It’s August and while we love summer, that can only mean one thing: fall fashion is on our — and many brands’ — minds. Come fall, several new retail spaces (including the beloved Montreal-based footwear mecca La Canadienne) will be opening in Toronto. Plus, read up on the Coach Foundation’s initiative committed to granting more students a higher education.

La Canadienne opens a storefront in Toronto

la canadienne toronto — Photography courtesy of La Canadienne

Women’s footwear brand La Canadienne has been based in Montreal for over 30 years, and is now expanding its retail presence to the streets of Toronto. On August 9, the brand will debut their Fall 2021 collection in a two-storey, 4,000-square foot, heritage-inspired building in prestigious Yorkville Village. The assortment of autumn goodies will include La Canadienne’s trademarked City Dry footwear, luxurious Italian-crafted outerwear, handbags and a slew of accessories.

“We have known our Toronto customer for quite some time. Now she has access to us right on her doorstep!” said president of La Canadienne Nicholas Niro in a press release.

Emerging brand Soi and Others is redesigning cashmere

Meet genderless cashmere brand Soi and Others. Crafted using the highest quality of cashmere handpicked in Mongolia by founder Alison Currie, the selection of contemporary pieces — including scarves, tops, sweaters, pants, hats and more — is entirely gender-neutral. “We want people to feel strong and confident — that’s what true beauty is to us,” the Toronto-based founder said in a press release. Currie has over 20 years of experience in the cashmere industry, making her an expert in all facets of the business, from sourcing materials and designing to sales and marketing. And like the name suggests, Soi and Others is a collaborative brand. Anchored by partnerships with local and international artists, a creative spirit lies at the heart of each collection. The debut Fall 2021 launch is decorated with Canadian visual artist Rundi Phelan’s abstract designs, marrying soft romantic florals with a punk influence. Browse the collection here.

Birkenstock and Proenza Schouler reissue their collab in bold, new colours

German-bred footwear brand Birkenstock and New York’s ready-to-wear label Proenza Schouler are continuing their partnership with a new collection of unisex shoes. This time, the duo is using bold and experimental colours from Proenza Schouler’s signature palette (think vibrant cobalt blue, rustic luggage burgundy and elevated neutrals) that will make transitioning from late summer to early fall a walk in the park.

“Birkenstock and Proenza Schouler both share a common respect and admiration for the craftsmanship and detailed work that is integral to all of our products,” said Proenza Schouler founders Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez in a press release. “We are excited to pick up where we left off and expand on the collection with fresh colourways that feel very in-the-moment and true to our brand.” Musician King Princess appears in the new campaign, embodying the strength and individualism that is embedded in both brands. The capsule collection will be available starting August 6 at 1774.com, proenzaschouler.com, select Birkenstock and Proenza Schouler retail locations, as well as select retailers worldwide.

Soia & Kyo reveals they will be going fur-free this fall

Luxury outerwear brand Soia & Kyo has announced their latest efforts toward a more sustainable future with the news that they will be 100 percent fur-free, beginning with this year’s fall and winter collections. This first-time venture will include the introduction of sustainable lightweight downs, eco puffers and a wide range of sustainable knitwear. With their complete collection of versatile and easy-to-layer pieces, customers will have major outfit options as the weather cools, whether they’re lounging by the fire or bundling up in nature. The fall collection is available to shop on August 16, and the Winter lineup will be available on September 16.

Ellie Mae’s Archive Pop-Up Shop opens at Stackt Market

On August 5, Ellie Mae launched a pop-up in Toronto’s Stackt Market, housing its 2016 to 2020 collections at up to 70 percent off. The pieces, which can be shopped online as well, range from one-of-a-kind gems to vintage treasures. The sale is ongoing until August 31, giving shoppers just a month to snap up some locally-made wardrobe items.

The Coach Foundation commits to financially supporting 5,000 students with scholarships by 2025

Photography courtesy of the Coach Foundation

The Coach Foundation, a philanthropic pocket within the Coach brand, has committed to supporting 5,000 students with scholarships by 2025 via their global Dream It Real initiative. This goal is rooted in the foundation’s mission to eradicate cycles of inequality by empowering youth and giving opportunities of higher education. In addition to partnering with global non-profits to make this possible, Coach is donating five percent of its North American sales (up to $1 million) to the Dream It Real Fund, as well as five percent of sales in the U.K. (up to $150,000) to the U.K. Youth charity. This will take place throughout the week of August 9 to 16 as the first of many “Dream Weeks.” What’s more, customers can personalize their Coach bags in-store, with limited-edition artist-designed motifs that were inspired by the stories of Dream It Real students.