Under the sword of Damocles of American tariffs at the Canada-U.S. border, and in tandem with the Canadian effort to encourage its local products, mmode – the metropolitan fashion cluster, Les Produits du Québec and the Conseil québécois du Commerce de Détail are launching a rallying cry: #MODESOLIDAIRE.
The idea is to unite designers and consumers around a concept that’s good for the ecology, good for the Quebec economy and good for all of us.
We already drink the beer brewed two blocks from home, eat the vegetables from the field next door and, if we come from a rural or semi-rural area, eat the eggs from that neighbor who raises chickens. Why not do the same with our fashion shopping?
MADE-IN-MONTREAL
We’ve found 10 brands – and this is not an exhaustive list – that are made in Montreal. Here, we’re ultra-local!
1 Darlings of Denmark
Sleek, Scandinavian-inspired jewelry by Montreal designer Brenda MacDonald, in metal or color, geometric and reminiscing of works by Matisse.
2.Harakiri
Jewelry designed in Montreal, sophisticated, delicate, true works of art.
3.Sainte Oeuvre
A multidisciplinary creative house that produces images, videos and limited-edition artist T-shirts.
4.Pony
Pony is the best-known designer of the moment. Her tongue-in-cheek prints, plush toys and T-shirts are an injection of childhood happiness -with a hint of adult cynicism.
5.Oscar Mendoza
A Canadian-Mexican fashion designer and Lasalle College alumnus with surreal, sophisticated collections inspired by dreams.
6.NOBLE
This is Montreal’s softest brand, designed by its young founder Noémie Lacerte in her downtown atelier. I’m particularly fond of the page where you can shop the pieces seen on TV’s Occupation Double.
7 Marigold Montreal
Marigold’s slow fashion is created and assembled in Montreal – “Made in Montreal for real.” We recommend a visit to the atelier boutique on Wellington Street to appreciate the quality and beauty of the garments.
8.Later Studio
This is the most gothic of Montreal’s small brands, and its historically-accurate dresses are handmade in Montreal with natural fibers.
9.Indyeva
Who knows better than a Montrealer how to cover up in style for the cold winter weather? Indyeva coats and outerwear are Montreal-designed – and have traveled the world on the backs of vacationing explorers…
10.BAAM
Technically, BAAM isn’t a Montreal company, but it’s from the Eastern Townships and it’s next door. It’s also included here because it’s eco-friendly (everything is overcycled, or upcycled) and for its “mattress-coat” project, which is donated to homeless people. By the way, to participate, click here.
Because shopping local also means sticking together – in Montreal and across Quebec!
Happy shopping!