Toronto is Canada’s largest (and still growing) metropolis and is internationally recognized as a creative hub for artists of many genres. The diversity of cultures, scenic landscapes, and ever-adapting urban environment is what makes Toronto one of the most appealing cities in the Great White North. Toronto is a city where talent explodes from every fashion, music, dance, and art scene - it's the Canadian city to watch under your radar. Over the next couple of years, as the last of the baby boomers retires, the younger generations from Gen X to Millennials will be occupying most of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is also predicted that by 2030, Toronto and GTA will rank as a megacity - a megalopolis.
Graffiti Alley is an outdoor public gallery that stretches for about 1km, showcasing graffiti ‘mural’ art.
Kensington Market is a district in Toronto famous for its bohemian vibe with cozy cafes, farmer’s markets and vintage shops which make it a must-visit for tourists, but also a popular destination for locals who enjoy spending the day bargain hunting or simply for a walk.
Toronto’s urban lifestyle is undeniably influenced by its multicultural surrounding and the intersection of the two most powerful industries - music and fashion. Other Canadian metropolitan cities such as Montreal and Vancouver have also been influenced by these industries, but Toronto in particular has been thriving thanks to its local hip-hop and rap scene. The parallel between streetwear and hip-hop gives the idea that fashion creates a sense of community; this is the main concept of these brands and remains the heart and soul of some of these Toronto designers.
OVO: Fashion, Music and Sports Collide
When speaking of the Toronto rap scene it is hard not to mention Drake. As a Toronto native, he built his own brand OVO (October’s Very Own), music label, fashion brand, and in recent years has collaborated with the NBA Toronto Raptors team. As their brand ambassador, Drake and his creative team designed many of the team's jerseys and merchandise. He also collaborated with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, Nike, and most recently, in support of Beirut - the Cedar Collection, with all proceeds going to the Lebanese Red Cross.
These two Toronto-based brands released special collections to raise money for Black Lives Matter Canada and people affected by the pandemic.
The sense of community is at the core of this metropolis, and it is this cultural awareness, diversity and freedom of expression that contributes to the city’s growing number of residents. In the near future, it will be clear to understand how Toronto will become Canada’s first megalopolis.
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