Cereal Artist Where: Toronto, ON What: Designer / Artist Vivian Huang is a Toronto-based artist, inspired by sneakers and streetwear, who creates fun and functional accessories and garments using sneaker parts and other interesting materials. Vivian was one of Pier Five's first guests on the platform in 2021 and so it only felt right that she be a part of the Pier Five Creators Grant. We are lucky enough to have two amazing items from Cereal Artist for this collection, including one of her staple card holders and a never before seen side bag made from a Croc clog. Read the Pier Five interview with Cereal Artist here . Why are you excited to be a part of the grant project? I think it's great that Pier Five is creating opportunities to showcase local creatives and use that to also create opportunities for emerging artists. I am always excited to get involved with the community and this project gave me an opportunity to think out of the box on some new product concepts as well which I was excited about. Can you tell us about the pieces that you've made for the grant? For the Pier Five grant, I really wanted to create something new and unique that hasn't really been done before. For the main piece, I chose Crocs because I've never worked with that brand before and I thought it would be fun to turn it into a bag which looks great but is not what it's actually made for at all. For me, it's all about being fun and getting creative. The Card Holder is something I've done before but I always love using new sneakers and materials and the Puma Suede in green was a perfect fit for the collection. See All Designers Lookbook (Coming Soon) Shop (Coming Soon)

Behind The Curtain With Nicko Bruno Everyone’s got something to say but far fewer can actually back it up. This feeling is one that Nicko Bruno, founder of Adidem Asterisks, a Toronto based upscale brand that aims to connect music and fashion through elevated products and events, thinks about constantly. As someone who grew up addicted to fashion and its surrounding cultures, Nicko was quick to develop tastes and opinions but understood the importance of educating himself of what goes on behind the scenes to ensure that he could both develop a stronger appreciation for the works of others and also be able to speak his mind without being hypocritical. We got the chance to catch up with Nicko after the first of AA’s many pop-ups lined up for the season and talk about how he developed his always-curious mentality, how that helps him foster a strong team, what goes on behind the scenes at Adidem Asterisks and what they have in the works for 2022. Hey Nicko! Things are booming for you right now with all of the events and upcoming drops. How are you feeling? Oh man [laughs]. I’m not chilling as much as I thought I’d be able to. Things are really busy right now but it’s great. With each event, there’s always prep and post work we need to do and then it’s on to the next thing. I was doing a ton of follow ups and thanking sponsors and everything this morning and then I’m heading to a design meeting afterwards. Love to hear that there’s so much happening. What are the design meetings looking like right now? So before each meeting we decide what type of item we want to make and we all pull references so that we can go into the meeting ready to brainstorm. Miguel who runs our design team then helps coordinate the conversations and design planning. We’ll get into technical drawing and thinking about patterns, cuts, etc. What’s dope is that everyone is on Adobe illustrator sharing designs and stuff right there and we’re all going back and forth with ideas. The goal is for everyone to make five unique designs and then we all bring them together and vote. Adidem Asterisks F/W '22 Preview How do you choose which products to work on? We have a set of questions that we always ask ourselves before diving into any product like what purpose does the product serve and is it consumer facing or a brand building product? For example, a basic vest might be consumer facing and a more wild experimental piece is meant to build the brand up since it might be more memorable. We’ll also go deeper into things like “what song does the product sound like?” and thinking about the kind of vibe that the product evokes. Speaking of vibes, this is one thing that AA is not short on within its products. In addition to music which we know is a big inspiration, where do the design inspirations and ethos for the brand come from? I came into all of this as a consumer first. I’ve spent my whole life really putting a lot of thought into my outfits and understanding what looks nice. Hip-hop, basketball and street and pop culture all obviously play a big part in my inspirations but it’s really always evolving as I grow. The designs will change over time based on what we’re feeling and learning about but no matter what, the main focus is always to create great products that add value to our customers and the brand. Blog: Adidem Asterisks We heard that you have a pretty wild story about starting the brand. Can you share how that all started with your partner, X? Before I got started with X I was always super into this stuff. I remember doing an exchange program outside of Paris for school and that’s what really showed me how many opportunities and possibilities there were in this industry if you go and find them. I ended up failing out of my program because I skipped so much class to go into Paris to go to events. I remember when my mom called me and said I was going to get kicked out if I skipped more class and I literally booked a ticket right in front of her. It was my birthday and Paris fashion week. I didn’t care about school then at all I had to go [laughs] to the shows. I was doing anything I could to be a part of things, learn