AnnKM, Toronto, ON (2026)

04/29/2025

Who didn’t love hearing stories growing up, full of fantasy and alluring characters? Designer Kimberly Gordon, who lived in the UK and then Santa Barbara, fell in love with folklore. Like many adults, much of what she does today is influenced by her greatest childhood memories. Her fashion brand, Selkie, is very much a product of those memories of getting lost in stories full of fanciful, nostalgic and extra romantic folklore.

The name Selkie comes from Irish, Scottish, Icelandic and Scandinavian folklore. The Selkie is a shapeshifting mythological woman of the ocean who lives inside a seal skin. When she comes up to the rocks, she slips out of her skin to bask in the sun. If a man is able to steal her skin while she sleeps, she is forced to become his wife and live on land. But — if the Selkie finds her skin again, she transforms back into her true form and immediately returns to the sea, free. Gordon hopes women who wear her garments find themselves or feel true to who they are.

While we still live in a society that caters a bit more towards fashion trends for thinner or petite women, there has slowly been a shift as we see brands take on these stereotypes in runway shows. The response to such shows has been influencing what sizes are sold in stores. The brand Selkie made waves when their New York Fashion Week shows were more size-inclusive than most, which resulted in the shows going viral and the ability to expand their size offerings.

Selkie’s items are ready-to-wear, offering party dresses and lounge wear from XXS to 6x, meaning 13 sizes are offered. This is a rarity for most growing brands due to the high production cost to create, market and sell inventory in all sizes.

The brand defines itself as low-waste, as they create small batch drops of high-quality items, with some garments having only 15-20 ever made! While Selkie is not 100% sustainable due to the use of polyester, they are consciously committed to finding environmental ways to evolve. All of Selkie's prints are created in-house, and all fabrics are carefully and ethically sourced from different regions of China.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/kgsx75lsifsg2nr1cgulovb8y8me3x

📸: Selkie Website
✏️: Hillary LeBlanc

04/24/2025

Fashion is a constant evolution of style and trends, which makes it very difficult to be earth-friendly, considering most people refresh their wardrobes seasonally. The cost of keeping up with refreshing one's wardrobe has also had an impact, especially with trade wars coming into effect, consumers are looking for ways to save a buck or two while also satisfying that need for change in what they wear.

Shoppers are inundated with eco-friendly sections of stores, being urged to thrift, find vintage pieces, or to shop consignment. All of this treasure hunting can be exhausting. Though there are several to choose from, The NOBO by Noelle Bonner is offering a unique experience for shoppers.

The NOBO was founded by Bonner, who is a Communications expert as a means to offer more value to those shopping pre-loved fashion. Bonner tells us what she anticipates being the key to The Nobo's success is their 'swap' feature. This means you can list an item to sell or swap from the comfort of your home - or shall we say, from the comfort of your closet.

Bonner tells us that listing to swap is the unique element that no other platform has. “It allows you to create more value.” Shoppers list an item, take photos at home and then are able to schedule a virtual review of the item. Once the item is approved for The NOBO, a shipping label is created to have the item sent to The NOBO HQ. The item then gets sent to The NOBO for in-person authentication, which then allows the NOBO team to give the swapper ‘NOBO cash’.”We immediately give you cash credit value in your account that you can use to shop other swap products on the platform."

Some items currently available to swap are a Hermes Belt, Valentino Rockstud Flats, a Brandon Maxwell runway dress, Tom Ford magenta heels and a Bvlgari watch. To browse items on The NOBO, you must have created an account, which sets up a profile like social media. The setup process encourages you to share a photo, top brands you are looking for, and add your sizes for easier browsing. Once set up, you can browse the swap, shop or sale sections in both men’s and women’s clothing. Michelle Lyte, a member of The NOBO community, swapped a Hermes belt for Channel earrings. She shared, “Listing and swapping my pre-loved items was super easy and smooth—such a great experience!”

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/mbzp8mrgbubc7y6as830wbqtbyn5sj

📸: George Pimentel / The NOBO
✏️: Hillary LeBlanc

04/22/2025

The fashion and manufacturing industries have long been lagging in significant actions towards sustainability. However, the European Union (EU) is taking a big step forward with the launch of the Digital Product Passport (DPP) to promote transparency and circular fashion.

Gracia, a Dutch jeanswear brand, is changing the way people view sustainability by being accountable. The company has launched the Digital Product Passport (DPP) in a mission to create sustainable fashion and implement the idea of openness to its customers.

