Montreal Fashion Week Returns Bigger Than Ever With Focus on Sustainability and Community
Montreal Fashion Week (MFW) is poised to make its highly anticipated return this fall, celebrating its fifth edition from September 23 to 30. This year's program promises an engaging lineup of six signature events designed to captivate audiences and showcase the vibrant talent within Quebec's fashion landscape. Fashion enthusiasts can look forward to the return of acclaimed designer Eliza Faulkner to the runway, a fresh and exciting chapter from the esteemed Maison Marie Saint Pierre, and a compelling presentation from the emerging label Mrkntn, signaling the diverse range of styles and innovations on display.
Beyond the runway, MFW extends its reach with a rich array of exhibitions and unique experiences. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the "Afrique Mode" exhibition at the McCord Stewart Museum, offering a cultural dive into diverse fashion traditions. The intricate creations of Anne-Marie Chagnon will also be featured, alongside an immersive runway experience conceptualized by Lignes De Fuite, which will shine a spotlight on three promising up-and-coming designers. These varied activations underscore MFW’s commitment to providing a holistic and enriching experience for all.
Sustainability continues to be a core pillar of MFW’s programming, reflecting the industry's growing commitment to responsible practices. This year's initiatives include a thought-provoking "Lunch and Learn" session on responsible sourcing, hosted collaboratively by Core Fabrics and Collective Détour. Furthermore, the event will mark the Montreal debut of Fashion Takes Action’s ReMode festival, an exciting platform dedicated to sustainable fashion. Practical workshops on upcycling, led by the talented Charles Hulin, will empower participants with hands-on skills to contribute to a more circular fashion economy.
MFW also deeply values community engagement, integrating various initiatives from local groups that foster social responsibility. Featured community partners include Concertation MTL, Atelier Promo 21, and The Shoebox Project, all contributing to the collaborative spirit of the week. Additionally, the involvement of Le Chaînon thrift store highlights the importance of accessibility and circularity within the fashion ecosystem, showcasing how fashion can be a vehicle for positive social impact.
Mathieu St-Arnaud Lavoie, executive director of Mmode and Montreal Fashion Week, emphasized the guiding philosophy behind this year's event. "We have adopted a sustainable, participatory formula tailored to the reality of our industry," he stated. "Much more than a calendar of events, MFW is a unique showcase that allows everyone to contribute and shine in their own way. On this fifth anniversary, we embody the vitality of our industry more than ever and reaffirm our commitment to building a fashion ecosystem that is responsible, inclusive, and sustainable in Quebec."
Relaunched in 2021 under the astute direction of Mmode, the Metropolitan Fashion Cluster, Montreal Fashion Week serves a critical role in unifying and bringing together stakeholders across Quebec’s dynamic fashion industry. Organizers anticipate a substantial turnout, with nearly 20,000 attendees expected across 95 activations spread throughout 14 vibrant Montreal neighborhoods. This ambitious undertaking is supported by the collaboration of more than 100 organizations and brands, firmly establishing MFW's expanding influence as a pivotal cultural and economic driver for Quebec’s fashion sector.