and build relationships. I was super driven and still am. After that, X, who I’ve been friends with forever, designed some tees for a project of his. I was going to China and he asked me to take the shirts out there and shoot them. I didn’t know anyone out there but was on a mission to get it done. I found two people at a nightclub, got them to shoot with me and it turned out pretty well. The experience was dope and I told X like “yo, let’s do this for real.” After these experiences, I knew this is what I needed to be doing and that drive hasn’t stopped. And besides shooting, you’ve learned how to do everything now like pattern making and tech packs for the brand, right? One hundred percent. I’m a firm believer that you can’t have strong opinions on stuff if you don’t know how to do it yourself. Sure, I can think things are nice or not but I can’t talk s**t or criticize if I don’t know what goes into it and haven’t done it myself. If I want to make a brand that is better than all of the others, I can’t just have ideas. I need to know how to execute. Even if I’m not making the tech packs all the time or if I’m bringing in a team to help, knowing how to do it, pump out designs and speak that language goes a long way with everyone. It allows us to do so much better work. So true! How big is the team now? It’s pretty big now which is crazy. A lot of these people were some of my oldest friends and they are all so hopeful. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to do any of this. These people keep me motivated and help me get stuff done. When there are times I’m not feeling into things, these guys bring me back up. We have also recently brought on some interns too which is a dope opportunity because it allows us to create opportunities for these super creative young people. It also helps me learn a ton about running a team which I am really appreciative of. That’s awesome. Not a lot of brands at your level are bringing in interns or opening that door for young creatives. What do you look for when hiring an intern? The biggest thing is I want them to show interest in us and take initiative. If they work hard and show that they want it, we’re going to give them every opportunity that we can. I also want to find people who know things that I don’t. Overtime, I’ll hopefully learn it because I want to know everything if I’m leading the team but that doesn’t mean I can do this alone. I heard a quote once that was “A CEO should know how to do everyone’s job, even the janitor” and I think that really resonated with me. That’s a great line. Before we let you go, what is on the roadmap for the brand and at the top of the list for things you want to accomplish? Right now nobody is getting paid and all of the money is going back into the brand so my number one goal is to pay everyone soon. Even if it’s just a little, everyone deserves it and I want to make that happen soon. I also want to hit one million in sales in 2022. I think we can do it. From a creative standpoint, I want to give the whole brand a facelift. Summer ‘22 is going to be nuts. It’s the first time we have the full team designing the collection and the storytelling is really strong so I’m pumped for that. Our brand next year is going to be insane and we’re going to keep pushing it because we’re all obsessed with new stuff. I almost get tired of things by the time they’re out but I know this new season coming up is going to be wild and will be the setting off point for the brand. Stay tuned for that! If you’re in Toronto, make sure to check out the Adidem Asterisks pop-up at Nomad until December 16th and follow the AA Instagram for more news on upcoming releases. Keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more.

Pier Five Creators Grant Lookbook Photographer: Mark Gallardo Location: Crayon Studios, Toronto View the Collection (Soon) Creators Grant Home

2023 Recipient: U Grow Girl Introducing U Grow Girl, one of the ten recipients of the Mastercard x Pier Five Small Business Fund 2023! Who: Crystal Wood & Leha Marshall Where: Kelowna, BC Instagram / Website U Grow Girl is a family-run flower farm located in Salmon Arm, BC (between Kelowna and Kamloops) that is dedicated to providing beautiful, locally grown flowers to the community. The farm grows seasonal flowers with a purpose - to support women who have survived child sexual abuse. Sales from each bouquet of flowers helps fund the "Time To Heal" clinically supervised retreat, which provides education, connection, and support needed to help survivors heal and reclaim their power. How will you use the $10,000 CAD for your business? One of the main uses for the fund is to increase the size of our “Bucket Program”, a tap-and-go flower sale service hosted in local shops that has significantly accelerated the growth of our business, by allowing customers to quickly make flower purchases on the fly. The rest of the fund would go towards infrastructure support on our Grey Water Initiative, an environmental project that helps collect and reuse water that has been used for plant growth. Finally, we would also use the funds for our website development, specifically for our online artisan marketplace that we’re excited to launch soon. What is your big goal for the future of the business? Our vision is to become the go-to of the floral industry in Canada, establishing a nationwide collective of local flower farms. We aim to make U Grow Girl synonymous with community empowerment, sustainability, and support for survivors of child sexual abuse. We will strive to expand our retreats, offering a sanctuary to countless survivors, and fostering an environment of healing and hope on a national scale. Learn more about the Mastercard & Pier Five Small Business Fund, and discover the other 2023 recipients here .

