Style Q&A: Toronto-based clothing brand builds buzz around four-letter words

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What makes a hoodie unique?

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According to 4-letter series founder Rachel Walderman, is a four-letter word. The Toronto-based clothing and lifestyle brand offers limited-edition clothing releases that are designed to showcase “four words that compile four letters, telling a short story.”

We caught up with Walderman to find out more.

Q. For those who are not familiar, what is 4 Letter Series?

A. 4 Letter Series (4LS) is a premium lifestyle and apparel brand offering handcrafted, locally made products designed to bring you maximum comfort and joy, with a focus on storytelling. We’ve had four releases so far, with a primary focus on hoodies, crewnecks and zip-ups. As part of the creative process, we collaborate with community leaders to make our drops unique and multifaceted. We launch our products with a story to share with our community.

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Q. What makes it unique?

A. Our concept is what makes us unique. There are endless lines of hoodies on the market, but no one else is doing this. Each drop highlights four words that compile four letters, telling a short story. With every drop, the story is constantly evolving and changing, like our own lives. Each of our clients resonates with stories differently, making them their own. It’s such a beautiful thing to celebrate interpretation and the power of words, while uniting high quality garments and creating something that can be worn with pride.

Q. When and why did you start the brand?

A. I launched 4LS in the fall of 2021, but I technically started the brand eight months early. I’ve always wanted to call something my own, but it took me a while to develop the confidence to go and do it. Being in the fashion industry for 11 years, I was beginning to feel demotivated by my lack of purpose. I wanted to create more than just beautiful clothes. 4LS creates products that have personal meaning.

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Q. Who is the target customer?

A. Anyone can use 4LS, but we have found that our current client is between the ages of 25-45, of all gender identities and expressions.

Q. What can you share about product collaborations?

A. To date, we have had the privilege of collaborating with community leaders and creatives, all of whom are extremely talented Canadian women, including Bianca Sparacino, Rachel Joanis, Madeleine Gross and Noah Lehava. Whatever the 4LS partner, we do so with deep thought and intent to ensure that it is aligned with the brand. We are always looking for artists, graphic designers, illustrators and more to improve our clothing and make it that much more special.

Q. All products are manufactured in Toronto. Why was this important to you?

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A. When it came to the original release of hoodies and crewnecks, I knew I wanted to find a local manufacturer that believed in my creative vision and was willing to go the extra mile to make special pieces. Part of that meant that I really needed to be involved in the process from start to finish of the garment’s journey. My manufacturer for all of our hoodies, crewnecks, and zip-ups is a small team of four. This means that everything is designed and created with the utmost attention and care, and every detail is taken into account. Manufacturing garments locally in Canada is not the easy route as we don’t have the same resources that we have overseas, but if it was easy everyone would be doing it right? There is so much talent in our backyard that can be used and supported. For our collaborations in other categories, like our candles and vintage jewelry, we also work with local businesses.

Q. Lastly, what is the price range of your products and where can you check them?

A. Our candles are $68, our clothing ranges from $115 to $175. We also sell vintage solid gold jewelry and chains, ranging from $175 to $510.

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