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Toronto's key industry clusters: Fashion / Apparel |
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Fashion facts
- Toronto is home to more than 550 apparel manufacturers with wholesale shipments totaling nearly $1.4 billion annually or 16% of the $9 billion Canadian market.
- Canadian trade legislation now permits duty- and tariff-free apparel imports from 48 of the world's least developed countries.
- More than 4,600 Toronto fashion retail stores generate annual sales of $2.6 billion.
- A cluster study by ICF Consulting concluded that Canadian apparel makers are superior to their U.S. counterparts in responsiveness and small-batch production.
- Designer lines including Lida Baday, Brian Bailey, Joeffer Caoc, David Dixon, Arthur Mendonça, Franco Mirabelli, Pink Tartan, and Sunny Choi got their start in Toronto.
Skilled labour force
- The cluster employs nearly 50,000 people, more than half of them in manufacturing.
- Many US and Canadian companies rely on Toronto contractors and home workers for quality garments, quick turn-around, flexibility and reliable service.
- Toronto is the learning centre for the industry. Fashion programs are offered by four colleges and one university.
- Toronto's experienced workforce ranges from cutters, sewers and pressers to art directors, makeup artists and hairstylists.
- Global model agencies such as Elite, Ford and Giovanni have offices in Toronto, while local photographers like George Whiteside, Chris Chapman and Shin Sugino have won international reputations.
Innovation
Innovation and success never go out of style in Toronto. The traditional hub of the business is found in the city's fashion district - a 35-block area in the downtown, King-Spadina neighbourhood. However, the industry shows no sign of standing still and has spread to different areas in the city where larger spaces are readily available.
- Buyers from around the world recognize the value of Toronto designs. For example, Lida Baday, Brian Bailey and Franco Mirabelli are all carried alongside top international lines at prestigious retailers such as Bergdorf-Goodman, Jacobson's, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue.
- Manufacturing efficiencies and competitiveness are constantly being improved through adoption of new technologies and work methods.
Major players
- Manufacturers: Danier Leather, Dominion Hosiery, Macmor, McGregor, Phantom, Vikeda, Weston Apparel, Wing Son Garments.
- Retailers: Bata, Harry Rosen, Holt Renfrew, Hudson's Bay Company, Reitmans, Roots.
- Media: Citytv's hit Fashion Television and Fashion Television Channel; CBC's Fashion File; magazines such as Elle Canada, Fashion, Fashion Quarterly, Flare and The Look.
Industry support
- L'Oreal Toronto Fashion Week, www.lorealfashionweek.ca, a twice-yearly event on the international fashion calendar presents ready-to-wear collections by top Canadian designers to national and international media and buyers.
- The Fashion Industry Liaison Committee (FILC) was established in recognition of the importance of Toronto's fashion industry. FILC includes representatives from manufacturing, design, education, wholesale, retail and labour. It focuses on key issues and needs and advocates for the industry and provides valuable information and advice to City Council.
- The Apparel Industry Development Council (AIDC) is developing training programs to enhance and diversify the skills of garment-industry workers to meet the needs of Ontario employers.
- The Toronto Fashion Incubator (TFI), www.fashionincubator.on.ca, with shared production facilities, studio rentals, office assistance, seminars and promotional opportunities, helps fashion entrepreneurs develop their creative and business skills. It has been a model for Dublin, New York and St. Petersburg.
Contact information:
Fashion / Apparel Cluster Specialist
Laurie Belzak
Tel: 416-392-1296
Fax: 416-392-3374
lbelzak@toronto.ca
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