Outworking The Competition With Eric Chong of R&D As the city prepares for a big reopening, we got the chance to sit down with Eric Chong, winner of Master Chef Canada, co-host of Wok The World and owner of one of our favourite restaurants in Toronto, R&D. Eric's success started very young and he has quickly been making his ascent as one of the top chefs in Canada. While doors have been open and closed over the last two years, Eric has stayed very busy and had lots to talk about. From building a strong team, sharing some cooking secrets, giving his honest opinion on the restaurant industry and his craziest tales from the TV world, this conversation was full of gems. Read and listen below! A Family Affair "When we hire people, it's really about how they work with the team than their resume. We really build a family oriented staff. A resume is great but you really have to click with the team because we see each other more than we see our family and friends." "The only way to earn their respect, is to outwork them. I've been blessed but I've put in the work. Don't ever get complacent. Don't ever get comfortable because you'll only get to the top by pushing." All About Consistency "The hardest thing about a restaurant is consistency. If I were to cook you a dish and a cook who was just hired yesterday cooked you a dish, you shouldn't be able to tell the difference and that's a very difficult job to achieve. I have twelve scales in the restaurant...so that everything in the restaurant is exactly the same." Tips to enhance your wok game... Understand that the end result will be different at home and at the restaurant. An open flame is a must! Electric doesn't get hot enough. Make sure you get that wok smoke! Never burn your food by keeping things constantly moving. If you don't have high enough heat, you can use a cast iron. Eric's 5 Must Haves In The Kitchen MSG - Adds depth of Umami (one of the key flavour profiles). Eggs - Used in nearly everything! Rice Soup noodles - "I've been eating a ton of these. I'll make a big batch of stock and get fancy with my noodles!" Pasta - "My bolognese slaps [laughs]" Do people ever just pin you as the "Master Chef guy" and not look at all the other stuff that you're doing? There was a period in my career where I was a bit frustrated but it's what started me. It's good to have an identity. Like, I'm sure Daniel Radcliffe doesn't just want to be Harry Potter but it's better to be known for something than nothing at all. (Listen Above) "It's always a challenge to find new things to teach them [the staff]. What's beneficial at R&D is anyone who is in the back of house management role doesn't just learn how to cook...they actually learn how to manage a restaurant." What's the craziest thing that has ever happened to you on TV? (Listen Below) If you want to be a successful restauranteur, your job doesn't end when you clock out. If you're looking for a 9 to 5 job, this ain't it. If you're looking for a job where you have a good work-life balance, this ain't it. If you actually love cooking and love this industry, prove it! There's no excuse not to know how to make any dish at this point, but how to make it your own is the real challenge. Make sure to follow Eric on Instagram for news, tips and tricks to help step your kitchen game up, as well as R&D if you're ever in Toronto and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more out there.

