The denim world can be overwhelming if you don’t know your way around. But there’s also an ugly side to the industry that isn’t addressed as much as it should be: how manufacturing denim affects the environment. For 11 years, Lileo has been a key denim outpost in Toronto not only because of its keen fashion eye, but also due to the philosophy of co-owner Arlene Pastor. 

“Our clothes are environmentally and socially conscious, yes, but it has to also be totally cool and very fashionable,” says Pastor. “Our products are not mass-produced. They are done by hand and with the finest materials in the world.”

If you’ve never been to Lileo before, you may scoff at the price points. But it’s all about knowing what you’re paying for. Mostly everything in this store is limited edition and handmade. Dyed jeans are made with natural dyes and natural cottons, rather than synthetics that harm the environment.

For example, you'll find Chimala jeans here, while are all handmade using looms in Japan, then hand-dyed using natural indigo dyes. Another brand called Presidents was strictly sold in Italy for 40 years before recently expanding into North America. But the real treats are Lileo’s collaborations, namely its jeans by New York brand 3X1, which were specially ordered by Pastor. The result is a selection of cuts using green cast, spring mix (a mix of all the denims together that comes out as a clean look), and gorgeous red cast denim. Lileo also picked out the rivets, the seams, and the colour of each pair.

So, the prices may be higher, but understand that you are not just paying for looks—you are getting something special.

“The reason why it’s so expensive is because when you make denim, and you’re making hundreds and thousands of pairs, it reduces the price,” says Pastor. “But when you’re only making 37, and they are done by hand, the price goes up. But it’s special. And of course, you can wear them knowing you’re not harming the planet.”

Lileo, 55 Mill St., Bldg. 35, 416-413-1410