Take 5: Balloon Flowers, An Interactive Wall Sconce, Magazine-Land + More

Canada’s First Balloon Florist: Ballooms

Bright, bouncy bouquets of larger-than-life florals, these inflated creations—crafted from 100 percent natural biodegradable latex by the Toronto-based studio Ballooms—offer so much more than the average twist-up giraffe or other air-filled animal. Aside from being well-crafted design objects in their own right, Ballooms arrangements are playful—and full of opportunity. In my last catch-up with founder and self-proclaimed balloon boy Dylan Kwacz, we dug into the idea of building a world beyond balloons. What does that look like? Perhaps more dynamic installations and exciting partnerships with brands like Lululemon, PowerPlant TO and Aritzia (check, check and check). Perhaps something entirely different. But one thing is certain: Ballooms is blowing up.

Statement Flowers: Ste. Marg Scot

Are brooches the next big thing? I’m no Carrie Bradshaw, but with a statement flower as big as this, a girl can dream. Designed by Canadian wool goods company Ste. Marg Scot—the world’s first gender-inclusive outerwear company made of sustainably-sourced materials—this line of floral brooches is both timeless and modern. Plus, their entire locally-made collection is 100 percent wool. As a regular exhibitor at IDS Toronto and the One of a Kind Show, Ste. Marg Scot is a go-to for high-design wool garments. Shown here: Peony Brooch in sky blue.

Photo: David Pike

Cover to Cover: A Mini Magazine Conference

Attention writers, designers and magazine-lovers of Toronto! This one-day magazine conference is for you. Presented by Issues Magazine Shop, this event explores the people, ideas and stories shaping the world of magazines today — and features panel discussions with industry experts, indie publishers, magazine founders and more. Pictured here, the inaugural conference last October brought in a full house, lively conversation and lots of reading material (Spotted: Assistant Editor Sophie Sobol in the pink sweater vest.) Don’t wait to grab your tickets for the upcoming event on March 22nd and long live magazines!

Photo: Katya Koroscil

Touch Point Sconce

Debuted at DesignTO this year, the Touch Point Sconce by Toronto-based industrial designers Mark Khoury and Devansh Shah offers a playful take on wall lighting. With an interactive spirit, the design requires the central disc to connect to a hanging puck in order to achieve full brightness. When you pull the pendant away, the light fades in accordance with the distance. A celebration of moments of physical touch and human connection—a hug, a kiss, a hand held, an arm brushed—this made-to-order sconce is a testament to the light touch of Khoury and Shah, and a substantial addition to any interior.

Eagle-eyed readers can also spot the shoes in an earlier article image.

Shoes, Glorious Shoes: Fluevog

No Take 5 roundup would be complete without my all-time favorite shoes (and one of my favorite Canadian designers): Fluevog. A SS25 addition, these cheetah-print Super Provog Inder Thick-Laced Sneakers with thick red and black laces are a maximalist’s dream. Founded in Vancouver in the 70s, John Fluevog has long been Canada’s most adventurous footwear designer—and an international shoe icon to boot. His home in Vancouver is as bright and dazzling as his designs (think: an angular, citrus-coloured exterior facade plus powder-blue kitchen, designed by MA+HG Architects). But his shoe game is unparalleled for its playful use of colour and form.