Pier Five Community Dinner: Volume 1 Last week, Pier Five hosted an incredible Community Dinner event at Hong Shing in Toronto, and it was nothing short of a resounding success. The event, which featured a 7-course Chinese family-style meal and a panel discussion with distinguished business owners, drew an enthusiastic crowd of creatives, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Tickets sold out quickly, and the room was buzzing with inspiring conversations and valuable insights. Being a small business owner comes with its own set of challenges, especially in times of economic uncertainty. The goal of the event was to support and encourage the small business and creative community by sharing experiences and strategies for success. The evening began with a welcome cocktail, setting the tone for a night filled with networking and camaraderie. The 7-course dinner was a delightful journey through Chinese cuisine. Each dish was a testament to Hong Shing's culinary expertise, enhancing the atmosphere of collaboration and connection among attendees. The food was paired perfectly with delicious beer and wine courtesy o f Madri Excepcional & Charton Hobbs . The highlight of the evening was the panel discussion, featuring three remarkable business owners who have recently achieved incredible success in their respective industries. Carolyn Chen, Founder of Dandylion , shared her journey of innovation and resilience. Jess Miao and Chloe Beaudoin, Co-Founders of Apricotton , captivated the audience with their entrepreneurial spirit and insights into building a brand that resonates with young consumers. Justin Veiga, Co-Founder of Lost & Found , provided valuable perspectives on navigating the challenges of the retail industry. The panel discussion was not just a monologue; it was an interactive session with a lively group Q&A. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the panelists, asking questions and seeking advice tailored to their unique business situations. This exchange of ideas and experiences fostered a sense of community and mutual support among all present. One of the key takeaways from the event was the importance of collaboration and community in overcoming challenges. The entire group emphasized this, sharing knowledge, and supporting each other, showing that the small business community can thrive even in uncertain economic times. In addition to the dinner and discussion, attendees were all connected via the Pier Five community channels post-event. This feature has allowed for continued networking and support, ensuring that the connections made during the evening can develop into lasting, beneficial relationships. The success of this event is a testament to the vibrant and resilient spirit of our small business community. Pier Five is committed to hosting more events like this, fostering an environment where entrepreneurs and creatives can learn, grow, and support each other. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this dinner event a memorable and impactful experience. We look forward to seeing you at our next gathering! If you're interested in joining the next Pier Five Community Dinner, follow us on Instagram or send us an email at community@pier-five.com !

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.

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.

Small Business Activation Grant Runner Up: Yueh Tung Restaurant Introducing Yueh Tung Restaurant, the runner up recipient of the Pier Five & Intak Printing Activation Grant! Owners: Jeanette & Joanna Liu Location: Toronto, ON Discover Yueh Tung online: Website // Instagram About Yueh Tung Restaurant Yueh Tung is Canada’s oldest Hakka Chinese restaurant, serving Toronto since 1986 from the heart of Old Chinatown. Recently, Jeanette & Joanna's parents officially handed the business over to them and they've stepped in during one of the most difficult economic climates to try to carry forward everything their parents built. They introduced Toronto city to delicacies like Chili Chicken and Manchurian Chicken and worked tirelessly for decades. Now, as second-generation owners, Jeanette & Joanna are working to preserve this legacy, reintroduce Yueh Tung to the public, and sharing the untold story of their family and culture through food, design, and storytelling. What is your vision with the grant funds and support from Pier Five & Intak Printing? Our vision with the grant funds and support from Pier Five & Intak Printing is to host a special dinner experience that brings together local customers, media, and municipal leaders to celebrate the history and heritage of Toronto’s Old Chinatown. This event will help spark renewed awareness and pride in the neighborhood we’ve been part of for decades. In addition, the grant will support a refresh of Yueh-Tung’s branding, from menus to signage, to better reflect our family story and the vibrant Chinatown community we represent. It’s an opportunity to honour our roots while inviting a new generation to connect with the culture, food, and history that define who we are. How will this grant help you realize your long term goals? This activation is a key step in our long-term vision to preserve and grow Yueh Tung, not just as a restaurant, but as a cultural landmark. We want to create a cohesive brand experience that clearly communicates who we are, where we come from, and why this place matters. The grant will allow us to reintroduce Yueh Tung to a new generation while reconnecting with longtime customers who may not know we're still here. It will help stabilize our business, strengthen community recognition, and lay the foundation for a sustainable future so we can continue sharing Hakka food, honour our parents’ legacy, and ensure this story lives on in our city. Photos supplied by Yueh Tung Restaurant, BlogTo & TorontoLife 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 !

