Form Era Studio

Got weekend plans? Come join @hales.yes and me at @ooak_toronto ! We’re in booth K-06 and will be here today and tomorrow :)

PLUS SIZE SPRING MARKET - Vendor Spotlight @polyesterplus is a Hamilton, Ontario-based plus size vintage and gift shop, specializing in unique, colourful, and quirky clothing from the 1960s to today – available in sizes 4XL to L. @ursamajorvintage is a Hamilton-based, plus size clothing and accessories shop with a focus on colourful, quality pieces. Always celebrating all bodies, our eclectic collection runs from silly and bright to classic neutrals, currently stocked in sizes up to 4X. @formerastudio is a made-in-Toronto jeans brand specializing in 100% cotton jeans that solve the common "waistband gap" fit problem familiar to many. Our jeans are created with a focus on a larger waist-hip difference than most brands. Our size range runs from 24-48" waist (approximately XS-4X), and we also offer customizable inseam lengths. All of our jeans are non-stretch, and are designed to have the sturdy feel of a vintage jean, but with an artistic and modern look. @fitzydesign is a line of handmade leather goods with a less, but better approach to design and a passion for slow fashion. Fitzy will be offering custom sized leather belts (up to 6x) - Ready in 30 Min, onsite monogramming, and sewing notions. @COVENsk jewellery is a casting of magic, metal and gemstones. A majority of COVEN pieces incorporate gemstones and are made from hypoallergenic metals like: gold-fill, gold vermeil, sterling silver and stainless steel. Our speciality gemstones are Jade and Freshwater Pearls. COVEN is also one of the few jewellers that does on site customizations and alterations for most their pieces to ensure size inclusivity for customers. EVENT DETAILS: Sunday, April 19, 12-5pm Cecil Community Centre, 58 Cecil St. Toronto (closest intersection: College/Spadina) Physically accessible venue Free to attend MASKED HOUR 12-1pm; Masks are not required after 1pm.

Summer throwback to our shoot with @tishamyles . One of the best parts about living in Toronto is all of the beautiful corners filled with art and visual intrigue. I absolutely love shooting our products throughout the city. #graffitart #torontocity #madeintoronto

Part Three of my studio visit with textile artist and educator Natalya Willy: 5. How does your city or environment influence your art and creativity? Your city and the environment you create for yourself play the most crucial role in impacting your art and creativity. I have a complicated relationship with Toronto and found I was able to thrive and excel more in Paris. It was easier to create, succeed and find the right communities there to support you. I created an incubator for myself here, that encompassed all those nuances of Paris, an homage to my mentor Estelle and my patron Jocelyn. One of my greatest influencers is my bestie Marko, who actively curated a kaleidoscope of experiences in Toronto in an effort to facilitate a sense of belonging for me. He made this city my classroom, and I am forever grateful and blessed for that. 6. What message or feeling do you hope people take away from your work? The materials and methodologies I use journey through death and re-birth and there is grieving and joy throughout the whole process. There is strength in vulnerability and showing that openly takes courage. I hope my work shows the labour of love and dedication to my craft, and that the labouring took extraordinary courage to express grief, joy and a freedom hard won.

Part Two of my studio visit with textile artist and educator Natalya Willy: 3. How do you stay inspired and recharge your creative energy? Art, People and Solitude. I actively seek and engage in all forms of art and expression to consistently feed my curiosity. People’s journeys and enthusiasms, and the conversation that arise from them are a constant source of inspiration. But what energises me the most, is watching my students grow, thrive and reach their goals through resilience and determination. 4. What values do you prioritise in your work, and how do they show up in your creations? I intently dedicate my energy to providing a safe space to dream and make, and share those moments with those I love and support me. I value story telling and the dedication to one’s craft, and believe one must take the time to authentically honour making through their own voice and timeline, without being influenced by the expectations of others.

Natalya is one of my favourite creative people. I met her when she was my teacher in fashion school, and continue to be inspired by her energy, intelligence, and commitment to learning. I stopped by her studio a few week ago to chat about her work: 1. Can you walk us through your creative process from idea to final piece? Being present and paying attention to what engages my curiosity, is the beginnings of the creative process. From these foundational observations, a sort of clarity forms and I begin to see the story reveal itself throughout every and any encounter with people, places and art. Then comes the experimentation and the journey to articulate my mind’s eye through my hands. The final piece is a testament to having solved that problem.  2. What are you working on right now, and what excites you most about it? The hybridisation of traditional craft and digital technology. It is fascinating to witness the unlimited possibility and space of the digital universe colliding with the constraints in practicality of haptic craft. This has been producing exciting and interesting challenges and possibilities.  (Stay tuned for part 2)

How I feel about our newest machine! My lettering needs a bit of practice, but I can already tell it’s going to be so fun #embroidery #chainstitch #chainstitchembroidery

New things coming this spring! #sewing #handmade #torontomakers #madeincanada #torontosewing

A little art therapy to refresh the eyes! BTS of our marbling project with @spare_label . . #madeincanada #marbledenim #howitsmade #textileart #torontomakers

Is there any better feeling than a sunny day in early spring?? I think not. ☀️ 🌞 ☀️ 🌞 Ft. Model @snackbabythiccums and jeans made in collaboration with our pal @spare_label #madeintoronto #denim #plussize #plussizefashion #marbled #curvyjeans

Introducing the marbled edition of our popular Stonewash Grey Barrel Leg - a fresh update for early spring. Marbled denim made in collaboration with Toronto textile artist @spare_label . Beautifully modelled by our muse @tishamyles . . . [ Japanese denim, 100% cotton, Jeans brand, Made in Toronto, Canada, Fun styles in Jeans, Barrel Leg, Good fit]

Thrilled to announce Form Era Jeans are now available at Biddell Boutique. As a pant designer, I know how much work goes into making a high quality pair of pants. @formerastudio has an average price of 295$CAD for custom made, pre-shrunk Japanese denim up to size 48” waist. DM me for more details or come down to the shop if you’re in Toronto. I will be eagerly awaiting her menswear.