Invest In a Timeless Watch For Everyday

A great watch is more than just a functional accessory or eye candy. It can show off artistry and craftsmanship and speak volumes about your personal style. When it comes to purchasing a watch that’ll be a part of your signature look, there are plenty to choose from. Whether you’re drawn to retro and vintage-inspired timepieces, or modern and contemporary ones, the right piece will be a staple in your wardrobe, just like a finely tailored blazer or a pair of pearl earrings. 

Choosing a watch can be intimidating, but a few thoughtful considerations can help make it a smoother process. 

Set a budget  

Prices for watches run the gamut from super spendy to cheap and cheerful, which is why it’s important to establish a budget. Since it’s an investment piece, you want it to be a lasting relationship. Prioritize quality.

Study up

Before you dive into research, remember that the world of watches has its own language, which can easily leave an outsider stumped. Study up on basic terminology so you can understand frequently used words such as movement (the engine of a watch) and bezel (the metal or ceramic ring that surrounds the watch crystal).

Decide on a style 

If you’re on the market for an everyday accessory, you’ll want one that’s versatile enough to wear with any outfit and suitable for any occasion—ranging from a business meeting to cocktail hour. A flashy timepiece may be a showstopper, but if your style is more understated, it’s guaranteed to stay in your drawer rather than on your wrist. Go for timeless rather than an of-the-moment style that’s cool and trendy for the time being. That way, you don’t have to retire it early.

The design is also important and a lot of it comes down to taste and preference. Do you want a leather strap or metal? Do you like gold, silver or mixed metal? Simple or embellished with crystals? Think about how the watch will fit into your lifestyle. If you only ever wear gold jewellery, you’ll want a watch that complements it.

Size matters

Watches aren’t and shouldn’t be one size fits all. For an everyday timepiece, you want to choose one that’s comfortable enough to wear on a daily basis (a sporty, oversized watch, for example, may not be the best choice). If you have a delicate wrist, a smaller timepiece will be more flattering. The case size and thickness, as well as the strap thickness, are all things to consider when making a decision. Make sure to measure your wrist to ensure it’s the right fit.

Land on a brand 

For some, it’s important that a company’s ethos and values align with their own. A trusted watchmaker and heritage brand like Bulova, for example, has hundreds of years of history dating back to 1875. The iconic brand is known for bringing together craftsmanship, innovation and technology. The latest Regatta collection is inspired by the brand’s heritage timepieces, putting a contemporary spin with the selection of watches.

A watch also forges a personal connection with its owner and can have immense sentimental value. For many, it’s a cherished heirloom that’s passed on from generation to generation (similar to a necklace or fine china that may have been given to you by a family member). When you finally find the perfect timepiece, it will hopefully be in your wardrobe—and your life—for years to come.

Click through for our favourite pieces from Bulova’s Regatta collection.

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Regatta Collection

($475, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($475, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($475, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($525, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($525, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($525, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($525, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($525, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($575, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($575, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($695, Bulova)

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Regatta Collection

($795, Bulova)

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Toronto Musician Luna Li On the Power of Femininity and Being Her Own Representation

Luna Li is inspired by nature, and is particularly drawn to the moon. “The moon is so powerful, and it has a feminine energy which resonates with me,” she says. “I think the imagery of the light shining through the dark is also just really beautiful.”  Hannah Bussiere, the Korean-Canadian musician behind Luna Li, says she wanted a stage name she could “step into” to take on an unapologetic, confident presence when performing. Bussiere feels grounded when she’s in the presence of the moon (or “luna” in Italian and Spanish) — her dreamy melodies and self-imposed nickname “moon fairy” come from this source of creativity — and so the name Luna Li was born.

In March 2020, after COVID-19 first hit, Bussiere started posting “jam videos” to her social media — clips of her in her bedroom playing different instruments, which she then cuts and layers to create pop melodies. From these videos, Bussiere cultivated a large online following. And for good reason — the multi-instrumental musician’s entrancing tunes and vibrant fashion looks speak to her individuality as an artist.

