Lunar New Year welcomes in the dragon for 2024, a sign that symbolizes power, success and nobility. And what better way to ring in the New Year than to amplify artisans, designers and businesses championing that energy? From East Coast to West, We’ve compiled a list of Asian Canadian businesses that should be on your radar this year.

Cadette Jewelry

 

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Launched in 2015 by Allison Asis, Cadette Jewelry draws inspiration from nature and modern art. Each piece from the Toronto-based brand is like an extension of self-expression. We love the Wabi Pearl Ring, which features a thin wavy band and pearl accent inspired by Japanese aesthetics, and the Pear Rapture ring, an engagement ring featuring a pear-shaped diamond set against a sculptural silhouette gold band—reminiscent of two hands reaching out to one another other.

Lezé the Label

 

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Founded by Tanya and Karen Lee in 2018, Vancouver’s Lezé the Label makes eco-conscious workwear that is just as comfy as your sweats. Lezé—a phonetic play on the word lazy—originated from Tanya’s tendencies to wear her PJs in public spaces. From there, Lezé the Label has gone on to reimagine comfortable office wear, offering a variety of staples like trousers, cardigans and coats made out of materials like recycled water bottles, fishnet and corn. Beyond fashion, Lezé the Label actively contributes to social causes, with funding that supports marginalized communities to help close the poverty gap.

KayTran Eyewear

 

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It began with a personal problem: a pair of glasses that didn’t quite fit Kathy Tran’s face. Fast forward, and now KayTran Eyewear, a women-led company based in Winnipeg, has evolved from its origins as an MBA project. Specializing in both prescription and sunglasses designed for individuals with low-nose bridges—a common Asian feature—the glasses are designed in Canada and made in Italy, incorporating features like lens curve reductions, elevated nose pads, and widened temple angle to ensure a secure and comfortable fit.

Yu & Mei

 

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After a pause in face-to-face encounters, Toronto’s Amy Yu and Sasha Mei created a dinner party service to help bring people together through conversation, food, wine, and thoughtful tablescapes. Beyond offering a space to connect over a meal, Yu & Mei‘s desire to strengthen the community lingers. The duo done to philanthropic organizations like CAMH womenmind—to assure everyone has a seat at the table.

Pradegal

 

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While material sustainability is important to designer and owner Paula Nguyen, she wants to shift the focus back to the consumer with her womenswear label Pradegal. The Vancouver-based contemporary womenswear label features timeless silhouettes and staple wardrobe pieces like the brand’s Aila top; a wool-silk blend top designed for dual wear.

Silk & Snow

 

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Co-founded by Albert Chow and Kenneth Mo in 2017, Silk & Snow is a Toronto-based homeware company known for blending luxury with affordability. Silk & Snow offers five different bedding materials (think linen and silk) along with bed frames, mattress toppers and more, making it a one-stop shop for all your bedroom needs. Made with premium materials like pure wool, cotton and wood, your purchases will last you for years to come.

Monos

 

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Most commonly known for its stylish luggage sets, Monos is a travel and lifestyle brand that operates outside of Vancouver. Monos encourages mindful travel by transforming accessories—like laptop bags and passport holders—into multifunctional items. Take, for instance, the Metro backpack, which features quick snap pockets, a detachable toiletries bag and waterproof compartments to keep your rain jacket separate from your laptop.

Thesis Agency

Thesis Agency is challenging the modelling industry in a major way. Former model and owner Nat Kim noticed that old-school agencies still had restrictive age, height and body requirements and a monopoly in the industry, despite an increase in diverse campaigns.  The agency recognizes the model beyond face value and offers a roster of talent that are well-rounded, creative, and infuse their work with humanity and intention. Clients include KOTN, Sage, and Sephora.

Mie Kim Studios

Montreal-based artist Mie Kim crafts ceramic sculptures that play on nature and society. Her work places an emphasis on local resources, with pieces featuring clay from Eastman, Quebec. In addition to creating pieces for stores like Les Etoffes, Mie Kim also offers pottery and ceramic classes for those based in the city.

WANZE

 

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Launched in 2021, Toronto-based eponymous fashion brand WANZE specializes in innovative patterning and functional design for everyday wear. Founded by a skilled pattern maker, the brand gives classic tailoring a modern twist. All pieces are crafted in-house using high-quality materials sourced from Italy and Japan, including the brand’s iconic leather dumpling bag.

Verre Lune

 

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Verre Lune is a female-founded, sustainable candle brand based in Toronto. Prioritizing organic ingredients like natural soy, paraben-free oils and lead-free cotton wicks, Verre Lune offers beautiful candles in scents like Cypress and Cedar. The brand has a partnership with plant-a-tree initiative Ecologi, so you can feel good about your purchase.

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