Locally Sourced: 4 grassroots brands that will heat up your style this winter, all made by local designers

Toronto is a booming city filled with creativity and talent. As fashion continues to be a means of expression and a channel for creativity, many shoppers may start to lean towards more unique and custom pieces, and what better place to shop than locally?

 Target practice

Started originally as a hobby, the creator of Target Practice (@Targetpracticeto) began by using jeans from the thrift store, deconstructing them, and then creating unique one of one designs. This brand takes influence from designers such as Rei Kawakubo, Takahrio Miyashita and Maison Margiela. This designer aims to fuse runway couture with streetwear in order to allow people to truly express themselves and stand out, while keeping it subtle enough for everyday wear. Target Practice, focuses on denim and cargo style jeans but has plans to expand. Each piece is handmade from original patterns and with such distinctive silhouettes, any Target Practice piece will surely have heads turning wherever you choose to wear them. 

SrrySora

SrrySora (@SrrySora) is a designer from Waterloo whose pieces showcase a tactical postmodern take on streetwear. Similar to Target Practice, Sora began his designing endeavours by making customized jeans made from deconstructed garments from the thrift store. With subtle yet complex designs, Sora’s garments have no limitation when it comes to its wearer. Sora focuses on primarily pants but is moving onto outerwear as well as womenswear. Quickly scaling as a brand, Sora has managed to take his designs to the next level, with great improvements seen with every new release, this is a designer you do not want to overlook!

Prescribed Shelter

Prescribed Shelter (@PrescribedShelter) is a Toronto based brand that strives to create retro-futuristic designs to push the boundaries of streetwear. This brand is filled with bright colours and eye-catching graphics that come from collaborations with other local artists. Prescribed Shelter specializes in made to order garments that range from jeans, winter jackets and even customized shoes! Founded by @LonelyLabs on Instagram, Prescribed Shelter is a product of years of hard work and fine tuning in order to deliver the cleanest and most professional handmade garments at a reasonable price point. Prescribed Shelter is also one of the only grassroots brands that has its own official brick and mortar storefront, located at 104 Scollard st, Toronto, stop by and pick up the perfect holiday gift.

Going Ghost In The Suburbs

Going Ghost In The Suburbs (@Ggits) is a more elevated streetwear brand based in toronto. Their designs are very simplistic yet carry an abstract essence that you are unable to get from any other brand. They specialize in merch style garments, such as hoodies, shirts, hats, socks etc. Going Ghost In The Suburbs has amassed its own cult following in toronto, with certain pieces reselling at a higher price than retail due to its limited stock. With connections to Toronto rapper Killy (@killy) and its unique identity, this brand is certainly on the edge of booming in popularity so get yours while you still can!