The Toronto-born musician chatted with FASHION about coming up in the music scene, her style philosophy and her vision for the “Luna Li project,” which is how Bussiere refers to her musical alter ego.

omnichord jam🦋✨ pic.twitter.com/kCrDCB3Yw3

— Luna Li (@lunaliband) May 4, 2021

Navigating Toronto’s not-so-inclusive indie music scene

Bussiere always wanted to make music. With a classical training background, she plays a myriad of instruments to her songs. From harp to violin to electric guitar — and of course vocals — each of Luna Li’s songs are their own distinct symphony. But before she started as Luna Li, Bussiere hesitated to pursue indie pop because of the lack of representation for Asian women within the genre.

“When I was sort of trying to find my path, it was a little tricky, because I started in the classical world, and I felt that there was a lot of representation [for me] there. I initially started to pursue that side of things because that’s where I saw myself, and not so much in the Toronto indie scene,” she says.

Feeling like she wasn’t yet where she wanted to be, Bussiere decided to leave the classical world and venture into Toronto’s music scene anyway. “Despite not always feeling like I fit in or seeing myself in that scene, I started to just realize that I was going to be the first one there to represent myself and I had a lot of support, which was great,” she says.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELICE TRINIDAD

Luna Li’s approach to style — and rejecting fashion norms

Luna Li’s music is optimistic, and her style reflect this. With lots of patterns, bright colours and crafty accessories, the 24-year-old artist says having a fun wardrobe plays into her overall message of positivity. She notes that her style is fluid and always changing; she likes to have elements that feel magical, while still incorporating a bit of an edge.

And, crucially, she tries not to let restrictive fashion rules impact the way she dresses, building her unique look with pieces that move her, instead of following trends. “I think anything can be cool if it feels authentic,” she says. “So I love to bend the rules and just do what I feel is the most exciting to me at the moment.”

She cites musicians Raveena and Solange as her fashion inspirations. Raveena often mixes texture and colour combos to create surrealistic outfits that match her genre-blurring sound. Solange, known for her singular style, never shies away from artful statement pieces.

While Luna Li’s outfits are intentionally put together, Bussiere’s “off duty” style is more laidback. “In terms of my personal style, I try to shop sustainably,” she says. “I love to go thrifting, and there’s a great community for that in Toronto. There are so many shops and [I try to] also support local businesses.”

Blending the worlds of Luna Li and Hannah Bussiere

Doing performances mainly from her room for the past year has blurred the lines between Bussiere and Luna Li. She says this overlap has manifested itself in her style, because she’s no longer carefully curating looks to step on a stage and perform. It’s also impacted her songs. “I think my music has gotten more personal and more vulnerable,” she reflects. “The blurring of the lines has created a more authentic story.”

Combatting the male gaze through Luna Li

Working with a team of all women produces a magical feeling, Bussiere says. “It’s just something really, really special to me.”

“Like 99 percent of the Luna Li visuals have all been thought of by other women. When I first entered the scene, there wasn’t very many women working and creating, and I just sort of made this pledge to myself to make sure that I work with other women and try to uplift and support other women as I go through my career,” she says. “I also just feel that there is this essence of femininity that is a part of the Luna Li project, that other women are able to get behind and understand and help push the vision to where I want it to go.”

 

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When it comes to things like photoshoots and music videos for Luna Li, Bussiere is focused on combatting the male gaze. “When I first started out, I was worried about being judged and men being condescending about my music, and that kind of thing. And I think that really inhibited me at first, because I was always trying to prove myself, which was exhausting. So recently, I’ve been taking a step back from that, and thinking about how I can present myself the most authentically, and what feels the best to me,” she explains. “When people can be authentic, that is the most important thing. But I can’t be bothered anymore to be worried about being perceived by men.”

Bussiere hopes to be the representation that she didn’t have growing up. “The most meaningful to me would be to have my music resonate with young Asian women who are growing up in North America, because that’s directly my experience — and there’s a lot of obstacles to face,” she says. “I hope that they can see themselves represented in my music and can feel seen or heard.”

