Canadian Fashion Designer Hayley Elsaesser launches Limited Edition Collection to Support the essential service Canadian News Media Industry just in time for the National Newspaper Week from October 4th to October 10th. 

The funds raised from Champion the Truth capsule collection will be donated to Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). Hayley has always been a passionate supporter of Canadian news media. And has a personal connection to the industry, her grandfather, who was the owner and publisher of a local community newspaper in British Colombia many years ago.

This limited-edition collection features a t-shirt, tote bag and mask emblazoned with the words “News” and “truth” in various languages spoken across Canada, and features as well her iconic mouthy print. The collection is available for purchase through hayleyelsaesser.com.

What is the story behind this new collection?

The Champion the Truth collection is a limited-edition newspaper-inspired capsule collection that is part of a collaboration with News Media Canada that celebrates the work done by Canadian newspapers and news media. I’ve always been a fierce supporter of a vibrant free press and this collection aims to recognize and celebrate the important role newspapers play in keeping communities connected from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

This year especially, I think we can all agree that newspapers have played and continue to play such a critical role in providing us with truthful, credible information as we navigate a global pandemic. Now more than ever, their work deserves to be honoured and celebrated.

How was the process behind the design of this new collection? How did you pick the details, colours, etc…?

Of course, I am known for being bright and bold in my designs so I really stayed true to that when selecting colours for this design, in both background colours and different elements in the print itself. Throughout the design process, we had a lot of great discussions about what newspapers mean to Canadians. We talked about the essential service they provide with credible fac- based reporting that Canadians can really trust, and how newspapers provide a voice for local communities—these elements and themes really inspired the final design. 

The print has the words “news” and “truth” in various languages spoken across Canada, which really highlights the strength of Canada’s diversity, and features my iconic mouthy print to exemplify the way newspapers act as a voice for communities across the country. 

What has inspired you the most about your Opa to launch this collection?

I often say that newspapers are in my blood- and it’s true! My Opa was the owner and publisher of a local community newspaper in British Columbia for many years. I know first-hand the immense impact that newspapers can have on a community and the important role they play in providing local content that cannot be found anywhere else.

My Opa worked incredibly hard when he came to Canada, and his hard work eventually led him to become a business owner and entrepreneur. He was an amazing role model and had a major impact on me growing up. I like to think this collection is a way for me to carry on his work and make him proud.

If you had to compare your previous works with this one, what would you say has changed in you?

As a designer, I’m constantly drawing inspiration from new sources and collections are often quite literally a reflection of my life at that current time. This Champion the Truth collection is no exception to that, I am someone who is very serious about using my platform for good and setting an example. It is very concerning to me that we currently live in a climate where fake news runs rampant, and I see people I grew up with sharing false information online due to naivety. It is so important now, more than ever that we are hypercritical of where we get our news and information and that is something I wanted to make a public statement about. 

What does this collection mean to you and for your work as a designer?

This collection is really important to me as I know firsthand that local newspapers are the heart and soul of many communities and it’s an amazing opportunity to partner with and show appreciation for Candian newspapers and news media. Not only does this collection help celebrate and recognize the important role newspapers play in communities across Canada, but it gives back to Canadian journalism as a whole, as all proceeds from the sales of the Champion the Truth capsule collection will be donated to Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). As a designer, it means I can use my platform to share an important message while fundraising for a great cause which is a win-win!

Additional Information 

About the Champion the Truth Collection 

• The Champion the Truth collection, a limited-edition, newspaper-inspired capsule collection that features a t-shirt, tote bag and mask emblazoned with the words “news” and “truth” in various languages spoken across Canada, and features my iconic mouthy print. The collection is available for purchase through hayleyelsaesser.com.
• To support Canadian journalism, all proceeds from the sales of the Champion the Truth capsule collection will be donated to Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE). 

About National Newspaper Week, News Media Canada & CJFE

• National Newspaper Week is an opportunity to recognize the critical role that newspapers play in an active and healthy democracy and is celebrated from October 4 to October 10, 2020. 
• Local newspapers deliver vital information to Canadians every day and connect communities from coast to coast. In fact, nine in 10 Canadians (88%) read newspapers each week across Canada– either in print or digital format [source]. National Newspaper Week is a chance to reflect on the essential service newspapers provide with diverse, local, original content produced by news media that cannot be found anywhere else. 
• To learn more about the collaboration and National Newspaper Week 2020 visit nationalnewspaperweek.ca 
• News Media Canada is the voice of the print and digital media industry in Canada. News Media Canada represents hundreds of trusted titles in every province and territory. News Media Canada is an advocate in public policy for daily and community media outlets and contributes to the ongoing evolution of the news media industry by raising awareness and promoting the benefits of news media across all platforms.
• Canadian Journalists for Free Expression (CJFE) is a Canadian non-governmental organization whose mission is to defend the rights of journalists and contribute to the development of press freedom throughout the world. Learn more about CJFE at cjfe.org.