Models and Faces MGMT. Simultaneously, I have my artistic practice based on Paint, Print & Textiles. I’m also the Co-Editor-In-Chief of the upcoming Toronto-based publication Lotion Magazine; a 360 brand run by myself and Forever Larnyoh. In my free time, I like to read and cook mostly.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I have been actively working towards my first Solo Exhibition. It’s been taking form in such a different way than I anticipated – monstrous paintings – of course, but also non-functional furniture (?), 30ft weaves… I cannot wait to share it with you. Alongside this, I’ve been working to fully layout and compile Lotion Magazine Issue 1 – highlighting QTBIPOC and Afro-centric communities locally and globally. And finally, I’ve been attempting to create my first Knitwear Ready-to-Wear Collection, allowing room for play and experimentation throughout the process. Stay tuned for my next ‘Stitchin’ n’ Bitchin’ workshop in partnership with Lotion Magazine and The Drake Hotel for a chance to join our woven community. With upcycling at the forefront of my textile practice, It’s been extremely rewarding to work with my extended communities to collect and source, learn and develop – an ultimately self-taught space in my craft. I can’t wait to share everything with you!

Where can we find your work?

I’m working on a website revamp, so in the meantime, you can find me on Instagram as @rightmood and @cyborgcamp for all things art and fashion, and @lotion.mag for all things events.

The post “A Day in the Life” with Interdisciplinary Artist and Fashion Stylist Biba Esaad appeared first on Toronto Guardian.

Michael grew up in Toronto in the Forest Hill neighbourhood, a well-known area to the Jewish Community. One of my favourite stories he told me about his childhood is how he started to draw pretty girls in dresses as a kid, not knowing why or where it would lead him later in life. It was very clear that he always had a knack for putting looks together and creating a wearable and contemporary piece of art.

Fast forward a few years, we decided to move back to Toronto to start a new life together, and that’s when a lot of Michael’s visions started to come to life. With the unprecedented pandemic in 2020, Michael was forced to create his own avenue of creative expression and thus followed the conception of his own label JAFINE. During a time where a lot of us were locked and creatively stunted, JAFINE helped a lot of our pent of creative energy to be released. Michael created the designs and I helped photograph them. We became a power duo, and new faces to the fashion industry in Toronto. It wasn’t long before he caught the attention of AHIRI.

From the inception of the brand, to which he is now head designer for, Ahiri has been an incredible opportunity for Michael to share his Creative DNA. From the “Butterfly“ Dress to the “Genevieve” Dress, Watching him unfold his creative potential has been incredible, and it goes without saying this man is truly inspiring and a testament to what hard work, passion, and tenacity can do.

-Written by Jampol Taborda Ahiri 

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Which ‘hood are you in?

Central Downtown Toronto

What do you do?

I am a Fashion Designer, Photographer, Stylist, and Artist. My designs have been published in Elle Canada, Fashion Canada, The Kit, Globe & Mail. My personal focus is on luxury womenswear, creating unique well-crafted pieces that transcend trends and make strong fashion statements. At Ahiri, I design accessible womenswear which is sold online. I like to incorporate all of my art and design skills into all of my projects, whether it’s designing a collection, photographing a campaign, or styling celebrities/talent for film & tv.

What are you currently working on?

I’m always working, whether it is on my new collection as Head Designer for Ahiri, completing custom couture creations for my personal clientele, producing fashion editorial campaigns, even photographing them as well, it’s never a dull moment and always busy!

Where can we find your work?

You can find my work on my website or my Instagram. You can also find my designs for Ahiri available for purchase here or on Amazon CA.

The post “A Day in the Life” with Multi-Faceted Fashion Designer Michael Jafine appeared first on Toronto Guardian.