DPP, like its travel-friendly namesake, will have comprehensive data on a product's end-to-end lifecycle, material sourcing, and extraction. Instead of an actual passport booklet, it will accompany all products as a QR code, NFC chip, or RFID tag.

According to the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan (CEAP), the global consumption of fossil fuels is expected to double over the next 40 years. We anticipate a 70% increase in waste production annually by 2050. The current take-make-dispose strategy by manufacturers will only worsen this situation, as single-use products are difficult to repair, reuse, or recycle.

DPPs are anticipated to make it easier for consumers to access sustainability data by scanning the QR code and having the product information at their fingertips. DPPs will also play a crucial role in increasing the recyclability across the value chain, and people will have access to carbon footprints, sourcing, and manufacturing before buying a product. It will enhance innovations in the fashion business and new social compliance strategies to promote a circular economy.

Garcia's digital product passport is all set to make an appearance in its spring/summer 2025 collection. The incorporation of QR codes in Gracia’s every item care label will offer the clarification that consumers crave and the accountability the industry needs. With every scan, customers will have access to how the item was created, what materials were used, its origin, the manufacturing process and the hands that helped create it.

Not only does the launch of DPP in Gracia's products make it a fashion-forward move, but it also keeps the company ahead of the curve. Presenting its customers a digital window with all the information, Gracia is building trust and helping customers make informed choices where fashion is not just worn but also understood.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/garcia-makes-fashion-history-using-a-digital-id-for-every-garment

📸: Garcia’s Website
✏️: Prachi Khatri

04/17/2025

Say goodbye to forever chemicals in your wardrobe—at least if France has anything to say about it. In a groundbreaking move, the country has announced a ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in textiles, a decision that is about to shake up the global fashion industry.

These invisible chemicals—often used to make jackets waterproof, gym leggings sweat-resistant, and even baby clothes stain-repellent—are about to be banned from textiles. The ban on toxic PFAS is a defining moment in the fashion industry as concerns over health and environmental safety increase.

PFAS, often called "forever chemicals," are a large group of synthetic chemicals that don’t break easily and persist in the environment. Manufacturers have been using PFAS in clothing, shoes, and accessories since the 1940s due to their water and stain-resistant properties. It may sound like they are quite useful and doing all the dirty work of resisting oil, grease, water, and heat in clothes, but they do not go away easily or break down and hence damage the environment.

Your perfectly matching athleisure set, sports bra, athletic wear or that adorable raincoat in your kids' closet could be hiding a dark secret—they could be exposed to toxic PFAS. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) have carbon-fluoride bonds that do not break down naturally and can stick in water, soil, etc. Yes, the stain-proof shirts, bedsheets, and tablecloths are nice, but they come with a price tag that’s too costly for our planet.

France is officially saying “no” to non-essential uses of PFAS in clothing and other consumer goods, with a phased ban starting in 2026. The full rollout is expected by 2030, giving brands some time to clean up their act, quite literally.

Read more here:
https://www.annkm.com/publications/uuk8szdbkdokc6krkikiqb6ypekxcu

📸: Aron Fjell
✏️: Prachi Khatri

03/06/2025

People choose vegan fashion for many of the same reasons they adopt a vegan diet—ethical concerns, environmental impact, and a commitment to conscious consumerism. Vegan fashion is about more than just avoiding animal products—it’s a shift toward a more ethical, sustainable, and innovative fashion industry.

Vegan footwear in particular refers to shoes made without any animal-derived materials, such as leather, suede, wool, silk, or glues that contain animal byproducts. Instead, these shoes are crafted from synthetic or plant-based alternatives, including recycled plastics, bio-based leather made from mushrooms, apple or pineapple fibers, organic cotton, and natural rubber.

The global vegan footwear market is estimated to be valued at $34.45B USD in 2025 and is expected to reach $58.31B by 2032. Current growth trends are being driven by rising ethical concerns and health awareness among consumers as more people choose to avoid animal products in their clothing.

