Earlier this year, style.com chronicled New York’s top style clans, courted controversy with their inclusions (and exclusions!), and drew attention to the segregated world of fashion. The article got me wondering about who shapes the Canadian style landscape. What style clans to we have? Are they as defined and closed as those in New York?

Surveying and spying at Spring events, I surmised Toronto’s top trendsetting teams and observed those hovering around. Before I announce my Top Ten Style Cliques, I must address the hovering wannabes because it is so unsophisticated and must be curtailed. Those in the know can detect insincerity and sycophantic tendencies a mile away, so those people will never find a fitting fashion clique.

If you admire someone’s work or style, by all means, tell her. Everyone loves a compliment. But no one loves a stalker. If you are real, the object of your fashion affection will reciprocate. By no means should you pop up uninvited to any event hosted by your preferred couture crew; you should always be invited.

If you’re new on the style scene, don’t just insert yourself into the center. Sit back, watch, and analyze. Read The Art of War if you must. There is a fine line between interlocutor and obnoxious, pushy bore. Patience is definitely a virtue and will be rewarded with gradual acceptance on the scene.

Whose patience, determination, and style has reaped rewards? Read below to discover Canada’s hautest troops, but keep in mind that membership is fluid and most cliques are on friendly terms. All do support Canadian fashion.

Lucinda’s List: Toronto’s Top Ten Style Cliques

1. The Sophisticates – Style Philosophy: Genteel gentlemen and distinguished dames in designer shoes dishing about duds. Members: Jeanne Beker, Glen Baxter, Nathalie Atkinson, Rita Silvan, Shinan Govani, Amy Verner, Ceri Marsh, Derrick Chetty, Adrian Mainella, Lisa Tant, Andrew Sardone, and Yours Truly. Natural Habitat: The Hottest New Place.
2. Style Exiles – Style Philosophy: Business in New York, Paris, and London. Life in Toronto. Members: Suzanne Boyd, Crystal Siemens, Arthur Mendonça, Tommy Ton, Jeremy Laing. Natural Habitat: Pearson’s Air Canada lounge.
3. High Fashionistas – Style Philosophy: Appreciate Canadian design, but revere all others with the goal to make Toronto another New York. Members: Robin Kay, Carolyn Quinn, Marlene Shiff, Leesa Butler. Natural Habitat: C-Lounge.
4. Holt’s Crew – Style Philosophy: Only the best. Members: Barbara Atkin, Natalie Lecomte, Jason Morikawa. Natural Habitat: Front row.
5. Canadian Boosters - Style Philosophy: Wear Canadian. Members: Susan Langdon, Mary Symons, David Dixon, Linda Gaylard, Joyce Gunhouse, Judy Cornish, Glen Dixon, Laurie Belzak. Natural Habitat: Toronto Fashion Incubator.
6. Queen Westies - Style Philosophy: Live life exclusively on one street. Members: She Does the City contributors, anyone on sharkvsbear.com, American Apparel shopstaff. Natural Habitat: Top-secret underground parties, The Social.
7. Bloggers – Style Philosophy: Wear what you want. Members: Anita Clarke, Rachel Schwab, Danielle Meder, Carolyn Rohaly, Adrian Corsin. Natural Habitat: Brunches, sneaking into media lounges.
8. The PR Force - Style Philosophy: Clipboards, headsets, and lists are indeed accessories. Members: Christine Faulhaber, Desia Brill, Debra Goldblatt, Kim Graham, Kelly Drennan, Danielle Iverson, Sonja Andic. Natural Habitat: The front of the line.
9. Fashion Iconoclasts - Style Philosophy: Dedicated to being different. Members: Rory Lindo, Kelly Freeman, Stu and Bean Playdead, Vanja Vasic, PlastikWrap, Rolyn Chambers, the Deadly Nightshades. Natural Habitat: Dive bars, hobo-chic studios, vintage picking warehouses, CiRCA, art launches, and pre-gentrified neighborhoods.
10. Couture Cares - Style Philosophy: Look stylish while giving back to the community. Members: Farley Chatto, Jann Coppen, MAC Makeup artists, Judy Inc. stylists. Natural Habitat: Looking great behind the scenes.