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History

It all started with a creative urge and an entrepreneurial itch.
Beginning as a cottage industry by neighborhood friends with young children, Canvasbacks evolved and grew as its owner, Betsy Horsfield, followed her instincts and her art.

The name “Canvasbacks” comes from the company’s origins in the needlework industry. “We initially sold kits consisting of garments with unfinished needlepoint canvas inserts,” explains Betsy. The product changed, and as sales grew operations were moved out of the home and into a small factory in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward.

Canvasbacks quickly developed its signature look; classic apparel shapes decorated with a wide variety and artful combination of beautiful fabrics. It also developed a loyal following in better specialty stores nationwide.

A line of novelty outerwear, WRAPS by Canvasbacks was soon added to the sportswear collection. Then BETS was introduced, offering a more casual, less constructed style of clothing.

Today Canvasbacks is known for beautiful fabrics and vibrant colors in all three of its collections. “Our clothes are not limited to any particular lifestyle,” explains Horsfield, “but they do appeal to a confident woman who wants to have a little fun!”

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