Handsome is as Handsome Does
Erin May Kembel is the EMK behind EMK Clothing, known for her Canadian-made seasonal collections and essentials available at retailers across the country, online and at her West Broadway studio boutique on Sherbrook Street.
Customers have been asking for a men’s line over the last few years, said Kembel, but it has been a matter of finding time among producing other collections, including a children’s line introduced earlier this year.
“I’ve made men’s clothing before,” said Kembel, who has been sewing since she was in junior high. She’s made clothes for brother, Steve, who is both muse and model for the men’s line. The pieces in the line are named for the real life guys, including Kembel’s brother, partner and her dad.
She wanted to keep the collection small and centred on a few key pieces. “They’re basics, versatile and comfortable, made with high quality fabric and interesting details.” The fabrics include French terry, a comfortable light-weight, material, fleece and rayon jersey.
The new line also offered an opportunity to partner with the Men’s Resource Centre. They will be donating 50% of the proceeds of Jay hoodies sold since the October launch through to Christmas Day. The resource centre provides support and therapy services to men who have experienced trauma and stressors in their lives including, childhood sexual abuse and intimate partner/family violence.
“It’s a chance to raise awareness about what they do,” said Kembel.
Since the line launched, it’s been “so far, so good!” said Kembel, who said she will take a closer look after the holidays to see what direction to take the line next. It is currently available online and in-store, while the women’s lines are popping up at shows and markets throughout the holiday season.
All photos by Claudine Gervais
