One of a Kind Spring 2023: Editors’ Top Picks

Delve into the rich culture of craft at the 2023 One of a Kind show, running March 29 to April 2 at Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place. Amidst the hundreds of makers on display, these must-see booths are at the top of our list!

Tallo, Booth P-44N
Based out of Concord, Ontario, Tallo differentiates itself from many personal care brands by fashioning all of its products in 100% compostable packaging. In an effort to achieve zero waste, many of the brand’s products bid various uses, such as the Massage Candle, which doubles as a warm and nourishing body oil infused with skin-safe essential oils.

Enas Satir, Booth E-29
Beyond her work as an illustrator and a creator on YouTube, Toronto-based artist Enas Satir has a talent for crafting bold, expressive ceramic objects. Like much of her work, Daloka- Girls’- songs is an ongoing ceramics project inspired by Satir’s Sudanese roots. The project drives attention to matters both personal and political, each with a story to tell. We can’t wait to see what’s on display for One of a Kind 2023.

Le Point Visible, Booth I-07
Quilting has been making a huge comeback over the past few years with many younger makers bringing a modern sensibility to the time-honoured craft. Le Point Visible is no exception. Founder Marilyn channels her deep knowledge of the art (she comes from a family of seamstresses) and unique artistic eye into pleasing patterns and graphic landscapes. These contemporary heirlooms are the perfect addition to any household whether you lean traditional or modern.

COLENTI Booth C-04L
Handmade in Montreal, Colenti tote bags are derived from 100% natural fibres with a focus on Indian cotton and European linen. On display for the first time at One of a Kind, these heavyweight accessories bear stylish silhouettes, minimalist aesthetics and, most notably, the durability to withstand year-round wear.

YYY Collection, Booth C-04A
Mérida Anderson’s gorgeous ceramics really stand out in terms of their colour and design-forward forms. Anderson started YYY collection in 2011 after working in New York for a time. The Montrealer uses happy-making colours in unexpected yet harmonious combinations, such as peach, mint green and blue, which give the work an appeal that spans ages and décor styles. The craftsmanship of the pieces, which range from robust jewellery and functional pieces like bowls and teapots to unique lighting and miniatures, is exemplary. The end result of Anderson’s process is exceptionally precise and modern.

Cyrc Design, Booth C-04G
Another OOAK newcomer, Cyrc Design has been on our radar for a little while now. These gorgeous 3D-printed vases are made with beauty and the environment in mind. Their bold angular shapes and deep colour saturation make them instantly eye appealing, and their story makes them that much more attractive. Working toward ethical, climate-positive and zero-waste design objects and furniture is the aim of Montreal-based Cyrc Design. We are very excited about the fruits of their labour thus far.

Salt Sky Studio, Booth F-04
Another maker debuting at One of a Kind 2023, Salt Sky Studio will be visiting Toronto all the way from the east coast. This is the creative practice of Kate Brown and her husband BJ, who, together, create colourful, gradient wood art inspired by the natural landscapes of Nova Scotia. Using colour-blocking techniques and an intricate layering of wood panels, these abstract pieces ingeniously resemble scenic portraits from summer sunsets to ocean views.

Luc Tessier, Booth I-47
Multimedia artist Luc Tessier is a painter, photographer and musician with a love of colour. It’s obvious from his bold-hued artworks that he finds much joy in making them. Starting from digital art, he then paints and draws, mixing perfect colours to achieve his mesmerizingly graphic abstracts. From there, he prints out a high-definition giclée print onto a wooden panel where he then spreads out resin to add gloss and brightness to these modern classics.

BEDI, Booth P-20
Airline seats, seatbelts and regenerated fishnets are just some of the upcycled materials Montreal-based design studio BEDI uses to manufacture its products. Founded in 2019 by Inder Bedi, the brand produces knit garments, crossbody bags and a hallmark line of outwear from parkas to bomber jackets. Further exploring the equilibrium in design coupled with positive impact, BEDI is the continuation of a journey Inder started more than two decades ago when he founded vegan accessories brand MATT & NAT.

Mimi La Rouleuse, Booth Q-25
Montreal-based Mimi La Rouleuse creates small-batch concrete jewellery and home decor with a pared-back, modern appeal. The finishes and colours of these pieces (in a subdued palette) are very of the moment, but we imagine will look gorgeous for years to come. With functional vessels, coasters, candle holders, contemporary art pieces, and tactile jewellery with a satisfying heft, these works make our list of must-visit booths at One of a Kind 2023 for their beautiful execution.