Leading fashion retailer, Nordstrom, Inc. has launched ‘True Nord,’ its first-ever national Canadian marketing brand campaign on August 27. Produced in partnership with Toronto-based advertising agency, Ogilvy, the campaign celebrates the inclusive and welcoming spirit of Canadians through the lens of individuality and personal style. The campaign is inspired by the phrase “True North” within the national anthem “O Canada,” as ‘Nord’ means ‘North’ in French. The natural synergy influenced the anthem’s role in the campaign along with key lyrics including “strong and free,” “with glowing hearts,” and “from far and wide” that highlight the shared values of Canadians and Nordstrom. “We’ve been proud to serve our Canadian customers since 2014,” said Scott Meden, Chief Marketing Officer for Nordstrom. “We value the richness that diversity and culture bring to our communities, and our Canadian customers and employees set an example with their warm, welcoming and inclusive spirit. Our hope with this campaign is to celebrate all Canadians and the values we share and strive to reflect as a brand.” “As we got to know the Nordstrom team and visited its stores, we realized how much Canadians and Nordstrom have in common,” says Ogilvy Toronto CEO Laurie Young. “It is truly serendipitous that ‘Nord’ means ‘North’ in French.” Shot by Canadian-born photographer and director Justin Tyler Close, the campaign features an all-Canadian cast styled in a breadth of fall fashion highlighting the retailer’s commitment to a range of styles and price points. Scenes are set against natural landscapes and urban settings across the Greater Toronto Area. The 13-member cast includes individuals who are proud to be Canadian, are passionate about their work and expressing their individuality through personal style. Featured cast members include Mel Kobayashi, founder of Bag and a Beret Blog; Harjas Singh, stylist and consultant for Styled by Harj; Biko Beauttah, United Nations Goodwill Glambassador; and Yolanda May Largie, co-founder of The Canadian Curvies