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FELICE TRINIDAD

Luna Li’s layered orchestral arrangements paired with her distinct voice radiate a feeling of freedom, and it’s no surprise that her music has resonated with people through such an isolating time. Following her most recent single “Alone But Not Lonely,” the artist will be releasing a full-length project later this year. Until then, keep up with Luna Li on Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok — and maybe even have your timeline blessed by one of her ethereal jam videos. 

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Why the Newest Collection by Sandy Gill Highlights the Climate Migrant Crisis

When stylist and designer Sandy Gill launched her content platform nearly a decade ago, it was with the intention of providing a resource for “people who wanted to find confidence through fashion.” Fast-forward to today, and Gill’s reach — and ethos — has expanded to embrace a broader type of support. And with the introduction of her unisex athleisure label Tuff Banditz last year, Gill is able to satisfy both her love of clothing and desire to educate, empower and provide visibility for others in her community and beyond.

“I’ve learned a lot about what I want to share with the world,” she told FASHION over a video call in mid-May, shortly after Tuff Banditz’s new collection — called Land with Grace — dropped via the AI-driven design company Urbancoolab. “As someone who’s been in the fashion space for almost eight years, it took me a long time to figure out what the story is that I want to tell, and what impact I want to make in this space. It’s become a lot clearer, especially with the pandemic.”

Photography courtesy of Urbancoolab

Gill, who is also an elementary school teacher, says that a number of personal losses, as well as witnessing people around the world lose everything from jobs to loved ones, provoked her to explore the concept of experiencing loss for Tuff Banditz’s second offering. Urbancoolab used its AI tech to graphically translate imagery — from moving boxes and calendars to paper planes — that convey the spirit of the idea on an array of boldly-hued leisurewear pieces. You’ll also find phrases like “Land with Grace,” a statement that carried Gill through tough times and that she’s imparted to others enduring difficult moments.

She also addresses the notion of loss through the amplification of an urgent and global issue: Climate change and the climate migrant crisis. “I want to tell stories through each collection and have these collections create impact for people in communities that are hurting,” she says of why she homed in on highlighting the topic when creating the new pieces. “So many people have been displaced,” Gill says, pointing to those around the world struggling to re-home after fleeing environmental hazards from drought to floods. A report by the World Bank suggests that by 2050, “Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America could see more than 140 million people move within their countries’ borders.”

To enhance her commitment to this urgent matter, Gill is donating proceeds from sales of the new collection to Structure, an organization that provides displaced communities with sustainably-minded housing. And she credits friends working in the climate activism space and the folks at Structure for also enlightening her about environmental issues, personal impact, and how small steps can actually amount to big differences.

Photography courtesy of Urbancoolab

“[This] topic always scared me,” she says about the impact our daily lives have on the environment. “It’s looming over our heads, and could kill us. It’s the scariest thing to think about. And I avoided thinking about it for a long time because there are so many things you think you have to change if you want to make change; it can get very overwhelming.”

There’s so much to be overwhelmed by these days, and Gill says she’s mindful of taking time to process and reflect on current events of the past year in particular, and how to best serve those who need their voices heard. “As my platform grew, I’ve tried to grow with it,” she says, nodding to her activism around the groundswell of the Black Lives Matter movement and the farmer protests in India as two opportunities to shed light on crucial events and their implications the world over.

“I realized that if I don’t use my platform to share these stories, my platform is useless,” she says, adding that the farmer protests directly affected her family, and the censorship framing the events caused her to lose engagement and followers. “If we don’t speak up,” she rightly asks, “who will?”

Gill also positions her projects as a way to illuminate people closer to home who deserve attention, such as the models featured in her new collection’s imagery. “I wanted to pay homage to BIPOC and AAPI Toronto-based creatives,” she says. “Those who’ve tried to make the best out of the worst during the pandemic.” The group includes dancer O’Shani ‘Ocean’ Cardwell and comedian Norm Alconcel.

