I was introduced to Jennifer Fukushima’s line of knitwear through Fresh Collective, a group of three boutiques in Toronto that specializes in independent Canadian designers and is staffed by some of the most genuinely friendly, down-to-earth and helpful people I’ve come across lately in retail sales.
Not only does Fresh Collective feature the work of local designers, they also have programs and processes set up to actively engage designers to become true partners in the business, offering them regular opportunities for coaching, customer feedback, marketing and event collaboration. These programs are quite different from the traditional wholesale-to-retail business model that many designers contend with as the norm.
Fresh Collective openly operates on an “everyone wins” philosophy, growing their business by investing time and energy into all the people they work with – designers, staff and customers – so that everyone can come away feeling delighted.
They also have an active Facebook page, which is where I first came across Jennifer Fukushima’s original knitwear creations. She combines various pieces of natural fibre materials, such as hemp, linen, organic cotton, Tencel, regenerated wool, recycled cotton and reclaimed vintage to construct unique “wearable mosaics” that are modern and playful, yet professional enough to wear into the office. All of her pieces are manufactured in Canada.
If you’re looking for signature pieces that support local design, domestic manufacturing, sustainable production methods and thoughtful supply chain, here are some great ones to consider.
(All photos courtesy Jennifer Fukushima; Photo Credit: Carmen Cheung).
QUARTZ (Left, in Burgundy Grain) recycled wool blend sweater vest with lapels and accent details made from hemp, recycled polyester blend suiting.
$229.00 CAD
SYLVATICA (Left, in Grey Leaf) gauntlet inspired arm warmers made of comfortable cotton / polyester sweater knit fabric manufactured in Canada.
$45.00 CAD
VELUTINA (RIght, in Purple Leaf) stylized pullover sweater made of a cotton/polyester mix and structured with a fitted bodice, flattering princess lines, semi-sheer cowl neckline and ¾ length sleeves.
$169.00 CAD
CORDIFOLIA (Left, in Burgundy Grain) fitted v-neck cardigan with stylized pockets made from an Italian recycled wool blend material and finished with coconut shell buttons.
$269.00 CAD
CANADENSIS (Right, in Purple/Herringbone) fleece lined mitts with ornamental wrist strap and vintage buttons.
$75.00 CAD