Vegan shoes are made without leather, wool, suede, or silk, and are instead made from materials like corn, bamboo, or recycled plastics. However, It takes a lot of research and development for innovative designs to incorporate such an approach to be fashionable.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/how-holster-fashion-is-inspiring-people-to-take-positive-steps-for-the-planet

📸: Holster Fashion
✏️: Zibah Olabode

03/04/2025

When we think of an athletic wear brand, our minds often associate them with health and fitness—performance-driven designs that support movement, endurance, and comfort. However, true innovation in this space goes far beyond the gym. Leading brands invest heavily in research and development to push the boundaries of material science and sustainable manufacturing. Why? Because they have a responsibility to ensure that their products are not only high-performing but also mindful of both people and the planet.

From bio-based fabrics and recycled fibres to water-saving dyeing techniques and ethical production methods, these advancements reflect a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while enhancing the well-being of those who make and wear their products In this way, athletic wear is evolving into something greater than just sportswear—it’s a fusion of performance, responsibility, and forward-thinking design.

The demand for sustainable products is higher than ever, thanks to the eco-trend people see on social media and the awareness amongst consumers. Pollution, carbon emissions, water wastage, and overall usage of resources are on the rise in the fashion industry. With landfills filling up spaces, it is time for us to reevaluate our choices and find ways to sustainability.

Going back to fundamentals and rethinking materials and production methods is what the brands need to stay ahead of the curve. Puma’s partnership with Spinnova does just that. Iconic sports brand Puma announced they will be using Spinnova’s fibre for future products, mainly their ‘sports style’ category.

Puma, known for its high-performance sportswear, partners with the majority of sports leagues around the globe.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/beyond-fitness-how-puma-amp-spinnova-are-innovating-for-people-amp-planet

📸: Puma Website
✏️:

02/27/2025

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among cisgender American men and the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in cisgender men. These startling facts led designer Frederick Anderson to help increase awareness.

Anderson launched The Blue Jacket Fashion Show, which is now in it’s 9th year and continues to elevate prostate cancer awareness. Celebrities hit the runway at the annual event donning pieces by various illustrious designers. The show benefits ZERO Prostate Cancer, USA’s leading advocacy, awareness, and support foundation. ZERO serves as the voice of the prostate cancer community, and funds raised will provide lifesaving early detection and treatment resources to reduce mortality.

The Blue Jacket Fashion Show is supported by Fashion Group International, a non-profit organisation aiming to promote educational programs devoted to fashion. Fashion Group International streamed the fashion show on their website and had viewing parties across the USA. Additionally, community members, event participants, and guests were invited to get screened for prostate cancer with a quick and easy prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test provided by Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

When Anderson founded The Blue Jacket Fashion Show 9 years ago, he wanted men to be able to speak about health as freely as women did, but it’s also personal. “Not only am I in the high-risk category, I also have had many friends that have been diagnosed or are in treatment for prostate cancer, so this is the least I can do.”

Further to having Fashion Group International as partners in streaming the show, some designers have been given the Rising Star award by the organization and put forward to Anderson. “I love to support other designers and use this as an opportunity to lift up fellow creatives who are doing amazing work.”Fashion Group International has also set up a GiveLively page for donors. Funds raised provide financial support to patients in need with personalized solutions to alleviate the many financial stressors of their diagnosis including treatment costs, transportation, insurance navigation, and more; research to discover new treatments and diagnostics; awareness to help understand the importance of early detection and allow education and awareness efforts happen nationwide; emotional support through in-person and virtual support groups and mentors across the country; and health equity removing barriers to critical support for those at the highest risk for the disease who for way too long have suffered inequities.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/increasing-prostate-cancer-awareness-through-the-blue-jacket-fashion-show

📸: Getty Images for Blue Jacket
✏️:

02/25/2025

The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, contributing significantly to issues like water waste, carbon emissions and textile waste. As awareness of these environmental impacts grows, consumers, activists and regulators are pushing fashion giants to adopt more sustainable practices.

In recent years, Shein, a leading global fast fashion brand, has come under increased scrutiny for its environmental impact, especially concerning water and energy consumption during its manufacturing processes. This has led the global e-commerce powerhouse to take meaningful steps towards sustainability, particularly in denim production to reduce energy and water usage.

The denim industry is known to be notorious for its high water usage and energy consumption. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), making one pair of jeans requires 3,781 litres of water. Every denim produced leads to approx. 34 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, equivalent to emissions from a car driven 111 km. With data this shocking, eco-conscious fashion is the least we can do to save our environment.

