We’re always proud of our community initiatives and grateful for the opportunity to support a worthy cause… In this case, three worthy causes! 

Alex chose to support the well-deserving Club Sexu, a nonprofit media organization whose mission is to provide education for positive, inclusive, and uninhibited sexuality through the creation of stories, campaigns, games and events.

Alex’s words:  Style has always been such an important way for me to express myself—I tried very hard as a kid and teen to find the ultimate outfits and accessories to distinguish myself and be perceived a certain way. I wasn’t trying to perform a “weird” style, I was just trying to show people what I felt, what I engaged with, and what resonated with me (hi emo/scene kids).

I always try to talk about stories that matter to me and hope to see how other people will relate to them – that’s really what is at the heart of my platform. So, getting really personal here, I’m taking you down memory lane (swipe for surprises) to where I wore a cat necklace as a choker and tried everything with my hair styles, with a special shoutout to wearing ties and layering necklaces. Halloween wasn’t so much about costumes but about being able to truly explore styles as I wanted to.

In high school, I toned it down to try to fit societal expectations of what clothes I should wear – but I did so with lots of piercings to counter these restrictions that I half imposed on myself, and half found to be the best way to fit in with everybody else. I had enough social anxiety, I didn’t need to risk shocking my suburban high school peers who all seemed to fit in effortlessly.

I wish I could go back to every single Alex pictured here and tell them that they actually deserve to explore as much as they want, because they were figuring it all out, and that it’d take time but that, that’s the beauty of it. That even in 2021 I’m still figuring it out, dropping all the performativity of my toned-down style to really find what makes me feel me (hint: much less “femininity” and much more androgynous styles), in my own terms, with such a wonderful community that supports me.

Special thanks to @littleburgundyshoes and @reebok for inspiring me to think back on these wonderful years of exploration of my self-expression—what a trip!

*gifted

photo by @hamza.abouelouafaa

Clark made the wonderful decision to support the Legacy of Hope Foundation. They are an Indigenous-led, charitable organization that has been working to promote healing and Reconciliation in Canada for more than 19 years. 

Clark’s words: What’s my story?

I can’t articulate it in a perfectly curated caption — I still don’t have the answer. What I know for sure is this: I am a work in progress. I am finally (and happily) in therapy, actually peeling back the layers that make up my traumas, my habits, my fears, the whole shebang. These days I am uncomfortable, uncertain, lethargic, and whatever the opposite of grounded is. But still, I am doing the work. So I guess that’s my story. Forever doing the work on myself for myself. Unfolding.

Thank you @littleburgundyshoes and @reebok for pushing me to put into words where I’m at and how I’ve been feeling. I needed it. And more importantly, thank you for your donation to the Legacy of Hope Foundation 🤍

#therestisstillunwritten

Sage selected Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto (IFWTO) as her organization to support. IFWTO presents Indigenous-made fashion, textiles and craft and aims to celebrate, and challenge perceptions of, Indigenous people and culture with integrity, innovation and excellence. 

Sage’s words: I was invited a few months ago by @littleburgundyshoes to take a photo and share a story. As with this year, EVERYTHING takes a long time to complete. It’s the Groundhog Day effect.

But I finally got together with @jenallisonphoto to take these fun photos. Jen is super amazing. I’m so out of practice with modelling, never mind my body and brain are ready to take an entire year off, but Jen captures this! It’s amazing how much good energy we can give each other and what we can make happen, by just being together!

So I woke up today feeling tired again by the never-ending uncertainty and getting ready to act on what the days changes bring.

But when I met with @ifwtoronto producer @anishnaabe_candace for our usual meetings, we got to chatting about the team joining us next year! I AM SO STOKED! A team of mostly young Indigenous women are leading @ifwtoronto 2022. There’s an energy when it’s all women working together, especially all native women, and it is empowering and exciting. Oohhh the things we can do!

Even though time moves arbitrarily these days, when we take the time to reflect together, wow, goodness happens. I can’t wait to share with you our team first thing in 2022. Whether we are together in person or virtually, keep connected to each other, the land of our hearts is super important.

In the meanwhile: Keep warm. Take care. Stay grounded.

Turtleneck and overalls: @evanducharmestudio

Awas brass knuckles: @mad_aunty_

Sneakers: @reebok, @littleburgundyshoes

Mahsi @littleburgundyshoes for sharing this space with me and the donation made to @ifwtoronto

We thank Reebok for their partnership; our lovely, deserving participants for their vulnerability and inspiration; and the organizations that were supported through this project for their incredible work and contributions to their communities.