Strathcona is known for its unique and varied prints and patterns.
Strathcona Stockings originally launched in 2010 as a collection of limited edition printed socks featuring original works — painted, collaged, photographed or drawn — by artist founder Ryley O'Byrne. “Strathcona Weekend Leisure,” the subsequent Ready-to-Wear Line, launched in 2016 as a capsule collection of simple silhouetted garments which were entirely hand made at the Strathcona studio in Canada using custom printed 100% silk.
Strathcona’s newest project, the Temporary Utopia F L O W E R S H O P in Roberts Creek, Canada, is the physical and conceptual home to various other experiments — including a collection of simple cotton garments and basic swimwear and active wear. These items are responsibly made-to-order outside of the studio, allowing them to be vastly more affordable than the silks collection. The Temporary Utopia F L O W E R S H O P also hosts events, readings, and general good times. We think of it as a sort of club house. :)
Meanwhile we continue to make the occasional one of a kind garments at the studio in Canada, using custom silks and other unique and vintage fabrics.
Strathcona is honoured to have been featured on Vogue.com, Another Magazine's Stuff We Love, StyleBubble, Vogue Italia, Vogue Australia, New York Magazine, W Magazine, Elle Mexico, Bullett Magazine, Dossier, Harpers Bazzar, Elle UK, Cool Hunting, Nylon Magazine, Fashion Magazine, among other notable magazines and blogs. Our products can be found on-line and in select boutiques worldwide.
Strathcona is committed to quality and we aim for full customer satisfaction (see Shipping and Returns for details) but please keep in mind Strathcona is a very, very small team. Our desire and mission is to create beautiful and well made objects and clothes. We are not, in any way, fast fashion, we are very thoroughly slow fashion. If you are in a rush, we will absolutely try to accommodate you and your needs, but keep in mind that our strength is not pace. Thank you for understanding this and respecting our work and vision.
TESTIMONIALS
"It's pretty much a case of me staring wistfully at Strathcona's curious array of imagery on their website and addictive Tumblr... their tropical florals and foliage printed socks are the exact missing components in my plan... Let's hope Strathcona comes back soon from their otherworldly travels to bring us more delightful ways to cover up my mosqito ravaged and goosebump-marked legs."
Susie Bubble, stylebubble.co.uk
"Using a variety of methods to create and inform her designs, O’Byrne’s artistic process is as interesting as the outcome is beautiful... A pioneer brand in the printed stockings and socks industry, the evolving product line presents the best in new prints for men, women, and children."
Costume designer and stylist, Katina Danabassis
"In an era of fast fashion, copycat designs, and the dizzying pace of trends cycling from hot to not, Strathcona Stockings refreshingly combines a unique, modern aesthetic with an old-fashioned commitment to craft and quality."
Sad Magazine, Michelle Reid Cyca
"Strathcona Stockings are at once a reflection of this ethereal Canadian landscape and founder Ryley O'Byrne's distinct artistic vision."
Cool Hunting
"With a knee-socked empire that now includes... an art-cult following… Strathcona Stockings' designer Ryley O'Byrne is taking a sartorial staple to new style heights."
Flare Magazine, Heidi Sopinka
"O'Byrne[’s]… line of brightly colored socks printed with original images of fruit, birds, and botanicals... are the perfect foil for the current round of cropped trousers. Not that the trend-conscious are her only fans: Her customers range from 'elderly men to sock-obsessed professionals to cool fashiony people.'"
W Magazine, Nancy MacDonell
"Each pair of stockings is a beautiful work of art."
Fashion Magazine, Emilia Miranda Idiens
"There's a[n] orgy happening in my loafers right now and I couldn't be happier about it. The means of this rare and life-affirming event is a pair of socks... equal parts luxury item, technological marvel and wearable art."
The Globe and Mail, Jeremy Freed