George Sully · ECW Press
The Big Idea
Designing in the Dark is part memoir, part hard-earned knowledge guide, tracing the journey of award-winning Canadian designer George Sully from public housing in Ottawa to building brands, breaking barriers, and redefining what Canadian design can look like.
With honesty, heart, and lived experience, Sully shares the realities behind the milestones, from fashion and footwear to entrepreneurship, cultural advocacy, family, legacy, and resilience. More than a personal story, this book offers insight into the creative industry, the business of design, and the mindset it takes to keep building when the path is unclear. It is a story about vision, survival, and learning how to create light in places where none was handed to you.
From Public Housing in Ottawa
to the Heights of Canadian Fashion.
George Sully's remarkable journey is one of vision, resilience, and reinvention. Raised in public housing in Ottawa, he learned early how to turn limitation into purpose and create opportunity where none was handed to him. As a self-taught designer, entrepreneur, and cultural advocate, Sully built brands, platforms, and movements that helped place him among Canada's most recognized design voices, while pushing the industry to see Canadian fashion, representation, and legacy in a new light.
Bulk Book Sponsorship
Companies, institutions, and sponsors purchase bulk copies of Designing in the Dark and donate them to youth, students, emerging designers, and communities across Canada. More than a book — an investment in access, inspiration, and Canadian creative history.
Explore the Legacy ProgramAdvance Praise
Resourceful, resilient, tenacious, and wildly talented, George Sully has become one of the Canadian design scene's brightest lights. As both a driving force and a change-maker, his energy and passion are infectious. Designing in the Dark is ultimately about dreaming and doing, and is bound to inspire anyone intent on making a difference.
Jeanne Beker
TV Personality and Fashion Editor
As an entertainment lawyer working at the intersection of sport, entertainment, business, and culture, I understand how often talent can be overlooked when systems are not built to recognize their full value. George Sully’s Designing in the Dark is more than a memoir. It is a record of creative ownership, perseverance, and self-advocacy. His story speaks to every builder who has had to protect their vision, fight for their place, and turn lived experience into legacy. This is an important book for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone learning how to navigate industries that do not always make room for them.
Layth Gafoor
Founder and Principal, Lucentem Sports & Entertainment Law
George Sully's Designing in the Dark shines a powerful light on his rise from being overlooked within the fashion industry to becoming a respected leader and Canadian fashion advocate. His story is a testament to resilience, purpose, and the kind of impact that helps open doors for future generations.
Craig Wellington
Executive Director, Black Opportunity Fund
George's autobiography reveals an incredible life shaped by struggle, creativity, and breakthrough. From public housing to pioneering spaces in Canadian fashion, his story shows what can happen when talent refuses to be limited by circumstance. It is an honest and motivating reminder to overcome, push forward, and conquer adversity.
Kardinal Offishall
Rapper, Record Producer, and Music Executive
As a Fire Captain, I know what it means to walk into darkness with courage, discipline, and purpose. George Sully's Designing in the Dark carries that same spirit. His story is about resilience under pressure, leadership through adversity, and the strength it takes to keep moving when the path ahead is uncertain. This book will speak to anyone fighting through difficult conditions while trying to create light for others.
Clive Deonarine
Captain, Ajax Fire and Emergency Services
I'm so inspired by my friend, Canadian fashion designer George Sully. His visionary work and commitment to inclusion, seen through platforms like Black Designers of Canada, have left an indelible mark on the industry. George, your contributions are extraordinary, and I'm honoured to celebrate your impact on Canadian fashion.
Amanda Brugel
Actor, The Handmaid's Tale
I am honoured to have played a part in inspiring Sully on his quest to bring greater awareness to our incredible homegrown Black talent through the creation of Black Designers of Canada. Designing in the Dark captures the making of a transformative platform that uplifts marginalized talents too often overlooked. It is an inspiring account of his unwavering commitment to creating change within the fashion landscape.
Tyrone Edwards
Anchor, etalk
George's story is a powerful example of how humble beginnings can shape extraordinary purpose. His rise from public housing to becoming a prominent figure in Canadian fashion speaks to his vision, discipline, and leadership. Designing in the Dark offers a meaningful narrative of triumph that will inspire the next generation of designers.
Sophia Hwang-Judiesch
EVP, Global Head of Retail at Samsung
George Sully's Designing in the Dark offers an honest and deeply personal look at what it means to build a career while being overlooked by the very industry you are helping to shape. His courage in sharing both the struggle and the success makes this a compelling story for anyone navigating barriers in the creative world.
Vanessa Craft
Global Head of Content Partnerships & Business Development, TikTok
Contact
For pre-order inquiries, media requests, and everything in between.
book@designinginthedark.com ↗Publisher · ECW Press Canada / Distributed by Simon & Schuster in the US
