Founder's Letter
A Personal Note—And a 2018 Announcement
Work only works when life works. And when life isn’t working, you need a support team. Our co-founders share a personal story about their dad’s passing, and reveal the details behind Poppy Barley’s Southgate Flagship move.
The Read
The Gift of Time: The Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute
Our Director of Content shares how the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute, Poppy Barley’s Q1 charity partner, saved her dad’s life—twice—and continues to change her own.
The Conversation
In Her Shoes: Brittni Jessie, Leon Bridges
Last August, we met Brittni Jessie while she was headlining with Leon Bridges at EFMF. Here, she talks travel, music, and why—when it comes to great style—less is more: “You don’t need a lot of instruments to make a great song.”
The Look
Everyday Luxury With Fine Artist Giselle Denis
Providing the near-hypnotic paintings for our Spring 2018 campaign—and Flagship—performance painter Giselle Denis tells us the meaning of “everyday luxury”.
Founder's Letter
When Happiness Drives Success
Almost 5 years into business, a new flagship store, and a new baby on the way, our co-founder, Kendall, believes that time is moving just the way it should.
The Product
Dissecting Our Fall 2017 Collection
Inspired by Paris in the Fall, and demanding luxury basics that elevate daily life, our co-founder, Justine, breaks down our Fall 2017 Collection.
The Read
24 Hours with Poppy Barley’s Mexico Operations Manager
From morning to night, Laura—Poppy Barley’s Mexico Operations Manager—outlines a typical day in the business of shoemaking in León, Mexico.
The Tutorial
How To Work At Poppy Barley
Without great people to make ideas happen, businesses fail. From fans to employees, from a quick Skype interview to a 3-year courting process, here’s how some of our team members got their start at Poppy Barley.
The Look
Go Inside #PoppyBarleySouthgate
This Fall, we opened the Poppy Barley Flagship at Southgate Centre, one of the top malls in Canada. Here, we talk budget, process and share the end result.
Founder's Letter
Year Over. Here’s Where Our Headspace Is At
Looking ahead to 2017, we need a little more “I can’t sleep at night”. Magic happens outside of comfort zones. It’s time to take more risks, push more limits and get back to “re-thinking” our industry.
The Wanderer
#PoppyBarleyPassport: Poppy Barley Around the World
See our interactive social map of all the places you brought your Poppy Barley shoes in 2016—and all the accessories we designed to go with it!
Founder's Letter
How Becoming a Mom Changed Me—and My Company
“Sometimes when you can’t work harder, you have to work smarter.” Justine reflects on early motherhood and running a business.
The Read
Best of 2016
Justine had a baby. Kendall bought a house. Caroline got married. Monica got engaged. Marina completed her degree. New jobs, and lots of travel. Here are the special moments we’ll be carrying into 2017, and for some, into forever.
Founder's Letter
An Open Letter to the Canadian Fashion Industry
The end of Toronto Fashion Week, the shrinking staff at fashion magazines, the rise (and fall?) of influencers, and a stretched economy. When it comes to Canadian fashion, our co-founder asks the question, “Are we crazy to try and stay?”
The Product
Here’s What Ethical Manufacturing Means at Poppy Barley
Behind everything you wear, including your shoes, is a person with a sewing machine. Here, our co-founder, Justine, shares our approach to screening our suppliers and factories.
The Wanderer
Fashion in the Middle East: Traveling (Far) For Work
Photographer Tina Chang travels from Edmonton to Abu Dhabi in pursuit of fashion. She returns with a big portfolio, and an even bigger perspective on life.
The Conversation
In His Shoes: Daniel Braun @TresCarnales
From the co-owner of Tres Carnales and Rostizados, find out Daniel Braun’s approach to dining, what life is really like in the Shoe Capital of the World, and the Mexican cure to a hangover.
The Look
What to Wear With Those Ankle Boots: Meet Stylist Kara Chomistek
Biomedical engineer, turned fashion stylist, turned entrepreneur. Kara Chomistek tells us how she’s pushing the fashion industry in Canada (and, perhaps equally important, how to style up those Poppy Barley ankle boots).