 

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And let’s not forget Tuff Banditz’s first collection, Working Class Heroes, which was inspired by Gill’s father (who also starred in its campaign). The pieces boasted renderings of Punjabi fabrics and graphics like cab signs in a tender tribute to her taxi-driving dad.

With all these uplifting ideas constantly brewing within Gill, one has to wonder how she manages it all in the face of enduring stress and struggle. “I’m still learning that I have to take care of my mental health,” she says. “Being with kids every day reminds me of it. I need to be in a head space where I can be with them, and not allow negativity to affect my students.”

She says that she’s dug deeper into “healthier self-care” methods from journaling — “That took a long time to be comfortable with but I carry a journal with me everywhere now,” she notes — to “grounding practices” such as prayer and meditation. And she’s found great appreciation for therapy sessions. “I especially tell this to people in the South Asian community who are afraid to do it — once you find someone you’re comfortable speaking with, [they offer] outside perspective and they have the knowledge and education to help you.”

Now equipped with such ways to navigate through what life reveals to her on personal, professional and communal levels, Gill speaks of the future with enthusiasm — particularly when it comes to mentioning that she’s hoping to launch a collection based around the “Sandy Suit,” a look made in collaboration with Brampton, Ont.’s Sahiba Fashions that was worn by Utkarsh Ambudkar to the 2020 Oscars, taking it from a now custom-made model to ready-to-wear. “I’m excited to keep going,” she says. But we can rest assured she won’t forget where she came from.

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Nike’s Naomi Osaka Collaboration Marries Swarovski With Sport

In the athletic shoe world, Swarovski crystals rarely have a purpose. But Nike’s latest collaboration with Japanese-Haitian tennis star Naomi Osaka proves that sport can serve up some glam moments, too. The NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka sneaker is now available globally at nike.com — and it’s embellished with Swarovski Crystals.

The shoe, designed by Nike and Osaka herself, is a statement on and off the court. “I like mixing design details in ways that I haven’t seen before,” said the four-time Grand Slam singles champion in a press release. “Swarovski crystals on a tie-dye material is an unexpected take on luxury that anyone can wear.”

The luxury in question sees the famed Nike swoosh — designed in the early ’70s by Carolyn Davidson — adorned with a colossal amount of the aforementioned Swarovski Crystal Fine Rocks. We’re talking thousands of double-pointed “chatons” arranged in the shape of the check. And why stop there? Osaka’s namesake logo is similarly enhanced with the stones on the back of the heels, while the very end of each shoelace aglet is trimmed with amethyst crystal. It’s discernibly glam.

Waves of a purple and blue tie-dye motif exude over the reinforced toe box — a feature that is implemented to brace the shoe through the rigours of sport — and the shoe’s responsiveness makes it a practical option for any level of sport. This blend of athletics and aesthetics is a testimony to Swarovski’s place as a crystal lifestyle brand.

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NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka

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NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka

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NikeCourt Air Zoom GP Turbo Naomi Osaka

Osaka is no doubt one of the coolest moguls in tennis and a blazing force in fashion — she’s been tapped as a Louis Vuitton ambassador, was named a co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, graced the January 2021 cover of Vogue and launched a swimsuit collection with Frankies Bikinis at the beginning of May. And because she’s received a great deal of criticism from sports officials for choosing not to participate in press at this year’s Roland-Garros tennis tournament— as a means to protect her mental health — Osaka’s influence and prowess makes this shoe that much more important.

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The Latest Member of the Glow Recipe Watermelon Family + More Beauty News

Local brand butter.Silk is available at Hudson’s Bay

 

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Earlier this year, Toronto-based hairstylist and salon owner Ceilidh Costello launched butter.Silk, a line of silk beauty essentials like pillowcases, scrunchies and face masks. (A wet brush will be added to the brand’s list of product offerings on June 1.) The full assortment of products, which come in chic, classic shades like pink, white, black and grey, will be available at Hudson’s Bay in the coming weeks, but for now, the brand’s best-selling pillowcases are available to shop at the Canadian retailer.

