Hudson's Bay partners with Inland to support Canadian and BIPOC designers

By

Robin Driver

Published
Oct 2, 2020

Toronto-based department store operator Hudson’s Bay announced on Thursday that it is teaming up with Canadian designer platform Inland in order to offer apparel, accessories and jewelry from emerging national and BIPOC brands.

 
The debut offering from the partnership features 40 brands, 40% of which are led by BIPOC designers.
 
Apparel brands include ethically manufactured designer fashion brand Anne Mulaire, founded by Winnipeg-based designer Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau, and Pretty Denim, a premium women’s denim label founded by Toronto-based stylist Tahnee Lloyd-Smith.

As for accessories, Toronto’s Omi Woods will offer everyday ethically handmade jewelry pieces inspired by Ashley Alexis McFarlane’s Afro-Canadian heritage.
 
The initial line-up being offered by the partnership also includes apparel brands Allison Wonderland, MAS Montréal, Priory and Soft Focus, as well as accessories and jewelry brands such as Ai Toronto Seoul, Eleven Thirty Shop, Le Lou Ula and Sunday Feel.
 
According to Hudson’s Bay, new brands will be added regularly to the list of participants.
 
“Hudson's Bay is committed to delivering customers an exciting product assortment that represents all Canadians, and ensuring a diverse representation of brands are included in our matrix is an integral part of our strategy,” said Hudson’s Bay chief merchant Wayne Drummond in a release.
 
“Through this partnership with INLAND, we're excited to work with and put a spotlight on these Canadian brands that we know our shoppers are looking for, and that complement the existing Canadian brand offering we have at Hudson's Bay,” he added.
 
Launched in 2014, Inland was initially a bi-annual pop-up event showcasing fashion and accessory labels from across Canada. In 2020, the platform expanded to include a curated selection of brands available through an online marketplace.
 
“We are committed to putting locally created pieces into every wardrobe and are very excited to be partnering with Hudson's Bay to help make that a reality,” explained Inland founder and creative director Sarah Power. “By promoting sustainable collections, advocating for diverse representation and empowering local voices, we make it easy for Canadians to feel good about everyday wardrobe choices.”
 
The 40 brands launching at Hudson’s Bay will be available throughout Canada on the Inland online shop, which opens on the department store’s e-commerce platform on October 2 and will remain active until December 31, 2020.