A Conversation With Estudio Niksen Montreal-based fashion studio Estudio Niksen has been making a huge splash lately as curators and importers of some of the best international (mostly Korean & Japanese) fashion out there. Recent success has meant things are moving very quickly and as that continues, founders Andres and Gaby are mindful of moving at a pace that’s right for them and taking time to breathe. In comes Niksen, the “art of doing nothing”, a practice that the two have put at the forefront of their business to avoid burnout and ensure that they are creating a hub that fosters creativity while prioritizing wellness and inclusion. We got the chance to speak with Andres & Gaby about balancing passion and business, being a fashion label without an overt home-base, building international partnerships, how to do “baggy” the right way and of course, the art of doing nothing from their lens. You’ve spoken about the importance of finding a balance between making for yourself and making for them. How do you do this and have you found it difficult to accomplish as you grow? It’s definitely not easy. As you grow the business, it’s hard not to be swayed by the audience feedback and start thinking about what gets the most likes or engagement. A lot of people fall into the trap of creating for likes and not for yourself. We try to be very disciplined about this and try to make a habit of critically thinking about the moves we make. This is not to say that we just disregard how our audience might react to what we do but we just want to make sure that when we look at what the business has become in 5 years we aren’t too far about why we started this whole thing. How do you think about this balance from a financial perspective? Obviously we love everything we put out but we know there are products that will sustain the business and that customers will always come back for, while others that we get a little crazier with might not always sell the most but are fun for us. We obviously have to think about money but we try not to let it impact our decisions too much. Although Estudio Niksen is fairly new, you’ve both been in the design and art scene for quite a while. What made you want to go out and start your own project? Andres: I’ve always been really into Asian design and have spent a long time learning how to source pieces from countries like Korea or Japan. My friends used to start asking me to help them find pieces because they didn’t know how to find good designers out there and there was really nowhere here that you could find good and somewhat affordable stuff like that. Having been in fashion for a while I had often thought about starting my own project, mostly thinking about launching a brand, but I decided instead that my project would be curating these great pieces from around the world and bringing them to North America. I love putting people on stuff that I think is cool so this was the perfect opportunity to do this at a bigger scale. Having Gaby with me has been huge for Estudio Niksen as well. Her background is in art history and museology and she handles all the design and art direction in the homewares part of the business which is super important for the brand. What are the best and worst things about running a fashion business out of Montreal? The best thing is that it’s small so word spreads a bit more easily and everyone is super tight. I guess that can also be a bad thing though sometimes since you can get boxed into a small scene. Since we’re importing and selling domestically and internationally though, we don’t really get labeled as a “Montreal brand” but people do think it’s cool when they learn that we’re based here. We’ll sell to people in Los Angeles and they have no clue that they’re shopping on a Canadian site until they get tracking from Montreal [laughs]. It’s interesting what you say about not necessarily needing to stake your claim as a “Montreal Brand” and we can see this in how diverse all of the work you put out is. Absolutely! We have roots from all over, like I’m from Venezuela and live in Montreal and love Korean fashion. We’ve kind of found our land in this no-man's-land. Gaby is the same way. We’ll try to mix things up as much as possible with different models, different languages and different styles. Estudio Niksen is meant to be a hub for people with shared passions and diverse cultures so it doesn’t really matter where we’re based. Especially with social media and the internet, we can share things with people all over the world, no matter who they are or where they’re from. Can you talk about the process of connecting with small/independent designers around the world to bring in products for Estudio Niksen? For sure. It’s a pretty crazy experience. We’ve probably spoken to over 250 