It takes 21 days to form a habit, or so the old saying goes. But what about 21 years?

For Canadian brand Smythe, two decades in the fashion industry have been a balancing act between timeless style and strategic risk-taking. And while the passage of time isn’t always kind to brands, it seems to have been an ally to co-designers Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe, who founded the brand in 2004. When asked how they navigate tough decisions, Smythe says, “With time. If something doesn’t sit right, it usually means it’s not right.”

Frustrated by the limited options for women’s workwear, friends Lenczner and Smythe set out to craft their own solution: the perfectly tailored blazer. This design (and its multiple iterations) would become a key piece for the brand. And while Smythe’s signature sharp tailoring has certainly fueled their growth, it’s their ability and willingness to evolve that has kept the label at the top of its game.

“At the beginning, it was about one foundational commodity: the blazer. Now, it’s about a full wardrobe range that supports how women live today, but the underlying goal has never changed,” says Smythe. “We still want the woman who wears Smythe to feel relevant, distinct and uniquely herself.”

While the brand had dipped their toes into denim over the years, they waited for the right opportunity to strike. And when it did, they went at it full-force, unveiling a collection of six silhouettes and multiple washes. “Sometimes we expand our offering because of an opportunity. With denim, it was meeting the right partner at the right time—someone who could translate and execute our vision with quality and integrity.”

Courtesy of Smythe

For their latest release, a holiday collection featuring metallics, sequins and true-to-form tailoring, Lenczner and Smythe’s uncompromising commitment to time-testing, high-quality pieces remains.

“On one hand this is the time of year to bring out sparkle, glitz and glam. On the other hand, who wants to invest in something that only gets worn once a year?” asks Lenczner. After all, who doesn’t get a little flustered at the thought of holiday dressing?

“While we want the pieces to do the heavy lifting for a party, we designed them to be versatile enough to be separated and worn in everyday life,” she continues. “It’s about feeling dressed without being overdressed.” It’s the Smythe ethos at play.

Below, Andrea Lenczner and Christie Smythe share their distinct approaches to style, their favourite Canadian brands and how the non-negotiable workout they both love.

How they start their mornings

Andrea Lenczner (AL): My mornings always start with a workout. It’s non-negotiable. I used to feel guilty taking the time from family or work, and now, I look at it as my job to stay healthy. Since COVID, Christie has joined me two days a week and it is so much more fun and goes by so much faster when we do it together. The hustle to get to work quickly and in a cute outfit is an art form.

How they describe their personal style

AL: Character-based. Who do I want to be today? Am I a tomboy? Am I collegiate-preppy? Am I an androgynous fashion boss? I also love playing with micro trends but always grounded in something classic.

Christie Smythe (CS): I’d describe myself as eclectic with an element of bohemia. I embrace colour and patterns, and mix the two in unique, unexpected ways. Up until this fall, all my denim was vintage but I am a convert with Smythe denim, especially the Owl. I’m curvy and I find the cut beyond flattering.

What their working dynamic is like

AL: We’ve known each other for over thirty years. There’s a deep trust between us that creates space for real collaboration and a lot of laughter. We’re similar in many ways but not identical—and that’s the magic. We approach design and decision-making from different angles but we’re always aligned on the bigger picture and what is in good taste. It’s like a little yin, a little yang and a shared mood board.

What they splurge on

CS: Travel with my family and vintage shopping. On vintage furniture and art, my brother, Tommy Smythe, is one of the most knowledgeable people I know and my favourite partner to scour with. It’s my favourite way to add something unexpected to an outfit or to my home and eventually to hand down to my daughter.

What they’re excited about right now

AL: Our asymmetrical pencil skirts have been in heavy rotation in my closet this fall. I have all three: the navy plaid, the oxblood and the iron colourways and, depending on how you style them, they suit a variety of moods and occasions.

Their favourite go-to spots in the city

AL: The Yonge and Summerhill strip is where we work and spend a lot of time. Neighbouring the Smythe store, we have The Lobby [by], which is fantastic for highlighting up-and-coming artists and makers (and the best place to find a hostess gift). You’re guaranteed to find a Smythe person at Mitfar and Bomou Artisanal Bakery. Coco Market is excellent for clean living, Gee Beauty for spa services and wellness products, and so many more special restaurants and boutiques—including our friends at Augustina Boutique and Narwhal. Ultimate Athletics is our reset button—and the reformer classes by Paula are so necessary (if you can get in).

Which Canadian brands they’re loving

CS: We’ve got some incredible brands in our midst. Canada Goose is so fresh with Snow Goose by Haider Ackermann and, in addition to the warmest down coats, the best winter boots I’ve ever owned. A Roots Outpost recently opened across the street, and their vintage Roots section curated by Micah Cameron is to die for. Jenny Bird for an immediate accessory level-up. We’ve long admired the work of both Beaufille and Sid Neigum—there’s a cool confidence to their work that is considered and architectural.