By FAJO’s editorial team

Photography courtesy of Runway Crush

On July 3, 2013, Runway Crush, the newest, exclusively-Canadian fashion online retailer, became digitally available to trendsetters, fashion gurus and enthusiasts alike. The site allows visits to shop local emerging and veteran designers and operates like a digital shopping mall. It houses local talent, bringing them to the retail forefront.

Items available range from couture and day-to-day outfits to jewelry and accessories. There are also many hand-made, one-of-a-kind pieces.

“Our goal was to create an innovative, user-friendly online experience, where fashionistas can shop amazing Canadian designers that were under the radar until now,” says Julia Leitch-Church, website’s founder.

“What’s truly unique is that Runway Crush acts as a one-stop shop, fashion retail hub for consumers and benefits all designers – fresh out the gate or those who have been in the field for a while – who need an additional avenue to grow on a larger scale.”

Today, FAJO shines a spotlight on five designers from Runway Crush who are based all across the country!

Designer: Kristal Viñas Jewelry Design by Kristal Viñas

Location: Vancouver, British Columbia

Description: Limited series of unique jewelry with contemporary, elegant and bold designs. Kristal Viñas is handmade in B.C., using high-quality materials, including 24-karat gold-plated brass, gold, sterling or fine silver, platinum and mixed media –following the highest jewelry industry standards.

Designer: Fehu Leather by Freyja Ulveland

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Description: Specializes in leather accessories, such as unique cuffs and belts. Freyja’s inspiration comes from lost parts of forests: organic shapes and earthy colours brought together by leather and other animal fibres, including quills, hair, wool and bone, accented with crystals, gems, stones, beads and metal.

Designer: Couture Neckties by LEELA

Location: Calgary, Alberta

Description: Hand sewn in Canada and individually made for each customer. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and constructed from the finest quality of natural fibers in cotton, linen, denim, wool or flannel. The line consists of ties, neck scarves, custom bowties and pocket squares. The quality of each piece begins on the inside with 100 per cent wool canvas, and 100 per cent cotton interfacing imported from London, England.

Designer: Ariel Fu by Ariel Fu

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Description: Designed with passion; dressed with love. Made for women on the go, these designs are versatile and can be transformed from business chic to cocktail party, so ladies can go straight from the office to a night on the town. Custom tailoring available.

Designer: Iman Nakhala by Iman Nakhala

Location: Montréal, Quebec

Description: Simple designs filled with intricate details and strong workmanship. Inspired by her many travels and diverse cultural background, Nakhala uses a variety of vibrant and exotic materials on the body, like paint on a canvas. Fabrics play a vital role in influencing each design. From deep and rich solids to classic blacks and delicate patterns, she captures the essence of each material to create lines that are sophisticated and unique.