Canada Day: 8 homegrown designers that celebrities love

Smythe Les Vestes
About: Started by Christie Smythe and Andrea Lenczner in 2004, Smythe creates staple wardrobe pieces that are a worthy investment for every woman - A-list or not. The company began by focusing on beautifully tailored blazers and has since expanded into coats and shirts. Gigi Hadid wore a Smythe blazer to celebrate Maybelline's 100th anniversary in Toronto in 2015.
Celebrity Devotees: Kate Hudson, Naomi Watts, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kate Middleton, Blake Lively, Gigi Hadid
Learn more: smythelesvestes.com
Photo: © Getty Images

Tara Jarmon
About: This Paris-based designer began her line some 20 years ago and now has more than 100 boutiques throughout Europe and Asia. Her clothing is classic and sophisticated; she adores playing with feminine silhouettes. The hues of her garbs are similarly soft – think peaches, pinks, soft blues and whites.
Celebrity Devotees: Kate Middleton
Learn more: tarajarmon.fr
Photo: © Getty Images

Erdem
About: A Montreal-raised talent, Erdem Moralioglu is renowned for his creative florals, often with a Victorian edge (think: ruffles and lace). Celebrities love his well-cut dresses and swing coats for red-carpet appearances, and he was the British Fashion Council’s first Vogue Designer Fund winner.
Celebrity Devotees: Kate Middleton, Keira Knightley, Kate Bosworth, Marion Cotillard, Sienna Miller
Learn more: erdem.com
Photo: © Getty Images

Greta Constantine
About: Designers Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong recently took to Paris to show their latest collection overseas for the first time. Their often-Grecian-inspired designs highlight the female form by hugging curves - strategic slits and cutouts call attention to a lady’s shoulders and waist.
Celebrity Devotees: Coco Rocha, Angelina Jolie, Naomi Campbell, Jeanne Beker
Learn more: gretaconstantine.com
Photo: © Getty Images

VAWK
About: Sunny Fong is not only talented, but he’s also one of the nicest people in the fashion industry. He began his line in 2004 and shot to fame after winning Project Runway Canada in 2009. His wares are all incredibly sexy and, much like Greta Constantine, highlight the female form. His spring/summer collection features classic little black dresses and stunning suits.
Celebrity Devotees: Katy Perry, Elisha Cuthbert
Learn more: vawk.ca
Photo: © Getty Images

Jason Wu
About: Jason Wu has been designing clothes since he was nine years old in Vancouver. He went on to study fashion at the prestigious Parsons School of Design in New York City and now has a coveted line that’s stocked in more than 170 retailers worldwide. He’s collaborated with Target and Lancôme, and has created custom gowns for Michelle Obama.
Celebrity Devotees: Julianne Moore, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Reese Witherspoon, Michelle Obama, Diane Kruger
Learn more: jasonwustudio.com
Photo: © Getty Images

Joe Fresh
About: No discussion of beloved Canadian labels can happen without a mention of this low-cost line started by Club Monaco visionary Joseph Mimran. Today, the bright and preppy styles are available in more than 350 stores across the globe, and can be spotted on many a vacationing celebrity (think: Hamptons chic!)
Celebrity Devotees: Karlie Kloss, Stacy Keibler, Nikki Reed
Learn more: joefresh.com
Photo: © Getty Images

Judith & Charles
About: There is a certain “je ne said quoi” in the designs of Charles Le Pierrès and Judith Richardson. Each item they craft under this label, which began in 2009, is simple yet embellished with a standout detail. Produced mainly in Ontario, their fashions are now sold throughout the country and in some outlets south of the border.
Celebrity Devotees: Katie Cassidy, Piper Perabo, Wendy Williams
Learn more: judithandcharles.com

Pink Tartan
About: Pretty, polished and perfectly feminine, the designs by Kimberley Newport-Mimran are the types of wares you can take from day to night. Working in the fashion industry since she was a teenager, she even proved that airline uniforms can be stylish designing for the glamorous Porter Airlines attendants. TV personality Jessi Cruickshank enlisted Kim to design a bespoke look for each of her bridesmaids.
Celebrity Devotees: Kim Cattrall, Jenny McCarthy, Vanessa Williams, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kate Hudson
Learn More: pinktartan.com

Dsquared2
About: These jet-setting identical twins grew up in a suburb of Toronto and have since made their way to Milan, where their over-the-top runway shows (think: Rihanna appearing on the runway in a muscle car) are a highlight of fashion week. Luxe, club-worthy wares are the crux of their womenswear and menswear collections, and they've designed tour costumes for power players like Madonna, Beyonce and Britney Spears.
Celebrity Devotees: Gwen Stefani, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Connelly, Madonna, Beyonce
Learn More: dsquared2.com
Photo: © Getty Images