A couple of weeks ago, we invited our little models to one of our favourite places in Toronto, the sweetest little corner of Ward’s Island.
Despite an early morning wake-up (some of our models definitely aren’t early risers!), everyone was excited to meet at the ferry terminal before making the short trip across the water. We headed straight to Runaway Cafe, a place I discovered a couple of years ago and instantly fell in love with. Long before this collection was even finished, I knew this was where we wanted to photograph it.
The café is surrounded by so much beauty. There are gardens, birds singing, little nests tucked into the trees, and the lake is only a few minutes’ walk away. It feels peaceful in the most effortless way.
We arrived before the café officially opened (a big thank you to the wonderful owner for welcoming us early), giving us time to settle before cafe opens.
Our little models ran through the gardens, paused for the occasional pose, enjoyed delicious pastries, and simply got to be kids. Meanwhile, parents connected over Vietnamese lattes.
Ward’s Island feels like one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets. Just a short ferry ride from downtown, it somehow feels worlds away. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re still in Toronto.
This collection is all about bringing nature and fashion together. We want children to discover that their clothes are part of nature too—that the journey of a T-shirt begins in the soil, just like the journey of a strawberry or a tomato.
Photographing this collection on Ward’s Island felt like the perfect way to bring that story to life.
If you’re looking for a little summer adventure, we couldn’t recommend this place more. Stop by Runaway Cafe for a coffee and pastry, wander the island, watch the boats drift by, and let your little ones explore.
Sometimes the most magical places are the ones waiting just a ferry ride away—places that remind us to slow down, explore, and notice the beauty around us.
Photography by: delsolphotographs