For some reason, all eyes in the fashion world have been on Canada for the last few seasons. Maybe it’s because we’re hosting the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, because our economy set an example for the world by withstanding the recent recession, or just maybe it’s our downright fascinating ability to survive frigid Canadian winters. Whatever the reason, Canadian staples like fur, plaid and the ubiquitous Canadian Tuxedo (a denim top with denim bottoms) have been taking over the runway, as well as your local Urban Outfitters.
Pink Tartan for HBC
But why now? One major change in the Canadian fashion world has been the sale of the Hudson’s Bay Company, Canada’s oldest purveyor of fur and other quintessential Canadian styles, to Lord and Taylor, a high-end American fashion retailer. Lord and Taylor brought in new management and are trying to re-vamp the HBC image. This fall they brought one of Canada’s most iconic symbols, the green, red, yellow and blue Bay stripe, back to the public eye by collaborating with top Canadian designers on one-off pieces. Smythe, a Toronto-based label that specializes in blazers beloved by Hollywood starlets, designed a chic hooded cocoon coat. Pink Tartan designed a classic cardigan emblazoned with the token stripes. Another designer even designed a canoe! While the collaboration pieces aren’t for sale, Canadaphiles can pick up blankets and toggle coats with the iconic stripes at any Bay store.
The Bay was also in charge of designing Canada’s 2010 Olympic clothes, and for the first time in decades they are, dare I say, attractive? They’re completely Canadian but subtle enough that you won’t get dirty looks for breaking them out two weeks after the closing ceremonies. One of the central pieces of the collection is an immense grey and red fair isle sweater (seen previously on this blog) that looks perfectly in line with fall’s chunky knit trend.
DSquared2 SS2010
Dean and Dan Caten have also been putting Canada on the fashion map with their line, DSquared2. Their Spring/Summer 2010 show in Milan last month was on the theme of “Canadian camping.” Models walked down a catwalk lined with fake trees, carrying 40s of Budweiser. The collection featured denim cut-offs, jean jackets, hiking socks and plaid. Hints of Canadiana have been showing up in other designers’ collections too: William Rast, designed by boy-bander/singer/fashionista Justin Timberlake, made the Canadian Tuxedo a central theme of its fall 2009 show.
Vladimir Putin wears Canada Goose
But maybe the real reason why the fashion community is embracing the age-old adage “The world needs more Canada,” is that we Canadians really know how to weather a storm, and could teach our southern neighbours a thing or two as they weather the greatest economic storm since the Great Depression. The fall 2009 shows were all about turning inward and protecting yourself, whether in masses of knit sweaters at Missoni or armour-like leather sheaths at Prada or Julian Louie. Canadians are the best at self-protection: our Canada Goose parkas are the warmest on the market (and are growing in popularity abroad, as they’ve recently been spotted on Stephen Colbert, Sascha Baron Cohen, and even fellow arctic dweller Vladimir Putin); Sorel boots and hiking socks have surpassed pure utility to become a trend; our cozy plaid flannel offers unparalleled layering potential; and of course fur, the commodity upon which Canada was built, is reaching new heights of popularity this season.
Matt Damon rocks the Canadian tux
So next time before you scorn your local landlord/plumber/construction worker for wearing a denim jacket and well-worn jeans, with the requisite ancient plaid flannel shirt underneath, stop and consider how this man is serving as fashion inspiration to the world, and how fashionistas worldwide are scrambling to emulate a look he has pulled off so effortlessly. It’s about time the average Canadian got some fashion respect.