The latest addition to Glow Recipe’s watermelon lineup is here

 

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Ready for the latest addition to the Glow Recipe watermelon skincare family? Meet Watermelon Glow Hyaluronic Clay Pore-Tight Facial, launching May 29 on sephora.ca. The first-ever whipped hyaluronic-infused clay facial product is a truly gentle exfoliator that’s formulated with PHA and BHA, as well as watermelon enzymes (of course) that leaves skin feeling comfortably clean, but still hydrated.

Lawless Beauty just launched a mega-volumizing clean mascara

 

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In the market for a new mascara? May we suggest giving Lawless Beauty’s The One & Done Mascara a whirl? The clean, volumizing lash-booster is formulated with lightweight lacquer tree and rice bran waxes (rather than beeswax) to keep eyelashes lifted, plus castor and Argan oils to promote lash length.

Fresh Beauty’s best-selling moisturizer got a major upgrade

 

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Fresh Beauty‘s best-selling Rose Moisturizer has gotten a makeover. Introducing the new Rose Deep Hydration Face Cream, which has been reformulated to deliver deep hydration for three times longer than before, with a lighter texture and the addition of a new ingredient: skin barrier-strengthening damask rose extract.

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The Nicole Richie Creator Collab for Etsy Has Canadian Connections + More Fashion News To Know

Happily, this week’s fashion news is bursting with #shoplocal love. House of Harlow 1960, the label founded by Nicole Richie, partnered with Etsy on a collection that features two Toronto-based brands. Plus, Fashion Art Toronto is back — as is the design collaboration between Sasha Exeter and Ela Aldorsson. Read on to find out more…

Toronto jewellery brand Omi Woods is part of Nicole Richie’s exclusive House of Harlow 1960 Etsy Edit

Photographed by Ren Fuller

A limited-edition collection of home décor and accessories co-created by Nicole Richie in collaboration with Etsy sellers hit the web this week; included in the mix are two Toronto-based brands – jewellery line Omi Woods, helmed by Ashley Alexis McFarlane, and Kyung-Soon Chun’s body care and décor label Sooworks. They and the other entrepreneurs involved in the edit designed the items with Richie in order to infuse them with her preferred Cali-chic sensibility.

“I’m thrilled to finally be putting the ‘House’ in ‘House of Harlow 1960′ in such a meaningful way through this dream interiors collection,” Richie said in a statement about the goods. “My home has always been an extension of my personal style and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a talented, diverse group of artisans on the Etsy platform — several of whom are from my home state of California.” Indeed, west coast whimsy pervades the assortment on offer, from the breezy caftans and headscarves by DandEDiscovered to Zziee Ceramics’ artful pieces, which are hand-made in Joshua Tree.

A fundraiser for U For Change includes some big names in the local fashion and beauty landscape

 

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Toronto-based non-profit organization U for Change has introduced a new philanthropy incentive with a fashionable twist this year. Aiming to raise awareness and funds for the org — which offers a range of creative programming for underprivileged youth — the virtual event, called Fashion Runs Deep, features an inspirational panelist roster that’s part of a chat moderated by TikTok’s Victoria Di Placido. Participants include Cheekbone Beauty founder Jennifer Harper; Abiola Akinsiku of Precious Threads by Abiola; image-maker Justin Wu; and By The Namesake designer Rosa Halpern. Also speaking at the virtual event is Isabella Baboury, director of Canada for Christian Louboutin. Talk about helping the next generation put their best foot forward.

Canadian designer Andrew Coimbra is one of 10 finalists in SwatchOn’s Future of Fabric competition

Imagery courtesy of SwatchOn

Seoul-based fabric sourcing platform SwatchOn launched an initiative last year to support emerging global fashion talent called Future of Fabric. COVID-19 forced the company to change direction with the contest, of course, and it was recently announced that Montreal-based designer Andrew Coimbra ­is included in the final ten names to be awarded a cash prize and have their competing looks unveiled as part of an influencer campaign. Coimbra’s outfit — which boasts an original print splashed on several separates, topped off with an on-trend bucket hat — is seen on Anthony Deluca, a creative director and media mogul from Toronto. You can find out more about Coimbra’s design practice and process, as well as that of the other competitors, here.

