Strathcona specializes in fine printed socks, objects and leisure wear. The brand is recognized for its unique and varied patterns — original works — painted, collaged, photographed or drawn by founder/artist Ryley O'Byrne.
Strathcona Stockings originally launched in 2010 as a collection of limited edition printed socks. The subsequent Ready-to-Wear/Leisure-Wear Line, launched in 2016 under the epithet "Strathcona Weekend Leisure." The original collection was entirely hand made in Canada with 100% custom silks.
Both the Stockings and the Collection are a manifestation of Ryley's concept of fashion, which asserts that it should be functional but not self-serious, ideally existing as a form of expression, art, play, and fantasy.
{Much has changed in the recent years — and we’re not so sure what to say about Strathcona today. This website is becoming less and less a normal shop and more and more a strange and completely incomplete archive of our various adventures and clothing related projects. We keep wondering how it will evolve now or next. Okay, let’s pause on that thought for a while.}
Ryley works from abroad and at her studio on the traditional and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples in Roberts Creek / Vancouver.
All Strathcona’s silk garments are designed and made in Canada, using 100% silk custom printed with our original patterns. The collection further establishes Strathcona's commitment to comfort and quality, as well as ethical practices within fashion and beyond.
Strathcona is honoured to have been featured on Vogue.com, Another Magazine's Stuff We Love, StyleBubble, Vogue Italia, Vogue Australia, New York Magazine, W Magazine, Elle Mexico, Bullett Magazine, Dossier, Harpers Bazzar, Elle UK, Cool Hunting, Nylon Magazine, Fashion Magazine, among other notable magazines and blogs. Our products can be found on-line and in select boutiques worldwide.
Strathcona is committed to quality and we aim for full customer satisfaction (see Shipping and Returns for details) but please keep in mind Strathcona is a very, very small team. Our desire and mission is to create beautiful and well made objects and clothes. We are not, in any way, fast fashion, we are very thoroughly slow fashion. If you are in a rush, we will absolutely try to accommodate you and your needs, but keep in mind that our strength is creativity and quality, not pace. Thank you for understanding this and respecting our work and vision.
TESTIMONIALS
"It's pretty much a case of me staring wistfully at Strathcona's curious array of imagery on their website and addictive Tumblr... their tropical florals and foliage printed socks are the exact missing components in my plan... Let's hope Strathcona comes back soon from their otherworldly travels to bring us more delightful ways to cover up my mosqito ravaged and goosebump-marked legs."
Susie Bubble, stylebubble.co.uk
"In an era of fast fashion, copycat designs, and the dizzying pace of trends cycling from hot to not, Strathcona Stockings refreshingly combines a unique, modern aesthetic with an old-fashioned commitment to craft and quality."
Sad Magazine, Michelle Reid Cyca
"Strathcona Stockings are at once a reflection of this ethereal Canadian landscape and founder Ryley O'Byrne's distinct artistic vision."
Cool Hunting
"With a knee-socked empire that now includes... an art-cult following… Strathcona Stockings' designer Ryley O'Byrne is taking a sartorial staple to new style heights."
Flare Magazine, Heidi Sopinka
"O'Byrne[’s]… line of brightly colored socks printed with original images of fruit, birds, and botanicals... are the perfect foil for the current round of cropped trousers. Not that the trend-conscious are her only fans: Her customers range from 'elderly men to sock-obsessed professionals to cool fashiony people.'"
W Magazine, Nancy MacDonell
"Using a variety of methods to create and inform her designs, O’Byrne’s artistic process is as interesting as the outcome is beautiful... A pioneer brand in the printed stockings and socks industry, the evolving product line presents the best in new prints for men, women, and children."
Stylist, Katina Danabassis
"Each pair of stockings is a beautiful work of art."
Fashion Magazine, Emilia Miranda Idiens
"There's a[n] orgy happening in my loafers right now and I couldn't be happier about it. The means of this rare and life-affirming event is a pair of socks... equal parts luxury item, technological marvel and wearable art."
The Globe and Mail, Jeremy Freed