Art + Fashion: Mic North’s Bold New Chapter in Winnipeg

By Donovan Martin Sr, Editor in Chief

This past weekend marked the grand opening of Art + Fashion, the flagship store of Maleek Mullah—better known to many Winnipeggers and Canadians as Mic North. For over two decades, North has been a pillar of the hip hop community and founder Jet City Records, celebrated not only for his music but also for his groundbreaking work in Indigenous communities through his non-profit program, MAPs.

MAPs, which stands for Motivational Arts Program, has long been North’s way of giving back. He and his team have travelled to remote First Nations communities across Canada, introducing young people to music, storytelling, and technical skills. The program culminates in participants producing their very own tracks—an empowering experience that leaves lasting inspiration. For many, this work has cemented North as more than an artist; he is a mentor, a cultural bridge-builder, and a leader.

So why pivot to fashion?

North explains it as a natural evolution of who he is. “Music wasn’t resonating with me in the same way it used to,” he shared at the opening. “It wasn’t bringing the joy it once did. But fashion—that was always part of me. I’ve always had an eye for it, always been creating my own designs. The timing was right. I didn’t turn my back on music—that will always be my love—but I wanted to grow. I needed change.”

The result is Art + Fashion, a vibrant new hub that merges high-end style with a hip hop edge. The store showcases North’s unique designs while doubling as a community space. This isn’t just retail—it’s culture.

The journey here wasn’t without obstacles. North opened a smaller location earlier this year but faced challenges with landlords and logistics. Yet, in his view, it was all meant to be. “This new location is perfect. The visibility, the energy, the space—it allows me to expand, to create workshops, and most importantly, to give other artists the chance to display their work,” he said.

Walking into the shop, visitors immediately see that North’s vision is bigger than clothing. The store offers space for painters and visual artists to showcase their work, with rotating displays that bring Winnipeg’s artistic talent to the forefront. North’s mission is to extend a hand to others, just as the community has always supported him.

That support, he says, has been overwhelming. “From day one, the community has shown up for me. It means the world. It proves how connected we all are, and how much it matters when someone from the community invests back into it.”

North’s story is particularly powerful because of where he comes from. As a man of both First Nations and Black heritage, he represents resilience and possibility. “It shows that anything can happen if you put your mind to it,” he said. What makes the achievement even more remarkable is that he built Art + Fashion entirely with his own earnings—money made from years of performing, recording, and teaching music.

“This is what entrepreneurship is,” North added. “This is what success looks like when you define it for yourself.”

Looking ahead, he envisions opening more locations across Canada, creating jobs, and continuing to be a mentor. He wants Art + Fashion to inspire a new generation of creators—not just in music or clothing, but in any form of art.

And in a poetic twist, as he leans deeper into fashion, North finds his love for music stirring again. “The inspiration is coming back,” he admitted with a smile. “It’s all connected. When you follow your passion, the energy flows.”

The grand opening of Art + Fashion wasn’t just about clothes on racks—it was a celebration of resilience, creativity, and community. It’s a reminder that leadership comes in many forms, and sometimes the bravest move is knowing when to evolve.