Despite being a multi-hyphenate creative, designer and co-founder of the menswear brand Miles Leon, Julian Canda prefers to call himself a gardener. Which, perhaps is what happens when you spend your whole life in a place as beautiful as Oregon where waterfalls are a dime a dozen and berries are picked ripe off the bush.
We spent the afternoon with Portland-based Julian at Ford Farms on Sauvie Island, discussing building a practical personal style, the effort and intention of living in the present and of course, gardening.
Featuring our Mojave Tan Linen Suit
You’re clearly inspired by the natural world, which in Portland can often mean mud, rain, and unpredictability. How do you think about that tension between the messiness of nature and the care of clothing?
Portland’s weather and wildness are definitely part of the daily equation. But I see clothing as something that’s meant to live with you—not against the elements, but alongside them.
One of our favorite places for inspiration is Sauvie Island—it’s only 20 minutes from home, and it’s also where we’ve started our garden. My business partner often says, “clothing is an integral part of the human experience,” and I agree. It protects us from the elements, yes—but it also invites us to participate in the world, to explore and get a little dirty in the process. There’s something grounding in that.
Julian Canda in our Mojave Tan Linen Suit
Has your personal style come about through intentional effort, or has it evolved naturally over time?
It’s definitely evolved over time—gently, intuitively. Years in retail exposed me to so many people and perspectives, and I’ve absorbed a bit from everyone I crossed paths with.
On a deeper level, I think my sense of style comes from memory. My mother documented much of my childhood through these beautifully curated photo albums, and I often revisit them. My parents and grandparents had a natural, effortless sense of taste—whether dressed in their Sunday Best or simply living their day-to-day. That visual archive has quietly guided me, reminding me that clothing is not just about what we wear, but who we are, and where we come from.
"...clothing is not just about what we wear, but who we are, and where we come from."
What art forms do you find most tangibly inspiring when it comes to designing your collections?
I’m inspired by many forms of art, but I often return to natural materials and found objects. Things that have weathered over time—the faded tones, the cracks, the signs of use—all hold stories.
When I come across something like that, it makes me wonder: how will my garments age? What stories will they carry? I imagine them passed from one person to the next, acquiring meaning along the way. That kind of longevity, that quiet storytelling through wear, is at the heart of what I hope to create.
Julian Canda in our Mojave Tan Linen Suit
How do you get dressed in the morning? Do you plan ahead or dress based on how you feel?
I actually lay my clothes out the night before—it’s a small ritual that brings me peace. It removes the noise from the morning and helps me move through the day with more intention.
My wardrobe is pretty lean and considered. Most things work well together, and I don’t mind repeating outfits. If I love something, I wear it often. There’s a calm in consistency.
I’ve become more open in recent years, less rigid about what makes it into my closet. If a piece speaks to me, and I can envision how it fits into the rhythm of what I already own, I make space for it.
"There’s a phrase I’ve carried with me for years: 'Try softer.'"
Everything you do feels thoughtful. How do you cultivate mindfulness, and how does it show up in your work?
Much of my perspective comes from early exposure to Eastern philosophy—Zen Buddhism and Taoism, mostly. My father and stepfather both practiced martial arts, and their influence led me to books that deeply shaped how I see the world.
Mindfulness, for me, is about presence and patience. It’s about trusting the process—knowing that if I keep showing up and tending to the work, the results will unfold when they’re meant to. That mindset flows into every part of my brand. It allows me to focus on what matters: quality, integrity, and intention.
Julian Canda in our Mojave Tan Linen Suit
When do you feel the most present?
There’s a phrase I’ve carried with me for years: “Try softer.” It’s a gentle reminder that pushing too hard can sometimes block the natural unfolding of things.
I used to think I needed to try to be present all the time—but the truth is, the more I try, the further I get from actually being. I feel most present in the quiet in-between moments—walking through the garden, cooking a simple meal, talking with a friend.
Presence isn’t something I chase. It finds me when I’m just living—grounded, open, and paying attention.
Photography by Parker Fitzgerald
