From actors and musicians to models and social media influencers, these 10 Canadians are making their mark on the fashion industry with their distinct style
By: Jacob Marion
Canadians have always played a prominent role in the world of arts and culture, and our presence in the fashion scene is no exception. Below are some of the most stylish Canadian stars that bring their unique perspectives on fashion to magazine spreads, social media and the red carpet
Taylor Russell
Since her starring role in Bones and All, Vancouver-born actress Taylor Russell has quickly risen to fashion stardom. In a sea of predictable film premiere gowns, her frequent pulls of fresh-off-the-runway Schiaparelli couture and quirky Loewe outfits have garnered the attention of even the most critical fashion fans, hailing her as an up-and-coming “it girl”.
Grimes
With a decade-long career behind her in alternative music, Grimes has also managed to carve out her own path in the fashion industry. Known for her futuristic and fearless attitude when it comes to style, Grimes has won the favour of industry icons like the late Karl Lagerfeld, who hailed her as one of Chanel’s muses.
Lauren Sundstrom
@laurengsundstrom 🧙♀️ hehe #vancouver #yvr ♬ Make Up – Desired
Lauren Sundstrom is a rising Vancouver-based TikToker, model and Transgender-rights activist who has also become known for her impeccable style and enviable vintage clothing collection. Sundstrom’s TikTok account not only details her life as a Trans woman but often the connections that beautifully tether her style to her identity.
Winnie Harlow
Discovered by Tyra Banks on Instagram, Winnie Harlow has established herself as one of the most successful faces in the new generations of supermodels, becoming one of the highest paid in her field according to Models.com’s “Money List”. Working with almost every notable fashion brand and publication, Harlow has accomplished many firsts as a model with Vitiligo, helping to champion the diversity movement in the fashion industry. Her impeccable street style has amassed her over 10 million Instagram followers.
Matty Matheson
Matty Matheson is a Canadian chef and internet personality who has unintentionally become an icon of personal style. In the world of men’s fashion, which is severely lacking the size diversity movement happening in women’s fashion, it’s refreshing for many men to see someone like Matheson who is unafraid to dress his body however he sees fit. Matheson has embraced this, collaborating with publications like Hypebeast and launching his own workwear brand Rosa Rugosa.
Pamela Anderson
After taking a step back from the limelight for many years, Pamela Anderson has reintroduced her legacy as a fashion icon with the release of her Netflix documentary Pamela: A Love Story, and her memoir Love, Pamela. During the ample press tour for the book & film, she proved that her beachy, femme-fatale attitude to style has continued to refine itself with time.
Finn Wolfhard
Vancouver-born Stranger Things star Finn Wolfhard has undergone the fashion glow-up that most child actors dream of. Shedding his Netflix persona of the dorky kid-next-door, Wolfhard has comeinto his own as an ultra-cool Saint Laurent muse. Sitting front row at the most exclusive shows, and even landing a few campaigns, Wolfhard’s long curls and sharp features fit perfectly into Anthony Vacarello’s YSL universe.
Brooke Lynn Hytes
Canada’s Drag Race host Brooke Lynn Hytes shows up runway-ready with her stunning, custom looks on each episode of the franchise. Often collaborating with fellow Canadian Dianna DiNoble of Starkers Corsetry, Hytes has proven herself to be the best-dressed host in Canadian television.
Aurora James
Aurora James is not only the founder of one of the hottest brands specializing in handcrafted and sustainably-made accessories, Brother Vellies, but one of the sharpest-dressed designers. Whether she’s wearing a simple white prairie dress or a bright rainbow gown, you can be sure that she’ll style it with the beautifully handcrafted, sustainable accessories from her line.
Shina Nova
@shinanova Traditional silapaaq made by my mama @kayuulanova 👏🏼 #inuit #silapaaq #sealskin ♬ Electric Pow Wow Drum – The Halluci Nation
Shina Novalinga is an Inuk TikToker, activist, singer and model. She uses her social media platforms to share aspects of her culture including an array of beautiful Inuit clothing, the history behind them and how she wears them. Novalinga also appeared on Elle Canada’s February/March 2022 cover alongside Willow Allen, Victoria Kakuktinniq and Marika Sila, all prominent Indigenous women.