Frank and Oak has introduced women’s swimwear

Photography courtesy of Frank and Oak

Tis the season for poolside lounging and beach trips, and Montreal’s Frank And Oak has a new range of women’s swimwear to suit such occasions. Each of the six styles — three reversible one-pieces, two reversible tops and one reversible bottom — is made from post-industrial and post-consumer waste recycled nylon. Colours vary from neutrals to bright pops, so you can make a statement or keep it subtle.

Fashion Art Toronto returns from June 2 to 17

 

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FAT has found its virtual stride and is back with more livestreamed fashion events next month. Starting Wednesday, June 2, check out the work of over 30 Canadian designers and artists who will showcase their creativity in a variety of Toronto’s most novel venues from the Scarborough Bluffs and Ontario Place to Union Station. Brands set to be featured include L’Uomo Strano, Kyle Gervacy, Yung Alexander and Shaghayegh Tafreshi, whose collection presentation will take place at Ripley’s Aquarium. Prepare to take in natural, architectural and fashionable sights via FAT’s Instagram Live or post-presentation on its YouTube channel.

The 2.0 handbag collection collaboration between Sasha Exeter and Ela Aldorsson is here

Photography by David Pike

You asked, they answered. After witnessing the popularity of their first round of limited-run pieces last year, content creator Sasha Exeter and accessory design Ela Aldorsson have released a new batch of bags to address every need. From an outsized tote with a removable laptop sleeve to a convertible saddle style, plus the belt bag from the first line that sold out within minutes, each item is made with vegan materials and 100 percent recycled plastic bottle lining. (Bonus: the packaging is biodegradable.) And you’ve got to give the duo bonus points for tapping Kitchener, Ont.-based artist Trisha Abe to create the collection’s dust bags.

CDLP expands its Mobilité performance line to include activewear

Photography courtesy of CDLP

A year since launching its Mobilité range of underwear, which boasts “enhanced” design features for wear during sports activities, Swedish brand CDLP has added a line of elevated activewear into the fold. Comprised of a selection of shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts and hoodies made from terry or jersey (both fabrications are composed of a recycled organic cotton blend), they walk the line between lounge and luxe, with a hint of nostalgia for good measure.

Looking for more fashion news?

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Family Matters: Meet the Co-founders Behind Accessory Brand ai Toronto Seoul

For Hannah Kim, Joanna Lee and Rebekah Ma, staying connected during COVID-19 wasn’t just crucial for typical familial reasons like catching up and sending good vibes. The three siblings also helm ai Toronto Seoul, a sustainably-minded vegan handbag and accessory brand that’s based in Toronto and produces its wares on a small scale in Seoul, South Korea. Kim and Lee are located in Canada, while Ma has lived in Seoul for the last two years and lends a hands-on approach to how their products are made.

The trio collaborates on the brand’s designs with their mother, Hun Young Lee, who in addition to being an award-winning fine artist, helped her daughters to develop their passion for fashion. “Our mom, who was an immigrant in Toronto in the 1970s when she was in her early twenties, felt fashion was something she could connect with when she came to Canada because it’s a universal language,” says Kim. “Growing up, we always had the latest Vogue and InStyle and Chatelaine on our coffee table. And watching Fashion Television every Sunday night was our ritual.”

It’s through another family connection that the sisters came to learn about sustainable and conscious manufacturing, as their aunt owns a facility in South Korea that makes vegan leather bags. The country, Lee notes, was a pioneer in terms of developing and producing such materials. “We grew up wearing our aunt’s bags,” says Kim when reflecting on how their awareness of mindful design developed. “It’s something that’s been part of our lives without really thinking of it.”

Photography courtesy of ai Toronto Seoul.