Shein has taken the wake-up call seriously to save water and energy usage. One big impact has been from adapting to Cool Transfer digital print technology, which uses a printing method that applies colour directly onto the fabric in a more controlled, efficient manner. Cool Transfer digital printing uses a dry process, meaning no water is required for dyeing or rinsing. Denim production is typically not only water-consuming but also one of the most resource-intensive fabrics to produce. The amount of harmful chemicals released in the process of dyeing and finishing a fabric contributes to 10% of global carbon emissions.

The process used by Shein now eliminates the conventional steps of washing and bleaching the fabric, in turn saving water and energy. The new cutting-edge technology of Cool Transfer digital print helps slash up to 90% of water usage and 70% of energy usage. This cool technology not only helps reduce exposure to harmful chemicals but also allows the production of a wide range of colours and styles.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/fast-fashion-slow-impact-sheins-push-to-reduce-water-and-energy-in-denim-manufacturing

📸: Shein website / UNEP website
✏️:

02/20/2025

In an industry primarily focused on style and aesthetics, comfort often contradicts what sells and what is desired. Amazingly, one in four people globally suffer from some sort of skin condition and that is something fashion brands ought to consider. This alarming fact suggests that there is a need for more fashion to consider comfort and sensitivity.

Juliemay has become a go-to brand for lingerie and swimwear that caters specifically to individuals who struggle to find options that won’t irritate their skin. The founder, Tiffany Chiu’s journey, began in 2018 after her mother began to experience heightened skin sensitivities. When they couldn’t find underwear to suit her skin condition she realized there was a gap in the market for allergy-friendly lingerie.

This led her to create the UK’S first allergy friendly lingerie brand. Their designs are dermatologist-certified, organic underwear that eases discomfort from conditions like eczema, contact dermatitis and sensitivities that often affect women after menopause or surgeries.

Their lingerie collection consists of safe, hypoallergenic options are free from latex, harsh chemicals and synthetic materials.

According to Chiu, “Our mission extends beyond garments—it’s about empowering women with safe, comfortable solutions for skin sensitivities”. She further opines that what sets Juliemay apart from other lingerie brands is the commitment to using only the highest quality materials that are kind to the skin of their wearers.

Read more at the link in bio or DM us for the link 🥰

📸: Julienay Website
✏️: Zibah Olabode

02/18/2025

The handbag business is a mother-son endeavour for Elizabeth Hardy and Benjamin Gordon, who respectively run Canadian-born handbag brands Espe and Benjamin Gordon. For both of them, handbags have been a staple in their everyday lives, so it seemed only natural that designing them would be a career path, an extension of who they are.

Gordon, in particular, has found success with his eponymous brand - which is also vegan and cruelty-free - by appealing to a younger generation of men, one that has no problem carrying handbags. “Ben is close to this younger market, so he knew the bags would resonate,” Hardy says. “The surprise is how much they have resonated, and not just with his demographic, but older men and ladies who are looking for something less feminine but still cool and on-trend.” As it stands, she says, they’re having trouble keeping up with the demand, and many styles are often sold out.

Gordon saw a market to tap into - a youthful generation with more open minds about the concept of masculinity, with an eye for trends, and with a desire for functional lifestyle pieces, and took off. “Ben has been carrying a side bag since his teens, and now, at the ripe age of 23, carrying a bag is just part of everyday life,” Hardy says. “The younger generation of men see bags as accessories that look great and are handy to carry essentials. The bulging front pockets that held wallets and phones are no longer.”

For proof, look no further than athletes. Super Bowl-winning quarterback Jalen Hurts, Taylor Swifts NFL boyfriend Travis Kelce, stylish NHL superstar David Pastrnak, and soccer legend and style superstar David Beckham have been leading the charge, sporting bags from up-and-coming brands and storied labels alike. As a result, Hardy says, older men are coming around to the idea, too, especially those who traverse the globe.

“Bags are becoming necessary to keep valuables safe while travelling,” she says. As a result, they’re becoming more commonplace in all aspects of life. “Ben takes inspiration from designers like Louis Vuitton and Gucci - but he also looks to streetwear culture and specifically the UK rap scene where artists like Potter Payper are creating their unique stylings - and where side bags are playing a big part in this culture.”

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/this-mother-son-duo-is-breaking-gender-barriers-with-handbags

📸: Courtesy of Espe Bags
✏️: .commisso

02/13/2025

Every Spring Summer New York Fashion Week season takes place in February amid Black History Month. This year, with President Trump rolling back Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as well as ending identity-themed holidays, Black History Month feels like a mix of celebration, reflection and frustration. Despite the political climate, many designers have used NYFW as an opportunity to highlight the importance of representation, cultural diversity, and social justice.

