Chris Casuga is the owner of CNTRBND, one of Canada's premier boutiques for luxury street fashion. CNTRBND has 5 locations in Vancouver and Toronto and carries designer brands such as Raf Simons, Maison Margiela, Dries Van Noten and A-Cold-Wall. Casuga is also the owner of Off-White Toronto.
What are 5 of your favourite brands in the shop right now?
I love the new brands coming for FW20 but my favourites are Dries Van Noten, Raf Simons, Maison Margiela, Readymade, Undercover.
Who are 5 artists you're playing a lot in the shop right now?
Definitely a lot of PARTYNEXTDOOR, Blood Orange, Young Troy, Aminé and Pusha T.
What are 5 of your favourite trends that you're seeing from brands for FW20?
Very into wide leg pants, puffer jackets, bold colours, layering and less all over logos.
Can you share 5 tips for surviving COVID-19 as a retailer?
I think it's very important to minimize fixed expenses and focus more on your online presence while doors are closed. Then, when the shops are open, create a safe and welcoming store atmosphere for customers, motivate sales staff and BE POSITIVE!
What's in the rotation these days? Perhaps your 5 favourite pieces?
My LV sneakers, Raf Simons cord bootcut pants, ALYX constructed shell jacket, UNDERCOVER wide leg dress pants and of course, a CNTRBND Toronto Hoodie.
Any final thoughts on things before we go?
Things are definitely tough right now with the amount of stores closing and also not being able to do in store events. It's hard to find excitement in retail right now which were, in the past, created by large crowds/customers but we're hopeful that things can get better. Just need to take it one day at a time!