small creators around the world and bought from maybe 40 of them. We’ve learned how to communicate with them and get deals done which took some time. Really a lot of it just boils down to money overseas. If you can pay for an order, that’s what will open doors but then once we’re in, we really try to build and foster relationships with the designers. The brand's name Niksen comes from the “art of doing nothing”. Why was that important to you and the project? Andres: I’ve been an extrovert my entire life. My dad used to always tell me that I had to learn more about being with myself. I do like doing a lot but I’ve also learned to enjoy having my own time and space. A few years ago I discovered the idea of Niksen “doing nothing” and I’ve been following it ever since. I think it’s super relevant along the lines of mental health and entrepreneurship, saying that it’s ok to take time to reset and that you don’t always have to be going at full speed 24/7. Niksen flows into the products we curate as well. The clothes are comfortable and approachable and we lean on the living space designs as well to create comfort in our daily spaces. Can you give us a 5 step guide to “doing nothing”? There isn’t really a guide or one way to “do” Niksen. It’s a mindset that you practice and design for yourself over a long time. That being said, I can share some tips that might help someone looking to start. The first thing is curating an environment that you feel comfortable in alone and without distractions. That space could be your home, the park, the movies or wherever but make sure it’s someone you always feel good in and can relax in. Once you’re in your space, put your phone down, get away from the distractions and just do nothing. I know it sounds weird and it might be strange to do at first but you just need to do nothing without purpose. Niksen isn’t something you achieve. Once you find what works for you, keep at it. Practice makes perfect and overtime it will feel more comfortable and become more effective. We will definitely be trying this! Next question; can pants be too baggy? Haha, that is a great question. We definitely have some big pants on the site which we love but yes, pants can be too baggy. If you’re going to wear baggy, be intentional with it. Understand the environment that these baggy styles come from. Think about what shoes and what tops look good with baggy pants so you can get the outfit right. Overall, we’re super excited that baggy is becoming more accepted. There has always been a stigma around baggy pants, associating it with sloppiness and people always thought tighter was better. We’re glad to see more people wearing baggier clothes. It’s more comfortable and, if done right, can look really cool. So true! Lastly, what are you guys excited about next for Estudio Niksen? With covid restrictions loosening up, we’re very excited to get people together and start doing more events. We often think about how we would be able to connect with people and run the brand if Instagram or the internet didn’t exist. It’d be in person, face to face interactions. That’s what we want more of. We also have some exciting new collaborations coming up with Canadian talent before the end of the year. The first one of the batch just dropped with Wayhome which was some really cool hand sewn patchwork pieces. More stuff at that caliber is coming soon. Oh, and more wide pants [laughs]! For updates on new releases and events coming from Estudio Niksen, follow their Instagram and keep it locked to Pier Five for more interviews and stories with the coolest entrepreneurs, designers, artists, activists and more.

A Conversation With Tristan Banning Tristan Banning is a leader in spreading culture. In 2008 he founded Sidewalk Hustle, a music podcast which has since transformed Canada's premier media platform for all things music, fashion, food and art. When he's not overseeing interviews with some of the worlds leading musicians and designers, Tristan is probably cooking up the next stellar fit pic or adding to his more tan impressive collection of rare Supreme accessories. @tristanbanning // @sidewalkhustle From Ziplock bags to Oreos and ping pong paddles, you’re known to be an avid Supreme accessories collector. What are your top 5 Supreme accessories that you own or really want? LOL oh man! Well that all happened by accidentally tbh. I started collecting as kind of a reverse collector, meaning, I really like coffee, and I really like ramen (for example) so when I saw the supreme coffee mugs or the ramen noodle bowl I was like “I want that 😍😍”. So if I were to list my top 5 it would go like this (in no particular order): Honorable Mentions: Although phone cameras are essentially pocket-sized DSLR’s these days, you’re an advocate for film