It’s impossible to celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ Community in just thirty days. Pride Month began in June and has evolved into Pride Season with events taking place all over the country. We recommend shopping at queer-owned boutiques and brands if you want to show your support. Here are some of our favorite companies to check out, from vintage treasures to parade essentials.
Clubwear made from high-quality materials
Bianca Daniela Nachtman designed Toronto’s gender-fluid clothing brand, Gorm. It is loved by drag performers, artists, and club kids. Gorm is both provocative yet refined, with its mini-dresses made from pillows and a selection of fringed cowboy caps that Orville Peck would love. Gorm has the perfect outfit for you if you want to channel your inner dance queen.
Unique wares
Andrew Chipman is the owner of Chip’s Vintage. He was a fashion blogger before he opened this Winnipeg boutique. It stocks vintage clothing for all ages and is curated with an eye on streetwear trends. Chipman regularly releases branded merchandise that includes upcycled and embroided workwear, as well as the Chip’s Cowboy Tee 2.0 which features a pair cowboys who embrace a la Brokeback Mountain. Two slender stockmen, framed by a heart made of rancher’s rope, is what says Prairie Pride more than two handsome stockmen.
Game-changers
Peau de Loup in Vancouver was a pioneer when it began selling gender-neutral clothing in 2012. Adelle Renaud, Erin McLeod, and their founders created a unique fit system that favors body size and shape over gender ten years ago. Although the boutique is open to everyone, it has become a favorite of lesbians, trans men, and non-binary people. This approach has also made it a popular choice for men who have needs that are not often addressed by mainstream retailers and menswear brands. It’s like a borrowed look from the boys, but with no notions of patriarchal dressing.
Genderless
Andrew Coimbra began his career in menswear. But the Toronto-based designer now helps male shoppers to step out of their comfort zones with bold designs that celebrate both masculinity AND femininity. He has decided to discontinue menswear entirely and split his designs into womenswear or genderless collections. Coimbra’s Spring 2022 collection will include Pride-ready turtlenecks with terrazzo prints.
Style originator
Evan Ducharme, a designer, aims to combine Metis iconography and contemporary made-to order garments. These garments are made in St. Ambroise (Man.), in Treaty 1. Their fiercely political talent draws from their ancestral ties with the Metis, Cree and Ojibwe peoples to create clothing that celebrates contemporary Indigeneity, honors the environment, and reclaims Indigenous sexualities. Although their range of accessories includes ready-to-wear, eveningwear and accessories, Ducharme’s custom bridal designs make it worthy for a Pride gala.
Cottagecore queers
Ureshii, a Prince Edward Island queer couple, designed these pieces. They are easy to care for and comfortable. The label can be customized to fit you, whether you’re enjoying the summer sun at a backyard Pride barbecue or binging Queer Eye on a couch. You even have the option of choosing the fabric. Ureshii offers a free sewing pattern for a Binder (a compression undergarment that flattens and binds the chest) which you can download from its website.
All that glitters
Mayer’s elegant looks will make you sparkle like a disco ball, whether you’re at a Pride party or out making a fashion statement at a drag brunch. Ross Mathews, an American television personality and host, collaborated with the Toronto-based non-binary fashion company to create a collection of sequined confections. Ross Mayer, who also designs womenswear, designed the collections. All proceeds will be donated to Rainbow Railroad, which helps queer refugees worldwide.
