This Toronto design studio used to operate out of a U-Haul truck

What began as a philosophical question in a high school classroom has grown into a Toronto fashion brand, boutique, and cafe called La Maison by Beyond Space.

Toronto designer and boutique owner Xavier King first developed the brand's concept as a student at Pickering High School. The idea dates back to around 2011, when an educator encouraged students to think about their futures and some of life's bigger questions.

"In that class, I just remember having this philosophical mindset and posing questions like 'what is beyond space?'" King tells blogTO. "And so that's how Beyond Space sort of formed as an early concept," he says.

Photo by: Fareen Karim

From there, King began making T-shirts, inspired by his love of hip-hop and art, eventually imagining a future where he could build his own company and clothing line. Like any other budding designer, his ambitions grew to include dressing some of his favourite artists.

But as Beyond Space took shape, King also pursued another passion: long-distance running.

A talented runner, he earned a full scholarship to study in the United States, initially attending school in Texas before transferring to the College of New Rochelle in New York.

"It was very much at two different sides of the spectrum," King says of his athletic and creative pursuits. Today, however, those worlds have started to come full circle because King continues to channel his love for running into his pieces; athleisure clothing has always been part of his collections.

Photo by: Fareen Karim

Reflecting on his more than decade-long journey, King comes to an interesting realization: the meaning behind Beyond Space has evolved over the years.

While the name began as a question King posed in high school, he now sees the answer through a more spiritual lens, admitting his brand's identity is rooted in his spiritual journey.

So what is Beyond Space today? "It's God," King says confidently. "It's also for people who are creating and moving through their own journeys, whatever that may be." 

Although King has always had a clear vision for the brand, building Beyond Space has meant finding unconventional ways to put it in front of people.

He first sold his clothes at a benefit concert at his high school. From there, he figured it would be a good idea to sell them right out of his high school locker.

Photo by: Fareen Karim

"Facebook was the most popular platform back then," he recalls. "So, we would host lunchtime pop-ups at my locker and post online to get people to shop." 

Was that allowed? "No, I don't think so," King laughs.

Did he get away with it? Yes. Plus, some sales.

And this out-of-the-box approach, including a mobile bike pop-up, continued as the brand grew, almost becoming synonymous with Beyond Space and its operating style. One of the more memorable ideas involved a U-Haul truck, which King transformed into a mobile retail experience.

Photo by: Beyond Space

The concept came from his work on commercial productions, where he was using trucks to transport equipment and build out sets. King says being on set made him understand that "these trucks are way more useful than stacking them with things." 

So the lightbulb switched on again.

King began mapping out popular spots around Toronto, including Trinity Bellwoods, Yorkville, and Queen Street West, and created an online schedule for his mobile pop-ups. He outfitted the truck with lights and music, turning it into an interactive installation rather than simply a place to purchase clothes.

And eventually, those unconventional retail experiences led to something more permanent. Last year, King and his wife, whom he calls his "biggest pillar of support," opened their first store, La Maison by Beyond Space, in Toronto's east end.

Photo by: Fareen Karim

The concept itself has roots in the home he shared with his wife and brother after returning from school in 2016. "My home was like a hybrid of my business," King remembers fondly.

That experience eventually inspired La Maison by Beyond Space, which combines fashion with hospitality through an in-store cafe.

King said the cafe was designed to recreate the feeling of the kitchen and living room environment he had at home, and gives people another reason to come inside, even if they aren't necessarily shopping for clothing.

Photo by: Fareen Karim

"It's a good way to bridge the gap for people who aren't fully fashion-forward," he says.

For now, King is essentially running the entire operation himself. "It's me as a barista, a sales associate, the seamstress, and the designer," King laughs. But that, along with the rising costs of running a business in Toronto, doesn't faze the fashion enthusiast.

Although inflation has made things difficult, and he has fallen behind on rent at times, the duo ultimately pushes forward. "There's been blood, sweat, and tears," King admits.

But the last year has also come with silver linings, including an unexpected visit from Canadian actress Kathleen Munroe, who purchased around $3,000 worth of clothing while the business was three months behind on rent.

Photo by: Fareen Karim

"There's been moments like that, and we've just been believing, and sticking to it." King has also opened the space up for events and made it available for others to rent, all while continuing to develop the concept.

And as for the future? His ambitions extend beyond Toronto. "All roads lead to Paris," he says with a smile. "That's where the industry is right now." 

As he tries to get his footing in the international fashion space, he continues to spread the word about Toronto's creative community whenever he can. "There should be more awareness for creators in a city like this, especially in the fashion scene, because there are a lot of talented people," King says.

"I think we all have a very strong potential, and if we continue to grow and get our stories out there, I'm excited to see what we can do."

La Maison by Beyond Space, which offers customers a niche selection of apparel and footwear, is open Monday through Saturday and is located at 349 Jones Ave.