photography. What are 5 tips for anyone looking to shoot with film? Woof… good question. One reason I like film so much is that it’s not instant. In a world of instant gratification we want to take a picture, post it on social and get the likes right away. It spikes our endorphins and makes us happy but also makes us want more. You take a 100 pics and then pic which one you like the most from that and edit it or what have you. With film, you need to slow down. You need to consider framing, lighting and distance to subject. You need to hold still, you need to breathe. Then after that you need to wait to take the film in, develop it and then see if any of the pics worked. So you need to have confidence in yourself and what you’re doing. And sometimes it still doesn’t work out. But then at least you learned something. So my advice... Get a cheap film camera, a disposable from the local drug store and head out and shoot. Shoot. Shoot. Shoot. Then learn from your shots. If you dig the process and the outcome you can start looking for “better” cameras on eBay or in film photography groups. Enjoy the ride. It’s a pretty fun journey if you’re down. In addition to Supreme, you’re a big sneaker collector. What are 5 sneakers you couldn’t ever live without? You know the funny thing is I love sneakers and as a result I guess I’m a collector. But I don’t really identify that way because I like to wear my sneakers. So I don’t buy or keep (if gifted) sneakers I won’t wear. So my favourites are… My Nike Air Max 1 bespoke’s I made at 21 Mercer NikeLab. They are literally 1 of 1 and are my dream shoe. Atmos Elephant Air Max Adidas Ultraboost v1 or Ultra 4D v1 Yeezy 700 Waverunner Rhude Vans Old skool / Converse chuck taylor Oxfords. BUT ALSO: Anything in a low with safari print. A classic white Air Force 1 The puma Thunder Spectra Jordan 1 Low 2020’s been a crazy year. What are your 5 favourite moments in pop-culture from this past year? To me, there were 4 that stole the show... I liked when Travis Scott performed in Fortnite not because it was an amazing performance or anything but because it changed the dichotomy on how we consume entertainment. Someone (Travis?) understood where his audience is. Strangely the release of The Last Dance, The Michael Jordan documentary. For me it was cool to see the whole world, give or take, finally get to experience the magic that was Michael Jordan. To understand why he is part of the cultural lexicon. I am old, so I watched Michael play in his prime, so even I got to learn something that I didn’t know about. It was cool to see everyone talking about it together. I also really enjoyed when Post Malone did a live concert from his house that was all covers of Nirvana. For many this was probably the first time they actually heard Nirvana songs, plural. And it opened that music up to a new fan base. And it’s always nice to see artists re-interpret and interpret their influences. I also enjoyed when everyone all of a sudden started playing Animal Crossing, and you would see fashion brands making clothes for the game, record labels etc. Even my mom was playing. Who have been your 5 favourite interviews that you’ve ever conducted? In my travels and adventures I have had the chance to interview a lot of people who I respect and admire. Although I have personally taken a step away from the interviewing, I have found that I am still meeting and talking to people, a little less this year. But last year I was on a preview of an art exhibit in Brooklyn and in the preview I talked to the guy giving us the tour. He gave me a lot of insight into the art and we started talking. I came back the next day to get a tattoo from a well know Brooklyn artist, and while getting the tattoo we talked about how he ended up here. It was a fascinating story that really delved into his experience but also the experience of many around him. It was great. While he was working on my tattoo a member of the band Blink 180 showed up, I also talked to artist Shepard Fairey. So while those aren’t interviews I have had the privilege of talking to and meeting some incredible people. When I was interviewing: Travis Scott (7 years ago) Bloc Party Foals Felipe Pantone (Artist) Tinashe Mayer Hawthorne Cut Copy Finally, this is an important one for us, what are 5 tips for conducting a great interview? ...maybe we should have asked this first [laughs]. Ha! Easy. Do a little research (which you did) Actively listen Actively respond. That will make for a good interview. HOWEVER, the real trick is, if possible, try to get in there and do a little small talk with the person to help break the ice and make it more conversational. Like how a comedian as someone “warm up the room” first. Or an opening act at a concert. Do your best to make a personal connection.

