Maybe it’s just me who’s behind the times.;-)

Recently featured in New York Magazine’s The Cut, designers Alia and Jamil Juma (a brother-and-sister team) specialize in mens and womens contemporary ready-to-wear, active sportswear and other products. The company designs, markets, manufactures and distributes to leading specialty stores, franchise retailers and boutiques. Founded in Toronto, Canada in 2003, the eponymous label can be found in various locals around the world including Canada, United States and Japan.

The label is awash in nudes, blacks, and greys, rendered in soft jersey, in androgynous silhouettes such as loose cardigans, pants, and tops that fit both men and women. According to Jamil, who handles the sales for the label, the unisex kurta drop-crotch harem pants are the biggest seller. “We’ve been showing those pants since 2005 and the first time we showed it to buyers they laughed at us,” he said. “And now it’s all over the place and people are coming to us for them.”I am so loving their Anvil Necklace ($355), Vest Dress ($300), Grey Cardigan ($140), Grey Bolero ($195), Knee-Length Overall Skirt ($150), and their Blue-Print Silk Tunic ($250), which feels like a relief in all that sea of black and gray. (My two favorite colors, though, I have to admit.) (items are listed from top to bottom as they appear in this post; all prices are Canadian dollars BTW – about $1 CAD to $0.94 U.S.)

The prices are a little high for me but I’m in love with the design-sense. I’m not so sure I can get behind their drop-crotch Kurta Pant ($150), though.:-)

How about you guys? Have you heard of them? Purchased any pieces? I’m kind of swooning over the minimalist aspect of it – it’s so urban-cool.

See their full collection and shop online at JUMA.ca.

-Carly J. Cais

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