Christopher John Rogers celebrated his Blackness through a rainbow of colours at his show which he defined as a “celebration of our roots” on his Instagram. He highlighted that this collection comes at a time when identities are being challenged and that the pursuit of happiness feels complex. His collection embodies the spirit of defiance, but Rogers also has highlighted the use of American fabrics like cotton to really show African-American identity as part of the tapestry. Garments had eccentric shapes, patterns, and use of corsetry and were all extremely unique.

Sergio Hudson’s show exuded Black excellence. The primarily diverse cast of models donned elegant dresses, suits, tweed sets, sequins and furs. The collection entitled, “The Good Life” showed exactly what diverse communities look like while dressing luxe.

Style expert Jenee Naylor attended both Christopher John Rogers’ show and Sergio Hudson. She expressed that “as a Black woman, championing Black art, expression and fashion is important. I absolutely feel as if shows, such as Christopher John Rogers and Sergio Hudson, serve as a means of black celebration. It's no secret that the fashion industry can be quite exclusive and discriminatory. That's why the highlight of my NYFW experience tends to be attending these shows. They continuously embody a unique creative lens, while also showcasing quality craftsmanship and empowering black culture.” She adds that the overlap of New York Fashion Week and Black History Month is a small win despite the burden of dealing with prejudices from the fashion industry.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/14p9pidp5i0b3mwx2ephq72cfda1nl

📸: Brianna Rohlehr
✏️:

02/11/2025

For someone to shake up the sustainable fashion industry, one pop-up shop at a time, it would require them to be a master of storytelling and able to blend design, sustainability and a sense of community in every interaction. Michela Gacioch, also known as Ms. G, is a stylish teacher who is turning closets into community spaces. She did not set out to become a sustainability advocate—it just sort of happened. It’s real, it’s relatable, and it makes you want to do better.

Scrolling through TikTok, you may come across a video of her in a classroom wearing an insanely cool outfit. You know when someone’s style is so good, you just have to click on their profile! With 11.9K followers—her page isn’t just a collection of outfit inspiration; it is a showcase of how she upcycles her clothes and wears them to school as a teacher. She blends bold, creative outfits with the relatable environment of her classroom, making her style not just inspiring but accessible. A few scrolls in, and you will be inspired. She doesn’t just wear sustainable fashion; she lives it in a way that feels authentic, creative, and impactful.

Ms. G’s journey started with style. As a dancer, self-expression was part of her life and her personal style evolved naturally from those early years. But the shift toward sustainability—that came later and unexpectedly.

During a tough mental health patch, she stumbled across YouTuber Macey Eleni of "Blazed and Glazed," who sparked something inside her. If you haven’t checked out Macey’s content, do it. It’s all about energy, joy, and, yes, sustainable fashion. For Ms. G, Macey’s philosophy of sourcing secondhand wasn’t just about clothes—it was about creating a lifestyle that aligned with values like mindfulness and minimalism.

Fast forward to 2020, and Ms. G was back in school training to be an English teacher. By then, sustainability was part of her DNA. She was thrifting, upcycling, and making a real effort to combat overconsumption. And of course, her students noticed. “The stylish teacher” became her unofficial title—and for good reason.

The Birth of Ms. G’s Pop-Up Shop

Here’s where the story gets really good. In early 2024, Ms. G was cleaning out her closet (we’ve all been there) and thinking about what to do with the clothes she didn’t wear anymore. Instead of dumping them in a donation bin, she decided to bring them to her school. But then she had a lightbulb moment. Why stop at dropping them off in a basement bin? Why not create something…fun?

“I wanted to make a real ‘in-store’ shopping experience for my students—something they’d actually look forward to,”

And thus, Ms. G’s Pop-Up Shop was born. Picture this: mood lighting, music, candy and a selection of clothes that feel like they are straight from a boutique—but everything is free.

Read more here: https://www.annkm.com/publications/a-woman-owned-handbag-brand-with-no-shortage-of-style-nbsp

✏️: .photography

AnnKM

04/29/2025

04/24/2025

04/22/2025

04/17/2025

03/06/2025

03/04/2025

02/27/2025

02/25/2025

02/20/2025

02/18/2025

02/13/2025

02/11/2025

Address

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Shortcuts

Share

Category