A New Chapter With Jason Faustino Of Saucony There's something about empowering emerging talents that really speaks to us at Pier Five and anytime we come across others in their field who are passionate about the same thing, we are immediately drawn to them. This was the case for Saucony collaborations manager Jason Faustino who has worked for the last 17 years to create opportunities for emerging talents, whether that was in his sneaker boutique Extra Butter or on footwear collaborations at Saucony. We got the chance to chat with Jason - hot off of his collab with our good friends Raised By Wolves - to discuss his journey through the sneaker industry, his vision for collabs, business tips for sneakerheads and his outlook on the future of sneaker drops in 2023. Hey Jason, thanks for chatting with us! For those who aren’t familiar, can you tell us about yourself and your role at Saucony? For sure! l'm Jason Faustino and I lead brand collaborations across Saucony Originals and Performance. Ive been with the brand for a little over 4 years. I work on the marketing side and am very involved with product getting to do a little bit of everything. Your history in sneakers goes way back, notably co-founding Extra Butter in 2007. Can you speak about your journey in the sneaker industry from them to now? While I was in school I used to break dance a lot near this mom & pop sneaker store and started working there and was learning a ton about those brands and products. I was doing everything, from stock room management, buying and advising on marketing strategies and without even realizing it, was getting a crash course on sneakers. While I was at the shop, I learned about Magic which is this major trade show in Vegas and used my credentials from the shop to get in. I originally learned about Magic through this shop called Fruition. I told them I wanted to open my own shop one day and they really mentored me on how to build my vision and cultivate a successful brand. Fast forward to 2017 I ended up launching Extra Butter which was a movie themed sneaker store in Long Island and NYC. It turned into a pretty successful business. I found a ton of incredible brands and did lots of collabs, including some with Saucony, and then that relationship is ultimately what led to me going to work in-house at the brand. We've spoken to people at shops on the collab side but how does working on sneaker collabs in-house work? It's a lot of fun. when I started, my main responsibility was marketing and I just focused around what stories could and should be told. Once I started to get my feet wet, I spent a lot of time looking through seasonal catalogues and choosing what silhouettes I want to work with and then figuring out who I want to collab with on those silhouettes. We'll bring in the collaborators and I'll work a lot with the product team and we'll really build everything out together. I was told - and now firmly believe - that product and marketing better be in lockstep with one another to have any sort of success. It's cool though because I have freedom to create the stories that I connect with and think our audience will really love. What’s the process for building out those story for a campaign? The big thing is really thinking about what the brands stand for. A lot of people have this misconception that collaborations have to be this big crazy thing but the most important is just staying true to each brand ethos and going from there. For example, when I was at Extra Butter, we did a collab with Asics and so I really wanted to tap into the Japanese culture of Asics and blend it with the pop culture ethos of Extra Butter and tie in a favorite movie, Lost in Translation, which is how we landed on a karaoke themed collection. Once we landed on that, it was almost like method acting. I was doing a ton of karaoke, observing others do it and really immersing myself into that lifestyle and then the story built itself from there. You’re in the midst of a big collaboration with Raised By Wolves right now. How was the launch party this past weekend? It was amazing! I really wanted to give full creative freedom to Cal and the brand and they brought in some incredible talent to put the creative and party together. I'm really happy about how this all came out, from the shoes to the experience. We've noticed that a lot of recent Saucony collabs are with emerging designers or brands that are in the midst of some serious growth. Is that all intentional? For sure! I try to find those who haven't had their chance to tell their story yet. This is something I've always been about. Even back in the day with Extra Butter, we would often be a brand's first retail partner. I see it like sports and placing bets on people. We might not always know what the outcome will be on the new talent but that's why I like it so much. Somebody's gotta give that creator their first collab and I like to be that brand. I also want to be able to grow with our collaborators and go on a journey together. The emerging creatives have so much to say and Saucony can be that brand that helps people discover them and grow with them over multiple collections. What advice would you give to young sneakerheads looking to get into the industry like yourself? If you're truly about this culture, at some point realize the difference between being a consumer vs. being in the industry and follow those industry paths. Figure out what you really love about sneakers - maybe it's design, maybe it's storytelling, maybe it's sales - and pursue that. There's not a job for just loving sneakers but there are so many cool opportunities that exist that can get you very close to sneakers. Another thing... I often see people idolizing people and obsessing over 1 role model and trying to be like them but that can only get you so far. It's important to bring your own charisma and ideas to the table. With everything that's happening in sneakers and fashion, those new ideas are what will get you far, not just being the same as someone who's already made it. That's really good advice! Before we let you go, what's something in sneakers that you're excited about for 2023? It sounds strange but I feel like the sneaker game overall is a bit stale and that is exciting to me. A lot of people don't realize but some of the launches we're getting are still delayed from the pandemic and there's a lot of the same stuff which people are sick of BUT that means that we're at the point where there's room for newness and innovation and I'm excited to see what we can bring at Saucony and also what other brands bring! Now it’s time to get more exciting and innovate Make sure to check out Saucony on Instagram for updates on all of the newest collaborations and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with incredible designers and creators!

