It’s safe to say that 2020 was a trip. We made some of our biggest moves, and also saw some of our biggest challenges. Here are a few of the moments that stood out the most this year.
We launched our inaugural Style Guide
Back in 2019 we got started on one of our most ambitious projects to date: A magazine-style publication that dubbed our Style Guide. We shot fashion editorials, researched and wrote articles, and learned what “FOB” and “BOB” means. We also launched the digital edition of the Style Guide, which had some bonus content and videos. Copies went out across the globe, and we are so happy with how it all turned out.
Stay tuned this spring for our second edition.
We connected with the team at Rge Rd
This year we wanted to make our holiday gift guide extra special, so we asked Blair and Caitlin at Rge Rd to help us out. They graciously provided a recipe for Braised Bison Pannekoek, a delightful alternative to the big holiday dinners we missed out on. They also offered up an easy cocktail recipe that we have been turning to all winter. Take a look at the recipes here.
We closed our doors and worked from home
If anything, 2020 is the year we really learned how amazing our community is.
Do you remember how you felt the weeks leading up to the COVID shutdowns? The uncertainty, the nerves, the hope that COVID wouldn’t last too long. We ended up being closed for a full two months. Since then, it’s been month after month of adjusting and readjusting and finding new ways to connect, but the one thing that remained constant was the feeling of support from our clients, friends, and community.
We won’t say it’s been a breeze, but it’s been a lot better because of you all.
We moved!
If you want to talk about ambitious projects, how does building a new store and moving in under two months sound? Finding a new space had been on our radar for a while. During the first COVID shutdown, a great space opened up and we jumped on it. It was all-hands-on-deck, as we worked with the team at Hager Developments to build out a bright, contemporary new store.
We explored our own biases
As the BLM protests gained momentum we, like many people across the globe, began to examine systemic racism and the history of white supremacy, both in America and here in Canada. There have been many excellent resources circulating, but here are a few books that really resonated with us:
- Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson
- The Fire Next Time, by James Baldwin
- Between the World and Me, by Ta-Nahesi Coates
- So You Want to Talk About Race, by Ijeoma Oluo
- 21 Things You May Not Know About The Indian Act, by Bob Joseph
We headed to Drumheller to shoot our Fall/Winter campaign
International travel was out this year, but that didn’t stop us from exploring our own backyard. We headed out to the Alberta Badlands and discovered some incredible backdrops for our campaign. It was windy, dusty, and beautiful, and we’re so pleased with how the campaign turned out. You can check it out here.
We introduced some new brands
We're always on the lookout for new and interesting brands to bring to our clients, and this year we had the opportunity to bring in Boglioli's easygoing suits and sport jackets, Officine Generale's Parisian casual wear, and Common Projects's iconic shoes and boots.
We really can’t thank you all enough for your support during this year. Your dedication to small businesses and to thoughtful shopping has been inspiring. Fingers crossed we get to see more of your faces in person in 2021.
