Her spot: “Cabine by Nicholas Mellamphy. Nicholas is a fashion legend and harbinger of style in Canada. He also happens to be a friend and mentor, and he just opened an incredible studio that I get to play dress up in.”

Pro tip: “If you’re flying into Pearson airport, take the UP Train into the city. It goes directly to Union station, is super affordable and fast. Union station is beautiful and has lots of great little Canadian shops. Also, make your restaurant reservations in advance.”

Shop talk: “Ca Va De Soi is a family-run company that has the best luxury cotton and cashmere. Go to Coolican & Company for gorgeous handmade furniture; I invested in their Adelaide bench. I’m also coveting Lisbeth jewelry, Clyde hats, and everything cozy from Reigning Champ.”

Chief Canadian traits: “I care deeply about universal healthcare, public education, and maple syrup.”

Local view: “The city has exploded in terms of population which is great, but the affordable housing market is in a state of crisis, and so many of the people that made Toronto a beautiful and diverse city are being pushed out. My friend Charles Officer made an incredible film about it called Unarmed Verses.”

Sage Paul Photographed by Mark Sommerfeld

Sage Paul, artist, designer and artistic director

As one of the visionaries behind Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto, Sage Paul not only creates her own collections, but is a tireless proponent of her fellow Indigenous designers. Throughout her work and countrywide workshops, Sage questions stereotypes and racial bias while providing a platform for other makers to shine. Up next, she’s producing Curtis Oland’s commissioned work as part of the the British Council biennale exhibition during London Fashion Week and will be teaching an Indigenous fashion studies course she created at George Brown College.

Her spot: “The ferry to Wards Island. Prior to European contact, the Toronto Islands were (and still are) sacred lands. That reminds me to love that space, treat it like my home. Everything has a spirit.”

Dine out: “Try Ku-Kum Kitchen’s tasting menu. I go for the trio tartare starter, braised elk striploin, and the sweet grass creme brulee.”

Art scene: “I’m in awe and deeply inspired by the programming and work Wanda Nanibush, Indigenous Arts Curator, does at the AGO. I love the what Melanie Eganand her team at the Harbourfront Centre do. The Textile Museum just put up an incredible show curated by Lisa Myers called “Beads, They’re Sewn So Tight.”

Fashion fix: “Warren Steven Scott designs beautifully girly womenswear and has quickly become known for his Salish laser-cut earrings. MOBILIZE really excites me. They are a Cree streetwear company with a commitment to Indigenous women and the next generation. Catherine Blackburn is impeccable, she’s an artist and jewelry designer using beads and other materials.”