The Three E’s
fashion designersMontreal
(Apr.17.09)
So it’s no secret that I love covering runway shows and discovering new labels. With the sudden influx of great collections on my radar, especially locally-made, environmentally conscious clothing, I’ve decided to do a short roundup of some of the cool things currently hitting the shelves (both the material and virtual kind).
At Montreal Fashion Week in March the showroom was filled with nearly 100 exhibitors, but one label that captured my attention was OÖM Ethikwear. Founders Pascale Clauzier and Pascal Benaskas-Couture produce ethical clothing for men, women and babies (just ask our Sweetmamas). This is a casual, comfortable line that makes dressing green easy, and supports local causes like Équiterre and Dans la rue too. Their next big project: Becoming carbon-neutral in 2009. 
Another eco-friendly Montreal-based designer is Stacey Zhang, who opened her first store, Nu Boutique, in 2007 and a downtown flagship store just last year. Her spring collection called High Tea in Pondicherry is filled with flirty, chic dresses made from organic bamboo and cotton. I’m totally smitten.
Stacey Zhang has just launched her web boutique, and to celebrate one lucky woman will win a one-of-a-kind organic dress custom-made by Stacey herself. (The winner even will collaborate on the design!) Deadline is May 31st, so head to her website soon.
Finally, for the very latest in edgy design and new talent, look no further than LABEL the fashion trademark hosted by Virginie Coossa this coming Wednesday (April 22).
Presented by the École supérieure de mode de Montreal class of 2009, it’s a chance for them to make industry contacts and for us to see the future of fashion. The fashion show will be open to the public from 6:30pm onwards at the Society for Arts and Technology, 1195 Blvd. St-Laurent. Maybe I'll see you there...