Meet - Jannis Ruck
A Canadian Entrepreneur and a Toronto Clothing Designer whose creative vision has guided the OliO brand for more than three decades.
Her journey is rooted in legacy – from a great-grandfather who arrived in Canada in the late 1800s with a hundred dollars and determination, to a childhood shaped by the rhythms of nature and a mother who crafted beauty with intention and taught appreciation for all life.
"The phrase, waste not, want not, was a guiding principle growing up, that has a continued and current relevance shaping how I think about design, materials and consumption."
Costume design became Jannis’ first creative language and fashion design followed, allowing her to connect people across cultures through the universal language of textiles.
A simple realization early in her career – that synthetic fabrics did not support her well-being – sparked a lifelong commitment to eco friendly clothing and conscious lifestyle choices.
Today her work continues to weave together sustainability, purpose and joy, bringing a deeply human touch to everything she creates.
OliOeco – The Brand
OliOeco transforms vintage, heirloom and responsibly-sourced new textiles into timeless, functional pieces designed to evolve with your life. Guided by sustainability and practicality each creation reflects a belief that what we wear should be as thoughtful and responsible as the way we choose to live-with care, intention and joy.
At the heart of our philosophy – OliO | medley or a small collection - are functional designs that honor the planet and support a responsible way of dressing. We believe the most sustainable clothes, or items in your life, are not the ones that last but the ones you choose to love and keep. Timelessness and durability are major factors in what we choose to keep.
Rooted in everyday practicality, our work is about thoughtful simplicity – garments and pieces designed to be worn, lived in, and loved. OliOeco is a celebration of conscious creation and quiet joy, proving that sustainability and style can move together in harmony.
OliOstudio – The Studio
Established in the fall of 1986, OliOstudio is a collaborative space where sustainable design, craftmanship, and mindful making come together. Every piece is conceived, conceptualized and designed in-house, supporting our local economy, artisans and assistants and bringing slow fashion to life. We create from an abundance of love, possibility and expression.
OliOstudio is where vision becomes reality – Our hands-on approach is intentional, along with small-scale artisanal production and thoughtful sourcing, a deep respect for earth-conscious materials guides everything we do. Through curated and juried events and availability from our studio by appointment, we invite you to experience clothing and design that embodies sustainability, functionality, and joy- from concept to creation.
OliO garments are acquired through trade shows, galleries, private commissions, and costume design work for dance and flim. Numerous OliO garments are proudly treasured and preserved in collections. They continue to be worn and have become cherished additions to wardrobes of discerning clients around the world.
Our Fabrics and Textiles
Where yesterday's fiber meets today-and today's garment meets tomorrow. At the heart of our work is a commitment to sustainability, quality and conscious sourcing.
We work with a carefully chosen mix of natural, OEKO-TEX® certified, and reclaimed materials including:
For Fabrics and Care Learn More.
Our Packaging
Cardboard boxes, recycled cardboard mailers and papers, including tissue, are 100% recyclable.
Your order will arrive in a sustainably crafted OliO tote bag.
Labels are made from recycled polyester and our paper tapes are made from recycled materials with water-based glue.
We are committed to being as eco-friendly
as possible, one package at a time!
OliO Philosophy
We believe that what we wear should reflect how we live – with care, intention, and joy.
We believe the most meaningful pieces gain emotional connection and are the ones we choose to keep not the ones that remain perfect.
We choose materials that honor the earth, transforming both old and new textiles into something lasting and meaningful.
We design not for closets, but for lives – creating pieces that evolve with you, support you and become part of your story.
We celebrate the beauty of handmade, the wisdom of the past and the promise of a more meaningful future.
We build community through craft, connecting people across cultures through the shared language of textiles.
We believe above all, that responsibility and joy belong together - woven into every fiber, stitched into every seam, and carried forward into everything we create.
Our Values - Environment Over Excess
We create timeless, functional garments meant to be worn, lived-in and loved. Unique Canadian clothing that is earth-conscious, versatile and made to fit your vibrant life.
Joy is woven into everything we do – from the materials we choose, to the creation of the products, and to the lives our pieces will remain a part of.
Every design is made with respect for the planet, using sustainable natural fibers and/or reclaimed materials whenever possible
Quality and intention guide our process. Each piece of eco friendly clothing we create will endure far beyond seasons and trends and could easily become a cherished "Future Vintage" garment.