The Canvas: Fashion's New Frontier – Redefining Sustainability, Style, and Retail Experiences
In the heart of New York City, The Canvas, an innovative marketplace for independent, ethical fashion, has blossomed into a powerhouse platform boasting over 150 brands from around the world. The Canvas is not just a retail space; it's a movement, a community that empowers independent creators to thrive, with four stores at the Westfield Shops at The Oculus and The Canvas Seaport in downtown Manhattan.
CEO Devin Gilmartin and Steff Vermeesch founded The Canvas as a unique retail and online platform. It catalyzes independent, sustainable, and socially responsible brands, creating an inclusive space where creators and consumers share a common goal – promoting sustainable fashion. The Canvas serves as a stepping stone for emerging designers and brands, providing them with the opportunity to open and operate their retail stores.
CEO & founder Devin Gilmartin
The Canvas goes beyond being a retail platform; it's a force for positive change. With a commitment to the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, The Canvas ensures that each brand in its space aligns with at least two of these goals. The company's dedication to sustainability and ethical practices has earned it recognition as an official partner of the United Nations.
The Canvas navigates the complex intersection of fashion, real estate, and sustainability through a multifaceted model. The Canvas opens, operates, and fully services stores, ranging from multi-brand and single-brand retail to web 3-focused activations. The flagship stores serve as incubators for a diverse range of brands, offering unique designs in fashion, jewelry, and accessories.
While The Canvas began with a focus on ethical fashion, it has swiftly expanded into new realms. The launch of The Canvas 3.0 marks an entry into the intersection of Web 3.0 and sustainability. This venture includes a strategic partnership with WHIM, a high-tech "digital canvas," allowing screens to be programmed and controlled globally. The Canvas 3.0 has hosted noteworthy events supporting causes like women's reproductive rights, showcasing the brand's commitment to social impact.
CEO & founder Devin Gilmartin
The Canvas 3.0
As The Canvas continues to evolve and expand its influence, it's not just reshaping retail but also contributing to the broader conversation on sustainable practices, creator economies, and the convergence of physical and digital spaces. Devin Gilmartin's vision for The Canvas is clear – to simplify the transition to a more sustainable fashion industry through innovation and convenience, fostering a shift in attitude and standards. The Canvas brings products and ideas to life and sets the stage for a more sustainable and inclusive future.
The Canvas at the Oculus
Tearsheets by Alexa Dyer, Graphic Designer, PhotoBook Magazine
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