Event page for the Pier Five Athletics Club's wellness event, Winter Refresh TORONTO WINTER REFRESH Get Tickets When: March 5, 2026: 7:30 - 9:30PM Where: NRG Haus Share: Facebook WhatsApp Copy link Let's shake off that winter chill together! The Pier Five Athletics Club (PFAC) is one of Toronto's most diverse sport & wellness programs. Catering to creatives, entrepreneurs and hustlers who crave new forms of connection and a break for the daily grind, we have developed a series of events throughout the year that will show you a new side of the city and a new side of yourself that you'll love. This is PFAC's first-ever hot & cold wellness event, and we couldn't be more excited to host it at NRG Haus, a new, sober-social wellness facility in Liberty Village. Equipped with an immersive cold plunge room, group-format saunas, a tea-lounge and mocktail bar, we couldn't think of a better place to gather and get out of that winter funk together. This event includes: 2 hour wellness experience Free-flow and guided access to saunas and cold plunges A fully equipped bar of FREE non-alc drinks from our friends at Well Juices & Geez Louise Delicious healthy snacks from The Low Carb Co Complimentary wellness gifts from our friends at MARGIN DJ's keeping the vibe throughout the full event A curated crowd of creatives, entrepreneurs and wellness lovers Come ready to sweat and plunge. Wear something you can move and get wet in (recommended bathing suits). Leave your winter woes at the door. We'll see you at NRG Haus! Doors open at 7:10PM for a 7:30PM start. GET YOUR TICKETS HERE.

Pier Five’s 2024 End-of-Year Celebration Pier Five closed out the year with an unforgettable end-of-year party, bringing together our vibrant community of creatives, entrepreneurs, partners, and friends. This curated event was our way of saying thank you to everyone who made this year another memorable chapter in our story. (Swipe through the photos) The evening was alive with excitement and connection. Guests enjoyed thoughtfully crafted bites and beverages that perfectly complemented the festive atmosphere. Music, led by the talented DJ collective Mirage Collective, set the tone with an unforgettable soundtrack. The event offered space for creatives and entrepreneurs to connect, reflect on the year’s achievements, and exchange ideas, while also giving attendees a sneak peek into Pier Five’s exciting plans for the future. (Swipe through the photos) A photo booth added to the fun, allowing guests to capture memories and take home lasting mementos. Each guest also received a curated gift bag filled with special items from our generous Pier Five partners: PUMA , No Days Wasted , Gol's Noodles , Electrolit , Kuwalla Tee , Chipotle and Fit Factory . We introduced a unique station called Pier Five Power Up Cards , where guests could print personalized cards with positive prompts. These keepsakes provided uplifting messages for moments of discouragement or stress, adding a thoughtful touch to the evening. (Swipe through the photos) A standout moment of the night was honoring Jun Arnaiz, Pier Five’s DJ and videographer of the year and founder of Mirage Collective . To celebrate his contributions and support his entrepreneurial journey, Pier Five awarded Jun a grant of $555.55—a reflection of our commitment to uplifting small businesses and celebrating the passion that drives them. As we wrapped up the year, the celebration reminded us of the creativity, passion, and connections that make the Pier Five community so special. The energy and enthusiasm of the night have us inspired and excited for what’s to come. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this magical evening. Let’s continue to champion small businesses and creative entrepreneurs as we step into a new year filled with endless possibilities. Join our waitlist and follow us on Instagram for updates on all of our upcoming events in 2025!

