Location: 939 Bloor Street West
Phone number:
Hours: Mon-Thurs:12pm-6pm/Fri-Sat:12pm-7pm/Sun 12-5
Payment methods: cash, Visa
Directions: Ossington station (on the Bloor-Danforth line) exit the
station at Delaware Ave. Walk west on Bloor.

On Bloor Street, past the Annex, Koreatown and Christie Pits, you will hit a part of town that has yet to “hit”. The area feels unprocessed and very functional. It has recently received a new Shoppers Drug Mart but has yet to trade in its Coffee Time for a Starbucks. Here’s where you’ll find Freedom Clothing.

Freedom Clothing is an oasis of arts and crafts in an otherwise practical block. It has stood its ground there for three years now. The Freedom Clothing Collective (made up of about eight members) all began as a Ryerson University project and found its home when one of the member’s uncles offered them the space. It has since been fully renovated and now sports clean white walls, hardwood floors and an urban cottage boutique feel. Freedom could easily be located on Dalhousie in Ottawa or St. Laurent in Montreal.

The earthy decor represents the mindset of the business. All of the products are sweatshop-free, form the independent/local market and truly do allow the shopper to enjoy responsible consumption. Freedom exerts influence beyond the shop’s four walls as they are involved in community projects and are being awarded “green credits” (from Cool Action) based on sustainable business practices. Teaming up with their next-door neighbors, the Concord Café, Freedom has been able to expand from clothing to hosting arts, music and community events.

The merchandise is crafty and Canadian. Accessibility and DIY best describe the shop. Many of the items they carry are exclusive to the store as the designers are local craftspersons. Some of the highlights include Nicholas Di Genova’s “Time to Chew” art book and Beata Dirycz’s line of women’s clothing. The store has a nice collection of vintage shoes and also a smattering of vintage clothing.

The atmosphere is laid back, studio-like and the staff is not sales driven. The prices are reasonable but not rock bottom; a hand made Beata Dirycz casual dress will run you about $80. Women’s shirts are about $35, jewelry is in the under-$50 range with some very cute pieces for as little as $10. The shop is small and the amount of merchandise is restricted by its size. Despite the fact that the men’s clothing selection is very limited, great local designer tees (Robotpilot $35) are one of the shops highlights. Above all, it is a wonderful place to pick up local zines and other independent literature; admittedly this is what I walked out with a stack of.

profile by Vanessa Vanzieleghem
photography by Melissa Kuril