Of course, growing up in Canada, the three honed an understanding of taking care of the environment in various ways. “We were always educated about respecting the earth in school, like recycling,” recalls Lee, adding that these elements all contributed to how they formed a model for ai Toronto Seoul’s own production. Its bags and other accessories — including hair clips and sunglasses for kids — are made in limited quantities; if a style doesn’t sell, they don’t make it again. “Going that route was very natural for us,” Lee continues. “Our philosophy is that sustainability is based on a collection of choices — the little decisions that you make [contribute to] how we’re affecting the planet.”

The three also came to an appreciation for such decision-making when Kim was diagnosed with a tumour several years ago; her chemotherapy treatment lead the family to reconsider how they ate, turning them to a more plant-based diet. “It shifted our thinking in terms of health,” Lee notes.

The diagnoses proved pivotal in the career direction the sisters would take, too. “We were at a point in our lives when we were all in the education field,” says Kim. “When I was diagnosed with the tumour, I had to stop working. It was a wake-up call for our family, and my mom felt like we needed to do something together. We had always wanted to, [but] that felt like it was the right moment. I was doing chemo, and she wanted to get my mind off it.”

Photography courtesy of ai Toronto Seoul

Beginning by importing their aunt’s bags to Canada and then “ghost labelling” for a Toronto-based designer for two years, their confidence grew with the success of each project and eventually, they branched out into creating a brand of their own. The effort is a team one — “Everyone has to be on board with a decision,” Ma says — with the matriarch Hun Young acting as head designer.

“She has a good visionary sense,” Lee says of what inspires ai Toronto Seoul’s pieces. “We never put out a product unless we absolutely love it.” In addition to their mother’s forward-thinking sense of style, Ma says that being based in South Korea has given her insight into the fast-pace of trend adoption there. “The fashion here is beyond compare,” she says. “Living my whole life in Canada, there was a bit of a culture shock — but the fashion is so fun.”

One can sense the admiration for this unique attitude towards dressing in ai Toronto Seoul’s offerings, like the Esse bag style, which was launched last year to address the desire to have a hands-free bag that carries only the essentials. The cross-body comes in a variety of colourways from tonal to two-way blue and yellow, for those a little more adventurous in their accessory choices.

Photography courtesy of ai Toronto Seoul

When the brand launched reusable masks close to the start of the pandemic — Ma saw the great need for them in South Korea and urged her sisters that it was an item worthy of creating for their customer base — they not only fashioned them in eye-catching colours. They chose to craft them out of fabric made with an antibacterial yarn called Aerosilver, which has been granted an Eco-Mark award from the Japan Environmental Association. The sisters, who have family who are healthcare workers, incorporated a donation component into sales as well.

“It was a no-brainer for us,” Kim says about giving one mask to a frontline worker for every mask sold. The introduction of the masks also inspired the sisters to offer chains made of recycled acrylic; speaking to the notion of sustainability through versatility, an additional hook included in several styles means you can also affix your eyewear or AirPods for close-keeping.

Multi-purpose functionality was also a key component in another product launch for ai Toronto Seoul during the pandemic — a convertible bag and dog leash set that was created in collaboration with television personality Tanya Kim. “When we were young, there weren’t really many Asian, let alone Korean, women on television that we could relate to,” recalls Hannah Kim. “Tanya was the only person we could relate to. We’ve always looked up to her, and she’s always been a strong supporter of our business. There’s a mutual respect.”

That concept is equally important to the brand’s founders when it comes to the treatment of the makers who craft ai Toronto Seoul’s pieces. And they do what they can to tout the technique of the team, and the conditions under which they work. Highlighting the protections mandated by South Korean government to ensure equitable and safe environments for workers, Kim says that now more than ever, these points are of keen interest to consumers. “We try to tell this story to our customers [because] we know how important that is.”

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A Sensory Guide to Wellness

Life in lockdown means our worlds are confined to a mere few rooms—that can make it difficult to set boundaries between our professional and personal lives. Where we stress about deadlines is the same place where we eat, sleep and lounge. Once the emails and notifications sneak into our personal time, that’s the start of a slippery, unhealthy slope. 

