ABOUT
THE BRAND
PLAYWEAR is a one-woman operation based in Chester, Nova Scotia—a coastal community known for its vibrant outdoor lifestyle.
The fashion industry is one of the world’s largest environmental and ethical challenges on earth, with new textiles playing a significant role in ocean pollution. Here in Nova Scotia, where boats dot the horizon, we see a lot of sails come and go. That’s why at PLAYWEAR, most of our apparel is remade from marine waste—materials that would otherwise be discarded, giving them a second life and helping reduce waste in our oceans and landfills.
PLAYWEAR is all about gear built for the way we live here in Canada—whether that’s days at the beach, evenings by the bonfire, weekends hiking, or road trips off the beaten path. And yes, there’s sailing too. It’s gear that plays as hard as you do, no matter where life takes you.
THE OWNER
Founder and designer Livia Helena grew up in Chester, where she spent her childhood mastering two passions: sewing and sailing. By 10, she was racing competitively and using a sewing machine. When it came time to choose between Marine Navigation and Fashion Design, she opted for sailing. But her love for sewing never wavered. Over 12 years, she navigated between Marine Studies and Fashion Arts, ultimately becoming a certified Captain—and a fashion school dropout.
In 2019, she decided to merge both worlds and launch PLAYWEAR. What began as a focus on accessories has expanded into sustainable apparel. In 2023, PLAYWEAR even walked the runways at both Halifax and Paris Fashion Weeks.
Stay tuned for what’s next—big things are on the horizon.