A Conversation With Garret "GMAN" Louie of TAIKAN Photo: @whentheyfindus It’s no secret that Canada hasn't always been the hub for dope brands and culture that it is now. For decades, the space was dominated by cities like New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Paris. Garret “GMAN” Louie, a Vancouver native, has been doing his thing to change that. With over twenty-five years of experience throwing some of the best parties in the country and bringing some of the coolest skate and street brands to Canadian shops, GMAN has solidified the great north as a prominent epicenter for all things cool . As the co-founder of a top-tier streetwear and sneaker shop Livestock and owner of multiple distribution agencies, Fortune Sound music venue and TAIKAN, one of the hottest bags brands in the market, GMAN is one of those people that you need on your radar. We were lucky enough to speak with him about what he’s been working on lately and pick his brain for some tips that any creative person can apply to their hustle. Take a read through the interview below and stay tuned for a likely part two since GMAN’s stories are endless! Hey GMAN! It’s great to be chatting with you. For those who may not be familiar, can you tell us a little about yourself? Hey guys! Well first and foremost, I am a father and husband living in Vancouver, British Columbia and I love to do stuff for my community. I was a co-founder of Canadian streetwear shop Livestock and I co-own two distribution companies called Timebomb Trading Inc and FBOMB Trading Inc. A few years ago I also started TAIKAN, an essentials bag and apparel brand. Wow! You’ve got a lot going on. What do you think were the driving factors that got you so involved in this space over time? As a kid I was really into skateboarding, punk rock, rap and all that stuff. My dad had a sales agency for menswear that sold suits and ties, so I wasn’t really that interested. One day his agency brought on a more youthful surf brand which sparked some interest for me. I told my Dad I wanted to explore distribution as I had found this brand called Freshjive and wanted to import it. I ended up getting in touch with the owner & he was down and I threw a big party in Van for them. I was really able to build the brand and connect with the community. The party went super well and things just kept going from there. A number of years later I started Livestock with Garry Bone and that really led the way for all of my current ventures, spending so much time around various brands and the nightlife scene. Very cool to see you taking that initiative early on. Having worked in the distribution industry for fashion and streetwear brands for so long, what triggered the desire to start your own brand, TAIKAN? After working with brands for so long and meeting all the people behind them you really start to learn the process of developing and growing successful brands. Eventually I started to notice some gaps in what the market/retail space had and saw an opportunity to start TAIKAN to help with my own roster on the distribution side. Vancouver has become such a hub for new brands with the different seasons as there is so much good gear coming out of here. Today we have labels like Reigning Champ, Arcteryx, Lululemon, Herschel and Purple Brand. Even brands like Stussy have their creative team based out of here now. Back in the day people never even really knew where Vancouver was but all that has changed now. That makes a lot of sense when looking at it from a distribution standpoint, having one business help the other and growing them together. What was the inspiration for the brand and the bags? I have been a huge fan of our friends at Herschel’s success but my personal aesthetic is a bit more higher end and a little more Japanese influenced which is something we don’t have much of in Canada. The problem with the nice Japanese stuff is it’s very expensive so we wanted to create something that could be affordable, yet have cleaner aesthetics and be inspired by design, photography, art, music & skateboarding. Love it. We also hear that TAIKAN is set to release its first apparel collection later this month! What was the reason for expanding beyond bags and why now? We’ve done a lot with bags over the years. We’ve had some amazing collabs with brands like Pleasures, BEAMS, Soulection and SNEEZE, etc. and have gotten into a ton of amazing shops around the world. The thing with bags is, from a volume standpoint in stores, you can’t stock as much as you can with apparel. Twelve to twenty-four bags in a shop might seem like a lot, whereas for apparel, you have more options. With COVID happening and people not travelling as much, it felt like the right time to pivot to apparel. Makes sense! What’s the vibe for the apparel drop? A lot of the brands are very logo heavy so I wanted the TAIKAN assortment to be less branded and more about quality, fit and feel. We’re all about creating timeless pieces that can be in your wardrobe forever. We want this to be your favourite hoodie, your go-to cargo pant, etc. Design wise it’s a lot of basics/ staples/essentials, but we also tapped some cool artists for collabs and brought in some fun custom dyes to spice things up a bit. Basics with a twist. We’re also going seasonless and general neutral for our apparel which makes it a lot easier for stores to support, especially during COVID, and the reception has been overwhelming. Everything will start hitting shelves late August and we’re pumped for people to get their hands on it. In the meantime, make sure to check out www.taikaneverything.com and follow @taikaneverything on IG. Photo: @eligorin We’re big fans of the timeless classics! Can’t wait to check it out. You mentioned some of the awesome collabs you’ve done in the past. What are your 5 tips to execute a successful collaboration? The first thing is to really think about why you’re doing the collaboration. Don’t just collaborate for collaboration’s sake. It has to be a good fit. Tap into your relationships. It’s always more fun to collab with friends or people you know and respect. Be thoughtful with the story and design. Don’t just slap a logo on something. Make sure the collab tells a story that people can feel. Start early and be patient. Sometimes these