A true New Yorker at heart, Conner Ives moved to London, England, in 2014 to attend the prestigious Central Saint Martins but kept his American identity by infusing his unique designs with it. At the brand’s core is smart and responsible clothing, such as graphic tees and cycling apparel, made mostly from vintage materials—a trademark for which Ives is now recognized and loved by stars like Rihanna and Vogue editors alike. He has made a name for himself by taking deadstock fabrics and giving them new life—taking people’s trash and turning it into treasures, as it were.

Handmade in Toronto, Hoi Bo’s androgynous designs are inspired by workwear’s classic shapes and incorporate functionality as well as sustainable, eco-responsible practices. The brand’s play on design fluidity can be most appreciated with its Exhale Supernova bag: Its thick pleated fabric and sculptural 3-D shape elevate the typical tote or backpack with just the right touch of edge and refinement.

Situated in the heart of downtown Toronto, Uncle Studios rethinks classics by infusing each piece with coolness and flair. Expect to find wardrobe staples like the perfect suede coat, grandpa sweater, riding pants and micro poncho when browsing its collections. While the brand does use new materials for its garments, great effort is put into finding clean fabric suppliers and manufacturers, and its use of renewable and efficient energy, as well as its contributions to forest conservation, ensures that every product it produces is carbon neutral. 

British jewellery brand Alighieri crafts hand- carved and locally cast pieces that are one-of- a-kind treasures. Its founder, Rosh Mahtani, a Zambian designer based in London, England, has dubbed her collections “timeless jewellery rooted in literature and art.” Indeed, these “modern heirlooms,” made from 100-percent-re- cycled gold, bronze and silver, are created using an ancient lost-wax technique for moulding and sourced through responsible suppliers. Alighieri also offers a lifelong guarantee to ensure that every piece is as eco minded as possible.

Read more:
8 Actually Sustainable Fashion Brands to Shop
5 Vintage Shops to Check Out in Toronto
Can We Break the Cycle of Fast Fashion?