Built to Last

Range Rover x SHARP

In a world obsessed with trends, longevity can feel like an anomaly. But HAVEN is different.

The premium menswear brand and retailer, a co-venture of brothers Daniel and Arthur Chmielewski, is one of those unique brands that has stood the test of time and grown. In fact, since its launch in 2006, much of its lasting success has come down to its ability to intelligently evolve.

The HAVEN story began in Edmonton, where the brand’s first shop was opened. The store offered a curated selection of lines the brothers loved: Visvim, WTAPS and Neighborhood, to name a few. It quickly earned a reputation for specializing in niche Japanese streetwear, offering products not widely available even in the US.

But, by 2016, HAVEN was ready to take the next step. The Chmielewskis were inspired to grow creatively while also adapting to the direct-to-consumer model that was gaining traction, so they launched their own in-house label. Today, it’s their most successful brand.

Now with locations in Vancouver and Toronto, with Daniel as COO and Arthur as Creative Director, the Chmielewski brothers have found a dynamic that works.

“Daniel and I have complementary strengths,” says Arthur. “Daniel excels in operations, company culture, logistics and ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, while I’m more focused on the overall creative vision, product design and brand direction. We both bring different perspectives to the table, but we share the same core values and goals. That balance allows us to push each other while staying aligned, and it’s been key to our ability to navigate challenges and grow the company over the years.”

When it comes to the secret of their success and longevity, Daniel suggests that, “there’s no silver bullet, but there are a hundred golden bb’s.” For HAVEN, target practice includes staying true to their values while remaining flexible enough to grow, and relentlessly focusing on high-quality, timeless products. “It’s about craftsmanship, innovation and always learning,” adds Arthur.

Learning has been a cornerstone of HAVEN’s journey. “Knowledge is cumulative,” says Daniel. “Obstacles get easier to overcome the more you know.

“We’ve been around long enough to see the internet and e-commerce go from infancy to revolutionizing retail,” he says. “When we first started, social media barely existed and trends grew more organically. Now, it’s no longer just about selling a product; it’s about storytelling and building relationships with customers.”

Another noticeable shift? Customer expectations when it comes to sustainability, materials and design – which has been great news for HAVEN, especially when it comes to its private label. Inspired by Canada’s diverse, rugged landscape, it’s all about creating gear customers can rely on in any condition. With a focus on comfort, performance and utility, HAVEN’s pieces are made from a mix of high-performance materials like GORE-TEX and Primaloft, as well as natural fibres like cashmere. They partner with manufacturers in Canada and Japan to craft, test and refine every detail.

HAVEN uses OEKO-TEX and bluesign certified materials so its products meet the highest environmental and social responsibility standards. “We want clothing that not only functions in diverse settings but also reflects our identity, experiences and interests,” says Arthur. “It’s about creating pieces that feel authentic and purpose-driven to the way we live.”

After nearly two decades, the brothers have had their share of proud moments along the way. “I’ve had many people tell me that what we’re doing has inspired them to pursue their own dreams,” says Daniel. “Seeing us go from our small-town beginnings to where we are now resonates with a lot of people, especially young folks. If our journey has inspired someone to take action on their own dreams, that feels really good.”

Arthur shares, “For me, one of the proudest things with HAVEN has been watching our team grow into one of the best in the world. I’m proud of how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. The support from customers locally and globally is humbling, especially considering we started in a small town like Edmonton. Representing Canada on the global stage means a lot. Collaborating with top-tier brands and building lasting relationships has been something I’ll always cherish.”

But no matter how far HAVEN has come, it all comes back to the customer. “I want people to feel good about the products they’re buying,” Daniel says. “We champion exceptional quality and timeless design. My hope is that we can spread these values to a wider community. Making conscious choices about the products we buy and why is one of the most important things people can do.”

Looking ahead, HAVEN has big plans. Alongside pop-ups and collaborations, Arthur shares, “This January, during Paris Fashion Week, we’ll host a showroom to introduce our collection to global retailers.” And with a big birthday on the horizon, the brand is gearing up for a major celebration. “We have so much in store for the next few years,” Daniel says. “With 2026, our 20-year anniversary, coming up, we’ll be rolling out special projects and events to commemorate it.”

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