Toronto-Based Fashion Designer Adam X Discusses Inspiration, Retail and Designing for the Future [Video Interview]

Date:

Share post:

Craig and Adam X., Founder and Creative Director at Adam X Atelier, discuss the foundation and philosophy behind his designs, highlighting his multicultural background and his passion for art and fashion. Adam’s journey began with foundational courses at George Brown College and styling at Ryerson University, leading him to discover the communicative power of fashion. Adam discusses his approach to designing garments that enhance the wearer’s beauty through meticulous draping, tailoring, and attention to detail, using various materials and inspirations ranging from movies to nature.

Adam discussed his creative process, from the emotional drive behind his collections to the meticulous steps of bringing a concept to life. He recounts a personal story that inspired the “Some Beings” collection, demonstrating how emotional narratives and experiences shape his work. The discussion transitions into Adam’s focus on womenswear, his experiences with retail and direct-to-consumer engagement, and the expansion of his brand into U.S. markets. Adam highlights the importance of reaching customers across all platforms and the ongoing effort to introduce ready-to-wear collections.

The interview concludes with reflections on the challenges and opportunities within the Canadian fashion industry, the importance of collaboration among designers, boutiques, and other industry participants, and advice for emerging designers. Adam emphasizes the transformative power of fashion, its ability to communicate, and the need for a supportive community and infrastructure to nurture Canadian talent.

Episode Sponsor: 

  • SAJO – Canada’s first specialized retail builder. Visit SAJO to see their holistic approach and transdisciplinary team to explore and understand your needs.

The Interview Series video podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available through our Retail Insider YouTube Channel where you can subscribe and be notified when new video episodes are available.

If you prefer to listen to the audio version, it is available below:

The Interview Series audio podcasts by Retail Insider Canada are available on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, TuneIn, Google Play, or through our dedicated RSS feed for Overcast and other podcast players. Also check out our The Weekly audio podcast where Craig and Lee discuss popular content published on Retail Insider which is part of the The Retail Insider Podcast Network.

Subscribe, Rate, and Review our Retail Insider Podcast!

Follow Craig:

Follow Retail Insider:

Listen & Subscribe:

Share your thoughts!

Drop us a line at Craig@Retail-Insider.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show!

Background Music Credit: Hard Boiled Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com). Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

RELATED ARTICLES

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Subscribe

* indicates required

RECENT articles

Calgary Winter Market to open at Eau Claire Plaza Nov. 19

Calgary’s inaugural Winter Market will feature more than 35 wooden chalets, a heated Brauhaus tent, live entertainment and seasonal activities through Dec. 24.

Kamik relaunches brand with focus on Canadian heritage and bad-weather footwear (Video)

Quebec-based bootmaker Kamik is repositioning its brand around bad-weather footwear, introducing new product categories and a campaign highlighting its Canadian manufacturing heritage.

Montréal holiday markets expect nearly one million visitors as Enchanted Circuit expands

Montréal's Enchanted Circuit returns Nov. 13 with three holiday markets, more than 100 local artisans, 35 food vendors and 300 free activities.

Harnois Énergies adds parcel pickup and return services at more than 100 Proxi stores

Harnois Énergies has partnered with Penguin Pickup and Purolator to offer parcel collection and returns at more than 100 Proxi convenience stores across Eastern Canada.

Pursuit to renovate Jasper’s Lobstick Lodge in hotel transformation

Pursuit plans to renovate Jasper’s Lobstick Lodge, adding updated guestrooms, redesigned dining and gathering spaces, and a refreshed pool, with reopening beginning in summer 2027.

From The Desk: Reimagining Retail Real Estate and Navigating Labour Challenges in Canadian Retail

Canadian retail real estate adapts by repurposing large spaces while labour market losses pressure retailers during a pivotal transition period.

Walmart Canada Opens Holiday Pop-Up in Historic Downtown Toronto Building

Walmart Canada has opened a three-day holiday pop-up at 2 Queen Street West in downtown Toronto, featuring themed merchandise displays and complimentary Santa photography. The activation follows an October fashion pop-up, while holiday windows remain until November 27.

Canadian Jewellery Brand Steff Eleoff Opens New York Pop-Up with Shopify

Toronto-based jewellery brand STEFF ELEOFF has opened a three-day pop-up at Shopify's SoHo space in New York City, running November 6–8, 2026, following recent retail activations with Holt Renfrew in Canada.

Retail Insider “Q3 2026 Consumer Behaviour / Retail Economy Report”: Loyal Shoppers Become More Selective

Canadian consumers kept spending in Q3, but household finances and purchasing decisions diverged. Retail Insider’s report examines why transactions, availability and basket composition matter alongside headline sales.

Winnipeg retail market attracting major new brands to CF Polo Park: GM interview

CF Polo Park is preparing for a T&T Supermarket in 2028 as the Winnipeg shopping centre adds new retailers, expands existing stores and reports strong sales and traffic.

Giorgio Armani Opens Only Standalone Canadian Boutique and First Armani/Caffè at Oakridge Park

Giorgio Armani has opened its only standalone Canadian boutique and the country's first Armani/Caffè at Vancouver's Oakridge Park. Amachris constructed the boutique and café, while DWSV Realty handled the leasing transaction.

Holt Renfrew Vancouver Sees Luxury Boutique Shakeup as Brands Arrive, Relocate and Depart

Gentle Monster opened at Holt Renfrew Vancouver on October 30 with an installation of three moving sculptural heads. The opening comes as Brunello Cucinelli relocates its women's boutique and Tiffany & Co. and Loewe shift their Vancouver retail presence.

CF Chinook Centre prepares new retail announcements as major leasing deals advance

Calgary’s CF Chinook Centre is nearing new retail deals for its former Hudson’s Bay space while advancing plans for the former Saks and Nordstrom locations.

The Magnum Ice Cream Company Launches Yasso Frozen Greek Yogurt Brand in Canada

The Magnum Ice Cream Company brings Yasso frozen Greek yogurt to Canada, launching four products exclusively at Loblaw ahead of a nationwide expansion in 2027.

Canadian employment holds steady in October as wholesale and retail trade shed 29,000 jobs: Statistics Canada

Statistics Canada reports a 1 per cent monthly decline in wholesale and retail trade employment in October, while the national unemployment rate edged up to 6.7 per cent.

CFIB Criticizes Federal Budget 2026 for Failing to Deliver Tax Relief and Tariff Support for Small Businesses

CFIB calls Budget 2026 a disappointment for small businesses, while Restaurants Canada highlights investment incentives, tax simplification and affordability measures that could benefit the restaurant industry.

Cineplex reports record $440.2M quarterly revenue as adjusted EBITDA more than doubles

Cineplex posted record third-quarter revenue and box office sales in 2026, while reporting stronger cash flow and launching a strategic review that includes a potential sale of the company.

Sephora to Reach 150 Canadian Stores as Prestige Beauty Competition Intensifies

Sephora will open its 150th Canadian store in Oakville on November 13 as it expands into neighbourhood retail, adds luxury skincare brands and faces growing competition from Shoppers Drug Mart.

Canada Goose Faces Deeper Comparable Sales Declines as Winter Shoppers Delay Purchases

Canada Goose reported a 7.5% decline in comparable sales during its second fiscal quarter, with weakness continuing into October as warmer weather delayed winter apparel purchases. Canadian sales held steady while gross margins improved.

Daily Synopsis: November 5, 2026

Crombie acquires 13 Ontario retail properties, FreshCo opens first Vancouver store, SportChek closes second Vancouver store, Flying Tiger opening more Ontario stores, Victoria's Market Square comes to market, and other news.