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).
The Conversation
In Her Shoes: Erica Wark @EricaOnFashion
When someone yells at us on the street and fires us a hand symbol, it’s not always awesome. For Erica Wark, awesome is the only way to describe it. Meet The Social CTV’s resident stylist and find out what Poppy Barley shoe she loves.
The Read
Designer Nicole Bridger Discusses the “Grey” of Ethical Fashion
“I believe that all change starts with conversation.” Here, Poppy Barley co-founder Kendall Barber has an imperfect conversation with Nicole Bridger about ethical fashion and manufacturing. Watch.
Founder's Letter
Show Us Your Shoes
When I was a teenager, my gym teacher had a sign on her door that said “Show Me Your Friends. I’ll Show You Your Future”. If there’s truth to this statement, Poppy Barley has a cool, smart future. In this issue, we chat dress codes, work and life with friends of Poppy Barley.
The Read
What It’s Like to Work As a Stylist in Canada
Toronto-based personal + celebrity stylist Talia Brown real-talks about breaking into the Canadian fashion industry. Plus: Why she chose the Heeled Mule from Poppy Barley’s SS16 Collection.
The Conversation
In His Shoes: Ryan Oland
We steal time from an Emergency Doctor with very little time to find out what it’s like working 80-hr weeks, and how he decompresses from it all. Take a walk in Ryan Oland’s shoes.
The Tutorial
Berry Confetti-Inspired Makeup with Lux Beauty
Get the Look: As we launch our next limited edition Berry Confetti leather, we asked Lux Beauty Boutique to create a berry-inspired look for summer.
The Wanderer
Landscape and Entrepreneurship in Iceland
Daelan Wood, Poppy Barley’s developer, takes a 10-day trip to Iceland with Gather Media Co. to play with drones and explore entrepreneurship in one of the most breathtaking countries on the planet. Watch, look and read.
The Fit
Women’s Shoes For Wide Feet
Amy Tan, an academic family physician and an avid Poppy Barley fan, tells us why, after a terrible car accident and a lifelong struggle to find shoes size 9.5 wide, her Poppy Barley wardrobe continues to grow.
The Look
Lawyer Style vs. Startup Style
From a corporate office to a co-working space, Connor, a lawyer, and Warren, a community manager, compare style notes. One thing they do have in common? Their Poppy Barley Men’s shoes.