Building Your Own Spaces With Monday Girl The job market is a complex one to navigate but if one thing is certain, it's that results won't come without effort. For Rachel Wong & Istiana Bestari, when the market wasn't giving them what they needed to find their next big opportunity, they took matters into their own hands and developed the tools they needed to succeed. Quickly identified as a solution for a major gap in the market, Rachel & Istiana launched Monday Girl, a networking, events and digital platform to help women navigate the workforce and it's been a major success ever since. Now taking their 6-year side hustle full time, we got the chance to speak to the co-founders about their journey and expert tips, from networking to brand partnerships. Read below! Today, Monday Girl has become such an empowering place for women in the workforce. What was the motivation for starting the platform? Istiana: We built the platform that we wished we had, to solve a problem that we were struggling with. When we first met, we were both fresh to Toronto. We didn't know anyone and were trying to get our foot in the door. Rachel: All these rooms that I would walk into, I just felt, wow, I'm very much like the "only", whether it's the only woman, person of colour, or both. I was not getting any shortage of advice but it was a lot of advice that wasn't applicable for myself as a young woman of colour entering the workplace for the very first time. Istiana: For me, I remember attending so many networking events and just very quickly realizing how most networking events were not designed with women in mind. Typically, they were so exhausting. They were awkward. Also, I struggled with connecting with people on LinkedIn and I remember ranting to Rachel when we first met and she felt the same way. Rachel: In that same chat, we came up with the name of Monday Girl. We came up with the next action plans, and then we split up responsibilities. We were at it. You two seem like great business partners. How have you nurtured and grown your own relationship with each other over the years? Istiana: We really are each other's biggest cheerleaders. I don't think either of us could do this by ourselves and every day we're constantly hyping each other up. I think that's really important with having a co-founder is being each other's support systems celebrating our wins together. Rachel: I remember so many times where, for example, Istiana crushes it on a call or nails a presentation and I'm always just so proud of her and it goes both ways when I do things well. We really just hear each other out and hype each other up and that's helped us be such strong business partners. At least on the outside looking in, you seem very busy. Now that you're both in this full time, how do you keep it exciting and fun and not just feeling like a job? Rachel: Every so often, we get this really amazing message from one of our members about something that Monday Girl helped them with, whether that's overcoming a really tricky job situation where they had to deal with micro-aggressions at work or hearing that they used our resources to get a job or a mentor to get a referral. All these things keeps us going. Istiana: Another thing that's really important for us in keeping this excitement and momentum is that what we decide to do is always stuff that we're excited about. We're always planning things that we would love to attend, that we want to go to ourselves, all projects that we're excited about. It definitely is very hard work but it makes it a lot easier when we're building something that we're excited about. Y ou’ve done a really good job working with some major global brands and organizations on events and content for your community. How do you approach getting partnerships like that? Rachel: The first thing I'd say is don't be afraid to get ghosted and constantly reach out. After a certain point, people will get back to you and you just have to be okay with being persistent. Cold emails still work. The second piece is show that you put some level of thought - and it doesn't have to be super comprehensive or a full proposal - into your outreach and articulate how it can help the partner achieve their KPIs. If there's a specific collection or campaign that they're putting out, and you think there's a really strong synergy, talk to that in that very first sentence. People don't have the attention span to read through a long email, so just make that your only point if you have a point. The the third piece of advice is just to keep maintaining and building and give back where you can. Even if it's not always a paid thing, support the brands when you can. I think brands really remember that and that's when they want to work long term with. That's great advice! Lastly, what's a key networking tip you have for anyone that is looking for a new job? Istiana: A lot of people think, when they're starting out, "how can I connect with the CEO of my dream company?" and you're always looking for the most senior person in the room. Later, you'll realize that the most valuable people to network with are your peers. Start with the network that you already have. Tap into the people that you already know because there's a lot of connections there, whether it's your alumni, like clubs, sports teams. Rachel: Those are the people that as you grow, they grow with you and they're going to be able and have much more bandwidth than a CEO to actually help you and connect you with those openings or those roles when they do come up. I'd also say, don't be afraid to do this in an industry agnostic way too. Sometimes we think, "I'm in fashion and I'm only going to network to people in fashion". The reality is they're probably not going to tell you something opens up because they're going to want to go for it. However, if you're networking with people in different industries, there's a little bit more of a gap, so finding open spaces like that can be helpful. Make sure to check out Monday Girl for news about their events and mentor opportunities and keep it locked to Pier Five for more conversations with small business founders.

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