“It means we are always on high alert. We call that chronic or toxic stress,” says Natalie Brunswick, a Toronto-based occupational therapist, adding that we are not meant to be in this state, which is known as “hyperarousal.” It’s the sweaty, racing thoughts, increased heart rate feeling that many of us experience all the time. How do we conquer that? Start with calming your senses using these tips: 

Schedule soul-nourishing time

Whether you enjoy morning meditation, burning scented candles, running by the river or turning off your tech to read in bed—schedule it into your day. “When you make yourself a priority, you’re supporting your immune system, your desires and your health and wellness,” says Julie Cass, founder of The Positive Change Group. Make it non-negotiable. 

Recognize the power of breathwork

“There’s so much overactivity in our minds which induces fear and stress,” says Cass. Breathwork is one of the best antidotes. It seems almost too simple but both Cass and Brunswick stress the importance of slowing down your breath. Your exhale actually signals to your nervous system that it’s okay to calm down, relax and hit pause on racing thoughts. So when your yoga teacher or meditation guide says breathe in for four seconds and out for eight, there’s science behind that.  

Crank those peaceful tunes

Who doesn’t have a favourite Spotify playlist for a chill, lazy Sunday? Play it in the background as a way to keep stress and anxiety at bay. “Sound is hardwired to be soothing,” says Brunswick. That’s why, as she explains, a baby or young child will calm down while hearing a lullaby regardless of what language it’s in. 

Sprinkle small self-care rituals throughout your day

Learning to calm your senses in this cluttered, noisy world doesn’t have to be a massive undertaking. Finding mini pockets of peace throughout the day can look like drinking a glass of lemon water before your morning coffee, keeping your favourite hand lotion on your desk or leaving the phone in another room for an hour. “It’s simple but such a game-changer,” says Cass. “It’s the little changes that give us energy throughout the day.” 

Remember that taking a minute to pause is a decision. Try stopping for a snack or your favourite beverage without interruptions during your workday. One refreshing option is Quatreau’s cannabis-infused sparkling waters which are available in a variety of fresh fruity flavours including Ginger and Lime, Cucumber and Mint, Passionfruit and Guava, and Blueberry and Acçai. A simple way to reset before your next task. This unique beverage brand is available in Canada from Canopy Growth.

 

Load up on essentials oils

Our sense of smell is more powerful than we think—certain scents have the power of instantly triggering memories and emotions at lightning speed. “Smell is actually the quickest [sense] to get processed by our brain,  so we notice its effects the fastest,” says Brunswick. How, you ask? When you breathe in a scent, smell receptors in your nose analyze the smell and then send messages through the nervous system to your limbic system (the part of your brain that controls your mood and emotions). This messaging system is why scientists believe aromatherapy through essential oils is capable of soothing stress and anxiety. When shopping for essential oils, Cass suggests stocking up on lavender for calming effects, citrus oils to uplift, and sage or balsam fir to ground. Be sure to consult your doctor or trained aromatherapist for insight on proper use. 

Get outside

Spending some time outdoors, whether it’s a walk, run or enjoying a view, is a great way to calm overstimulated senses. According to a study conducted by the University of Minnesota, it’s been proven to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote an overall positive and tranquil mood. “Being in nature is very healing because it’s multi-sensory,” says Brunswick, meaning that all our senses are engaged when we spend time outdoors. Through the whistling wind or chirping birds, or the smell of fresh-cut grass or blooming flowers, it’s a therapeutic experience. Plus, Cass adds that “you never go for a walk in nature and wish you didn’t.” So if you need a quick boost, this is the one.  

Engage your deep touch sense

Any kind of deep touch (think a hug, cuddling or massage) releases oxytocin, known as the “bonding hormone.” That, in turn, decreases your stress hormone cortisol. To engage this sense, hug your arms close to your chest or place your hand over your heart and press down. This is also your cue to jump into the weighted blanket craze!  

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This communication is intended for adults only and should not be shared with minors. There are risks associated with cannabis use. For information, search online “Health Canada – cannabis health effects. 

*This product contains minimal amounts of THC.

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