projects can take up to a year to create but it will all be worth it. Lastly, make something that you’d want to have yourself. It will always lead to a better product and a final outcome that you are the most happy with. Bonus: There are no rules! Try new things and have fun. These are great tips! What’s one of your favourite projects that you’ve done with TAIKAN so far? We have an ongoing project called TAIKAN By that I love. Essentially we tap artists, photographers, creators, etc that we are into, send them bags and apparel and let them do their thing with it. Rather than trying to manage what they create, we let them put their spin on it and it makes for some really great content. Sometimes we can get really out of the box like our latest collaboration with Tatum Maclean ( @zeustate ) who did a Hansel and Gretel theme shoot. It turned out amazing! We’ll then also do an interview or have them choose a playlist for our site as well to really give them representation on our page. You can find Tatum Maclean’s TAIKAN BY here. That seems like a really smart way to keep things fresh. On that note, as someone who’s been in the space for decades, we’re sure you’ve seen many brands come and go. What are some key traits that you think brands need to have to stand the test of time? I actually don’t mind that brands come and go. I think that sometimes brands change to keep up with the changing times and it takes away from the authenticity of the brand. I look at a lot of brands and think, as the owners grow, how do you still continue to appeal to the new younger generations? Some brands can obviously last though. It comes down to focusing on authenticity and not letting money or extreme growth get in the way. If you think about a brand like Stussy who’s been around for thirty plus years, they had a period of time where they were in every Zumiez and that definitely diluted the brand a bit, but then they pulled out. I think people really respected it. It was a ton of lost revenue at first but the community that the brand is for really respected the move and I think that’s what has helped them be so legit. That’s a good way to look at it. I guess we don’t need everything forever. Lastly, it’s no secret that with decades of experience, you know how to throw a good party. What are 5 must haves for any GMAN certified party? Vibes are super important. If there are good vibes then everything else will follow. Sometimes you might need to spend some extra money on the best DJ or let some people in for free and give up cover to get the vibes just right. It’s worth it. You need to have dope music and the right talent for the crowd. We always try to source the best locally and also bring people from around the world. Pack up the party with the right people. No one likes an empty party. Try not to stress too much, especially when the party is going on. Just have fun. Have fun but don’t over indulge. The only way to be able to do this for many years is to have a good balance. Check out GMAN , TAIKAN and Fortune Sound on Instagram and make sure to visit TAIKAN’s website for more news on their apparel release coming at the end of August. Also don’t forget to keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more.

Dandylion Dandylion Who: Carolyn Chen Where: Toronto, ON Instagram Website How would you use the $10,000 CAD fund for your business? See All Winners

Small Business Activation Grant Pier Five and Intak Printing are teaming up to give small business owners the chance to bring their next activation to life—completely free . Through this grant, selected recipients will receive high-quality printed assets from Intak Printing and marketing, operational, and community support from Pier Five to help execute their event or brand activation. Whether it’s a pop-up shop, product launch, community event, or creative installation, this program is designed to empower small businesses with the resources they need to make an impact. Grand Prize Grays Runner Up Stimmie Runner Up Yueh Tung Restaurant Grand Prize $10,000 CAD of Custom Printed Materials - Provided by Intak Printing. This could include signage, posters, menus, packaging, wall decals or other essential assets. Operational & Marketing Support – Pier Five will help with: Connecting recipients to local vendors and suppliers Pre-activation content support (storytelling, interviews, social media features) On-site and post-event coverage for social & web content Bringing in community brand partners for in-kind product support Runner Up Prizing Two Runner-Up Prizes: $2,000 CAD credit to Intak Printing and a dedicated social content feature with Pier Five. To be eligible for the Pier Five x Intak Printing Small Business Activation Grant, applicants must meet the following criteria: Business Location: Must be a registered business operating within the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Business Registration: Must be a legally registered business in Canada (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation). Proof of registration may be required. Business Age: Must have been in operation for at least one (1) year as of the application date. Revenue Cap: Must have an annual gross revenue of under $2 million CAD. Activation Alignment: The proposed activation (e.g., pop-up shop, community event, product launch, or creative installation) must: Be feasible to execute before December 31, 2025. Align with the small business’s brand, product, or service offerings. Be open to the public or targeted toward community engagement (private corporate events do not qualify). Commitment to Execution: Recipients must actively participate in the grant program, including: Providing updates on activation progress. Engaging in pre- and post-activation content (e.g., interviews, social features). Allowing Pier Five and Intak Printing to document and share their activation journey. Exclusions: Franchises, multi-level marketing businesses, and passive investment businesses are not eligible. Businesses engaged in illegal or unethical activities will not be considered. Previous winners of a Pier Five grant within the past 12 months are ineligible. Marketing: Recipients must be following @pier.five and @intakprintingcanada on Instagram For full grant terms and conditions, click here.

