Hey all! The crew over at @footlockercanada asked me to create something for you for #FORTHE6IX. I am 1 of the 6 photographers chosen to photograph someone who I consider to be a hero by giving back to the community. I shot my hero at one of my favourite spots in #etobicoke overlooking our Toronto Skyline.
I nominated Marcus Fraser.
i’ve known Marcus for over 20 years. My first interaction back then was when he hired me for our first project, shooting his clothing brand Fiction416. Fiction was a streetwear brand before there was a term called “streetwear”. I shot editorial stories and magazine advertisements for the life of that brand. We’ve stayed in contact the entire time since then and have done some cool projects along the way. Marcus has continued in the clothing space, designing for labels such as High Street, Seveneighty, Off the Wall, Billabong and more.
We’ve all had to pivot during this crazy time and Marcus responded to the call to make masks during a time where there was a great shortage. I’m nominating Marcus because he is an individual with a streetwear and clothing manufacturing background, and he has had to put much of his life on hold in order to keep up with the constant demand of PPE and face coverings. He recently opened a pop up shop at 711 Queen St West where you can buy these directly. What separates him from the rest for me is his choice to not price gouge, not take advantage of a hole in the marketplace for a high demand necessity with premium prices. He is selling his masks at $12-$15, with an option of a N95 insert filter. A price that we all can afford. He’s a father, a husband and a Toronto Original.