The fact is that street wear or urban wear is probably the most important facet of the fashion industry. This is simply because the greatest percentage of the population have streetwear or elements of the streetwear in their closet. It is for this reason that the Toronto Week of Style finds its place on the schedule as important as the more-ready-to-wear focused shows. This year, the show will feature an icon the fashion industry, an style icon in pop culture and an icon in the making.

Black Label

By combining a fascination of men's couture with an everyday sensibility, Blac Label Premium was created.

Conceived in 2002 during the saturation of novelty t-shirts with simple screens and catchy sayings, Blac Label Premium has evolved with innovative designs, original concepts, and stylish trends. The increased sophistication of the male shopper and his desire for premium denim produced a need for tops that reflected the same complexity and growth that had ushered in the denim renaissance. The brand set out to fill that void with designs that were clever, intense, resilient and attractive.

Blac Label Premium is steadily developing from a t-shirt company into a true lifestyle brand. While elaborate t-shirts remain the foundation of the company and its success, we design, market, and distribute full collections of men's and women's apparel throughout the United States. These collections will soon include accessories and boys’ apparel.

Blac Label Premium was pioneered to be a leader in the fashion industry. By bringing quality fabrics and applications together, the brand is constantly enhancing the attributes of its products while searching for uncompromised characteristics and veracity consistent with the brand’s intentions. The essence of the brand is defined by great attention to detail and a youthful obsession for the right cut and fit. With a touch of roughness, the all-American look of Blac Label Premium has always been original.

The brand's lively philosophy is conveyed through its founder's design awareness. Blac Label Premium honors the human form, inspired by the very real men and women who are the true inspiration. The company has always been on the forefront of creativity, setting trends and wrapping America with a unique style. Our approach is bright, stylish, modern and fresh in every sense.


Artful Dodger

A complete collection offering, Artful Dodger is best described as a European, contemporary men’s street wear line. Though urban casual, it’s the opposite of the baggy oversized hip-hop look associated with American street wear. Highlights for spring include graphic blazers, hoodies, polo’s, and tees. The line also features satin embroidered jackets and embroidered and distressed denim.


House of Dereon

House of Deréon is a prêt-à-porter fashion line introduced by singer Beyoncé Knowles and her mother/stylist Tina Knowles. The style and concept is inspired by three generations of women in their family, with the name "Deréon" paying tribute to Beyoncé's grandmother, Agnèz Deréon.

Expanding the brand, Jay Z and her sister Solange Knowles launched the junior line Deréon that is geared towards younger consumers and is more reasonably priced. The tag line for Deréon is "Where the sidewalk and catwalk meet". This line includes more casualwear, such as sweatpants and embroidered hooded sweatshirts. Both women are models for both clothing lines and are featured on most marketing campaigns. In 2007, members of Beyoncé's touring band, Suga Mama appeared in print ads.

House of Deréon was announced to the media in September 2004, by Tina and Beyoncé Knowles. While Beyoncé was performing in the group Destiny's Child, her mother Tina would design and sew their outfits, especially when the group was first starting out and did not have much money or access to designer clothing. Part of what called attention to Destiny's Child, besides their obvious talent, was their one-of-a-kind fashions. Their style set them apart, yet gave the group cohesion as a similar style, color or garment was worn by all the members.

The fashion line was first introduced on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and was also featured on The Tyra Banks Show. The clothing mixes hip-hop influences, such as its use of denim, with ultrafeminine flourishes like embroidery and ruffles. In an interview with Ebony magazine Beyoncé said "I love the clothes from the '70s, my mother's clothes. I love clothes from the '40s, my grandmother's style, so elegant. We wanted to take elements from my grandmother's legacy--the beaded lace, lush colors, fine fabrics--and mix them with clothes from my mother's generation and my generation."

Often featured, such as on the back pockets of jeans, is the fleur de lis a three- branched symbol representing the iris flower and its historic linkage to the French monarchy. It also recalls the French history of Louisiana and the designers' heritage from that state. Additionally in the line's design are styles that allude to Agnèz Deréon's era, such as retro pencil skirts. It is reported that Beyoncé has an active role in the House of Deréon's design department, approving and discussing fashion designs and ideas.