Staying Curious With Patrick Stangbye Photo: Patrick Stangbye & Johannes Rummelhoff When it comes to the outdoors, there is nobody that we know more adventurous than Patrick Stangbye. Growing up in a small town in Norway, just inches away from the forest, Patrick grew up exploring the woods and the mountains and picked up snowboarding, hiking and trail running, a sport he now pursues professionally. A life outside and curiosities around product and technology led him into the fashion scene and after a number of different roles, landed Patrick the role as Brand Manager for ROA Hiking, one of the hottest brands at the moment amongst both fashion enthusiasts and hikers. We got a chance to catch up with Patrick to chat about all things sports, fashion, gear, entrepreneurship and much more. Scroll below for some of the highlights! ROA: A Hybrid Brand Oriented around the landscape. Made in the same factories as the best performance footwear. An approach to design unlike than any other. What does the Brand Manager role entail? A little bit of everything! Working with the sales team to present new collections Working with the design team on product development that strengthens the brand identity Financial planning assistance Designing campaigns with marketing Coordinating collaborations "My job is really just to make sure that the brand is always working." "I'm interested in movement. Many of my learnings are had through connecting with my friends over an activity" Buying performance gear from performance brands... "Many times fashion is moving so fast that nothing is ever tested. So, it might be that you're buying €600 trousers from a catwalk brand and the fabric is great...but it's not made to last and also nobody tested to see if that was a fabric that should be used on a trouser. But this is something you know when you buy something from a climbing brand or something related to an activity. These people needed the stuff to work for them." The convergence of performance and lifestyle... Photo: Satisfy Running On taking your fate into your own hands... "If you really want to do something, more than anything, be curious. Talk to people. Try to meet people. Try to have a conversation and be openminded. If you really want to make bags and a huge backpack brand is not going to hire you then start making your own backpacks. Buy a sewing machine and learn how to do it. Just got for it because if you believe it, I'm pretty sure you could do it." Make sure to follow Patrick on Instagram for a sneak peak into all things ROA, gear and trail running and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more out there.

Small Business Activation Grant Runner Up: Stimmie Introducing Stimmie, the runner up recipient of the Pier Five & Intak Printing Activation Grant! Founder: Steph Nightingale Location: Toronto, ON Discover Stimmie online: Website // Instagram About Stimmie Stimmie is an oral care disruptor on a mission to end single-use toothpicks and improve gum health sustainably. With deep clinical roots and strong design sensibilities, Stimmie has proven that it is solving a real need. In just one year since launch, the brand has seen traction with features in CNN, Porter Airlines, and multiple sell-throughs at "better for you" retailers across major cities such as New York and Toronto. What is your vision with the grant funds and support from Pier Five & Intak Printing? Our vision is to create a culture-forward pop-up experience in Toronto that brings the world of Stimmie to life. The grant will enable us to push the boundaries of our design and experiential assets, introducing larger-scale formats, innovative materials, and hands-on product sampling that wouldn’t be possible otherwise. This activation will drive real-time consumer testing, social media buzz, and deeper brand engagement as we continue building momentum in the market. How will this grant help you realize your long term goals? Drawing our current community to this unique pop-up experience will build brand loyalty and connect with our customers. These types of activations typically capture the attention of NEW customers which is always both a short and long term business goal. We'll be able to build our database, provide more customers with samples which we've seen as a great way to convert people into long-term customers and give them experiences that will excite them to develop social media content and drive organic awareness for our brand. Photos supplied by Stimmie Learn more about the Pier Five & Intak Printing Activation Grant and discover the other recipients here .

