This originally appeared in the October 2015 print edition of OTTAWA magazine. Photo: Ben Welland
Support Canadian designers and reduce your wardrobe’s carbon footprint by shopping at these notable boutiques:
Harry Rosen
50 Rideau St., Rideau Centre
This Toronto-based chain, which dates back to 1954, carries two lines of proudly Canadian suits: Coppley, a made-to-measure line that manufactures all its clothing in Hamilton, Ontario, and J.P. Tilford by Samuelsohn, a Montreal-based company that sells made-to-measure and off-the-rack suits. Visit the Rideau Centre store for a personalized experience that lets you choose from hundreds of fabrics and suit styles. For the business traveller, Samuelsohn’s Performance series features materials that are stain-, water-, and crease-resistant.
THIS FALL: As temperatures drop, add a made-to-measure flannel or corduroy pant to your closet.
L.A. Pai Gallery
13 Murray St.
This one-of-a-kind shop is part gallery, part jewellery store: at the front, you’ll find cases of jewellery organized by artist (look for bib necklaces by Dasha Klymenko, who incorporates vintage lace and Swarovski pearls into her stunning pieces, and colourful textile creations by Vanessa Russell). This is wearable art at its finest and represents the best from emerging and established Canadian artists. At the back, there are larger installation pieces and featured exhibitions in a variety of media from metal to fibre, rubber to acrylic.
THIS FALL: Seven male jewellers from Montreal, who have formed a special network of support over the past 20 years, show their jewellery this November.
m0851
531 Sussex Dr.
With modern styling and a reputation for impeccable quality, this Montreal-based retailer has developed a devoted following among savvy shoppers. Since 1987, mO851 has crafted wallets, purses, handbags, and luggage out of full-grain leather; recently, the company launched a line of outerwear. Now with 22 boutiques around the world, mO851 continues to design and make everything out of their Montreal workshops. Their Ottawa store boasts dramatic displays and views of the ByWard Market courtyard.
THIS FALL: Top colours include chalk, red wine, khaki, and ash purple. Look for short jackets in boiled wool, as well as coats for men and women made of cotton that has been coated with polyurethane.
Magpie Jewellery
430 Richmond Rd., 50 Rideau St., & 799 Bank St.
Magpie carries a diverse array of accessories from Canadian artists, including Aboriginal designers. In fact, nearly 75 percent of their products are made in Canada — you can even find The Ottawa Necklace by local designer Lissa Bowie. Small, independent artists are what Magpie is all about, and they are quick to explain that the quality of Canadian-made jewellery often exceeds that of trinkets made elsewhere.
THIS FALL: Autumn lines see accessories in rich shades of blue and burgundy.
Victoire
209 Dalhousie St. & 1282B Wellington St. W.
At once edgy and classic, Victoire sources its products from predominantly Canadian designers. Sassy graphic tees, refined floral dresses, vintage accessories, and high-waisted pants occupy clothing racks, while shelves are stocked with pop-culture colouring books, pins, patches, and graphic art.
THIS FALL: Canadian designers include Birds of North America, Valerie Dumaine, and Betina Lou.