We are all about supporting new and established Canadian designers, so we have partnered with the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards (CAFA) to help introduce our readers to each of the four nominees for The Menswear Designer of the Year Award at the 2024 CAFA, taking place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, in Toronto. Created to recognize and promote outstanding achievement and emerging talent in Canadian fashion, CAFA celebrates the very best in fashion every year with their namesake awards and events throughout the year.
In our second installment, we sat down and talked to Cal Green from Raised by Wolves. Founded in 2008, Raised by Wolves is a Canadian streetwear brand based in Ottawa. Rooted in graphic design, RBW has evolved into a dynamic blend of contemporary menswear, classic sportswear, and technical outerwear, all meticulously designed for Canada’s diverse climate.
What made you first decide to design a menswear collection?
I started out by designing/printing t-shirts in high school, back in 2004. I founded Raised by Wolves the summer after graduating from college in 2008 and it grew organically from there. Being a clothing designer, or a business owner for that matter, was never the dream or a goal, it just sort of happened. I studied graphic design at school, so the brand was my creative outlet and naturally it evolved into a full collection. I definitely wouldn’t consider myself a menswear designer though. RBW will most likely never make suiting and I’ve always just wanted to make clothing that anyone can wear. I would honestly prefer just to design clothing that I would wear myself and if people like it, that’s great; but that’s probably not the best approach!
If you had to describe the DNA of your brand that goes across all collections in a few words, what would it be?
RBW is a streetwear brand rooted in graphic design, but has evolved to become a blend of modern menswear, technical apparel, and classic sportswear; all designed for Canada’s diverse climate. Another cornerstone of the brand is to engage in cross-marketing collaborations and help support our local community, again through collaborations, or through non-profit/charity support. We’re a proud member of 1% for the Planet and try to give back to the community whenever possible. Our environmental and social responsibilities as a brand are always top of mind.
Where did you draw inspiration for the latest collection?
Our latest collection, Fall/Winter 2024, focuses on apparel that is equally as fitting in the city as it is on a hike. It’s cozy, functional, and well-crafted, with an emphasis on incredible materials and fit. Really, we tapped into previous releases and made improvements.
If there is one look or piece from your collection that every man needs in his closet, what would it be?
If I had to pick one look for someone (not just men) to pick up, I’d say our Black Rose Mohair Sweater, Waffle Plaid Shirt, and Corduroy Hiking Pants. All incredible pieces in their own right.
What’s your favourite part about being a fashion designer? Least favourite thing?
I wouldn’t call myself a fashion designer, or even a menswear designer for that matter; I’m just an entrepreneur who happens to design clothing! With that said, I would say that owning my own business is simultaneously the best and worst thing about my line of work. It’s incredibly rewarding, but also incredibly stressful at times.
As the world changes at a frantic pace, what do you think the role of fashion is? Or what do you think it will become?
Well first off, it is the responsibility of the apparel industry and its consumers to shift with the times, specifically regarding climate change. It’s no secret that clothing manufacturing in general is not great for the planet, but it is also essential. Fast fashion brands, like Shein and Fashion Nova though, are quite literally making trash. Honestly, the term Fast Fashion is a bit of an oxymoron, if you think about it; clothing is essential, fashion is a luxury. I hope that the apparel industry at large plays a role in being leaders of change and focuses on producing better clothing in a more earth-friendly manner. And by better I mean, designing and producing clothing that’s built to last and that people actually want to hang on to or hand down to their friends and family. I’d also love to see more brands encouraging their customers to repair their garments, either by themselves or through programs whereby the brand repairs or accepts returns to repurpose the garments they’ve already made.
Finally, what’s next for your brand?
We’re gearing up to launch our second instalment in the Alpha/Beta line, a collection focused on repurposing existing materials. We’re also in the process of opening our first official brick and mortar location in Ottawa. The space has been open to the public for special events in the past, but we will begin featuring local artists and designers in addition to the full Raised by Wolves line. Otherwise, we’re busy working on FW25 and have some very exciting collaborations in the works.
The CAFA 2024 menswear designers of the year, presented by Harry Rosen, are: By David Kollar, Raised by Wolves, SECTION 35 and Spencer Badu. The winner will be announced at the CAFA ceremony in downtown Toronto on Saturday October 19, 2024.
READ all of our interviews with the 2024 CAFA nominated menswear designers:
– Get To Know 2024 CAFA Nominated Menswear Designer: David Kollar
– Get To Know 2024 CAFA Nominated Menswear Designer: Raised by Wolves
– Get To Know 2024 CAFA Nominated Menswear Designer: Section 35
– Get To Know 2024 CAFA Nominated Menswear Designer: Spencer Badu
