Montreal Fashion Designers You Need to Know

Denis Gagnon is one of Montreal’s most renowned designers. Since 2001, he has been known for his detailed, experimental approach to structure and fabric. Every season, he reveals bold new statements with leathers, silks, fringes, and a mostly black-and-white palate that blends into other muted tones.

Shop: Denis Gagnon

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLMco5mj7pX/

Vietnam-born, Montreal-based Duy Nguyen’s label first emerged in 2001, and he has been celebrated for his innovative approach to women’s fashion. Often paying homage to a particular era or iconic figure in fashion history, his work was celebrated for its sleek blend of elegance and sophistication with a certain edginess. He won the top emerging designer award at Toronto Fashion Week in 2012. He has since discontinued his own line, but continues to work in the fashion industry.

Shop: DUY

Mackage is the brainchild of Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy, childhood friends who first launched their outerwear collection in 1999. They’ve since expanded from leather bomber jackets, luxe trenches and rainwear, to include children’s outerwear and handbags as well. With flagship stores in New York and Montreal, they claim the distinction of being “one of the most prestigious contemporary outerwear brands in North America”.

Shop: Mackage

https://www.instagram.com/p/BTFo84bgnlR/

Phillippe Dubuc is the biggest name in men’s high-end fashion in Montreal. His career in the fashion industry unfolded through the 1980s and early 1990s, as he worked in design, patternmaking, and as a production manager. With an international reputation, he continues to retail at his flagship location in Montreal along, with a second location in Québec City.

Shop: Philippe Dubuc

Maison Marie Saint Pierre claims the status of being “one of the first Canadian luxury houses”. Certainly, through the past 30 years Marie Saint Pierre has created a reputation for unique design, constant innovation, and craftsmanship. For 2017, the line also released a one-of-a-kind gender-neutral collection.

Shop: Maison Marie Saint Pierre

https://www.instagram.com/p/wedFNKw79j/

Travis Taddeo’s collections strike “a bold marriage between luxury and street-wear”. Calgary-born but Montreal-based, the work of Travis Taddeo is known for being chic and minimalistic. The boutique is located in the historic and elegant Old Montreal district.

Shop: Travis Taddeo

https://www.instagram.com/p/BOpx6W0g3i0/

Active in Montreal’s fashion scene for more than 16 years, Valerie Dumaine has worked as an illustrator, patternmaker and designer for a variety of local companies. With international experience in London and Berlin, she launched her eponymous line in 2014. Mixing casual with sophisticated, Valerie Dumaine’s collections are Canadian-made and sold in more than 30 stores across both Canada and Japan.

Shop: Valerie Dumaine

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSdXSOgl-CF/

Fashion designer Mélissa Nepton focuses on creating “modern, ready-to-wear couture that targets the urban career woman”. She reached her dream of making her own label when she was cast in La Collection, Québec’s version of Project Runway. She quickly followed this success by showcasing her first collection at the 2009 Montreal Fashion Week. Her designs are available in more than 60 boutiques, with national and international attention.

Shop: Mélissa Nepton

https://www.instagram.com/p/BREO1_uAqpL/?taken-by=melissa_nepton

Originally from Chicoutimi, Quebec, Eve Gravel established her eponymous designer label for women over 10 years ago. Her work creates contemporary-casual fashion that has attracted international acclaim. Eve Gravel’s designs are available across Canada and in boutiques in the United States.

Shop: Eve Gravel

https://www.instagram.com/p/BSwS6mRgQJz/?taken-by=evegravel

Since 2007, Barilà Clothing has promoted its lifestyle brand as being for the woman who “Lives the Life She Loves”. Making use of bold prints and vivid colors, designer Sabrina Barilà focuses on combining edginess and comfort with a distinctly feminine look.

Shop: Barilà [coming soon]

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMrZ3MXB8cZ/?tagged=barila