Roots goes chic with Douglas Coupland designs

Douglas Coupland. Roots. Fashion. One of these things is not like the other. But, somehow, two ultra-Canadian forces have joined to make a sartorial statement of originality, and surprising chic, in the collabo Roots X Douglas Coupland.

Beautifully bearded author and multi-talent (he's an acclaimed artist, as well as a generational and national touchstone--no big deal) Coupland turned his eye to design and paired up with Roots for the brand's first-ever guest designer spot--these wares are being sold locally at a Technicolour-ed pop-up store at the Narwahl Art Projects space (680 Queen Street West) through July 25. (Some products go national at select stores after that.)

The theme of "Canada Goes Electric" has manifested itself in tech-tastic armfuls of test patterns, motherboard prints, and iconic emblems used in quirky new ways, like an emerald-green pennant emblazoned with the recycling symbol, and a shirt bearing a faded facsimile of your standard Roots letterman jacket. Socks, scarves, tees, and hoodies share space with laptop sleeves, Coupland's jolly art, and bags.

Olympic wear is so last season. Go chic. Go Canuck. Go Coupland.

Date: Until July 25th
Open: Thursday through Sunday
Hours: Thursday through Saturday, 11am-7pm, and Sunday, 12pm-6pm.

Photos by Jonathan Loek.