Toronto Community Court Day Recap: A Slam Dunk Success On Friday, September 20th, Pier Five and PUMA came together for an unforgettable 'Community Court Day' at the One Yonge Community Recreation Centre in Toronto. The event brought together 25 creative entrepreneurs and small business owners for an afternoon filled with basketball, networking, and plenty of fun. The atmosphere was electric, and the sense of community was palpable as everyone hit the court, geared up in their brand-new PUMA attire. The day kicked off with a warmup and bonding session led by renowned basketball coach Ali Nizam. This session set the tone for the day, allowing participants to connect through teamwork exercises while sharpening their on-court skills. The energy during the warmup was contagious, and the camaraderie built during this time carried through to the rest of the event. (Swipe for more photos) As the activities unfolded, attendees got to showcase their basketball skills during drills and workshops that catered to players of all levels. Whether seasoned players or first-timers, everyone gave their all and put on an impressive display of effort and athleticism. From layup lines to shooting drills, the focus was on skill-building, but the smiles and laughter on the court proved that fun was the top priority. The 5v5 games that followed were the highlight of the day, with participants channeling their inner pro-athletes while forming new friendships through sport. Before the games, teams were also challenged to come up with creative team names and cheers, which they then presented to the other teams. This activity was a lighthearted and fun way to break the ice, build team spirit, and shake off any nerves before stepping onto the court. The competition was fierce but friendly, and the sight of everyone in matching PUMA gear made for a unified, vibrant aesthetic. The event wasn’t just about basketball—it was about community, and that spirit was felt both on and off the court. (Swipe for more photos) The day finished with a roundtable discussion [summer-camp style], exchanging ideas, stories, and business insights. These moments of conversation and connection were invaluable, with new relationships blossoming and countless collaborations brewing. Pier Five’s mission of fostering connections between creative entrepreneurs was fully realized, as meaningful conversations flowed as freely as the basketballs on the court. In the end, 'Community Court Day' was more than just a day of basketball—it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and creativity. Every attendee left not only with incredible memories and new business contacts but also with the confidence that they are part of something bigger. The event was a slam dunk success, and the buzz around it will no doubt continue to inspire future gatherings of like-minded individuals. PUMA’s support ensured everyone looked and felt their best throughout the event, adding an extra layer of confidence to each step, pass, and shot. All in all, this collaboration between Pier Five and PUMA perfectly encapsulated the spirit of community and the joy of coming together. We’re already looking forward to the next one! If you're interested in getting involved on an event with Pier Five, either as a guest or a partner, follow us on Instagram or email us at community@pier-five.com !

July Guest Picks: Kicks with Mario LoConte of ThriftCon Guest: Mario LoConte , co-founder of ThriftCon 1. KidSuper x Puma Mirage Mox Forever Blue "Colm (KidSuper) is one of my good homies and one of the most genuine and creative people in fashion right now. I’ve copped at least one pair from all of his drops with Puma, but the Mirage Mox’s have seen the most wear for me. It’s not a shoe that I thought I would have gravitated to as I typically wear more toned down sneakers but this shit goes with everything in my closet [laughs]." 2. Nike SB x Carpet Company "These were one of the coolest SBs to drop this year in my opinion. I’m a sucker for small details and they really went all out on these. There are hidden hits and details everywhere. Every piece of the shoe was calculated and really thought about." 3. Jordan 4 ‘Oreos’ 1999 "These are one of the only pairs of Jordan’s that I own and wear. I pulled them out of the Goodwill bins for $2; no heel drag or anything. I couldn’t believe it. These aren’t the originals but the retro from 1999, so they still have some history to them and the quality of the leather is unmatched." 4. Spike Lee Dunks "This is another pair that I thrifted. I got these at the flea market in Denver so I call them my ‘Spike Fleas’ [laughs, also known as the poor man’s Chicago 1s. These virtually look like 1’s aside from the fat Nike hit on the heel (which I love) and they have that good wear on them, the type of shit people are trying to recreate now for the “weathered look”. 5. Madhappy x Vans "Madhappy just dropped these and they are too clean. The icy waffle sole instead of the typical gum was a crazy swap and the small embroidered details throughout and on the tongue with the hand embroidered feel are fire. I haven’t even gotten a chance to wear them yet and don’t know if I even want to because they look so nice deadstock!" Check out all of our guest picks for July here and stay tuned to Pier Five for more stories and interviews with the coolest people around.