Montreal is having a fashion moment—and it’s one rooted in more than just good looks. This dynamic, culturally rich city is leading a quiet revolution in sustainable luxury, blending creativity, ethics, and craftsmanship in ways that are reshaping how we think about fashion.
More and more, local designers are showing that luxury doesn’t have to come at the planet’s expense. In Montreal, high-end fashion is evolving into something smarter, slower, and more thoughtful. Here’s how this city is changing the game—and why the world is paying attention.
Why Sustainable Luxury Is Taking Over
In 2025, luxury isn’t just about exclusive price tags or designer labels. It’s about quality that lasts, ethical sourcing, and production that respects people and the planet. That’s the idea driving Montreal’s fashion renaissance. Instead of chasing trends, a new wave of designers is focused on creating timeless, responsibly made pieces.
Montreal has deep roots in garment manufacturing, and that heritage is now being reinvented through eco-conscious practices and forward-thinking design. The goal? To build a future where fashion doesn’t have to cost the earth.
There’s something about Montreal that makes it the perfect incubator for this kind of movement. It’s a bilingual, multicultural city where European flair meets North American edge. Whether you’re walking the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal or exploring the creative energy of Mile End, the city buzzes with artistic influence.
But it’s not just the culture—it’s the commitment. Montreal has invested in green initiatives, supports local creators, and has easy access to natural and recycled materials. The result is a fashion scene that feels as thoughtful as it is stylish.
Montreal Brands Leading the Sustainable Charge
Here are just a few of the local names setting the standard for sustainable luxury:
Frank And Oak
This Montreal-based brand has become a go-to for modern, eco-friendly essentials. They use recycled fabrics, organic cotton, and non-toxic dyes, and half of their product line is made through sustainable processes. Even their flagship store is built from reclaimed materials.
Matt & Nat
If you’re into sleek vegan leather bags, you’ve probably already heard of Matt & Nat. Short for “Material and Nature,” the brand uses recycled plastic bottles and other post-consumer materials to craft cruelty-free accessories that look and feel luxurious.
Harricana
Founded in 1993, Harricana has been giving second life to old furs and fabrics long before upcycling was a buzzword. Their pieces are modern, stylish, and steeped in history—proof that sustainable fashion can be just as elegant as traditional luxury.
SELFISH Swimwear
Designed and made in Montreal, SELFISH Swimwear celebrates all body types with flattering, eco-friendly pieces sewn from recycled materials. It’s sustainable, inclusive, and effortlessly chic.
Eliza Faulkner
Eliza’s feminine, bold designs are made with deadstock fabrics—leftovers from big fashion houses—so nothing goes to waste. Everything is made locally, keeping her environmental impact low while supporting the local economy.
Beyond the big brands, independent designers in Montreal are also making waves with their ethical and innovative approaches:
• Marie Saint Pierre blends comfort and drama in luxurious, long-lasting pieces made in Montreal.
• Jennifer Glasgow keeps production local and designs with color and character, while maintaining a sustainable ethos.
• Elisa C-Rossow is all about minimalism and mindful production, using a pared-down palette and small-batch manufacturing to reduce waste.
Sustainability in Montreal isn’t just about materials—it’s about mindset. Some designers are using technology to minimize waste, like &Or Collective, whose precise knitting techniques leave almost no fabric scraps behind. Others, like Kazak, are turning discarded materials into fresh, fashion-forward accessories. It’s a full-circle approach that’s pushing the industry toward a more circular future.
What Consumers Want—and What Montreal Delivers
Today’s shoppers care more about where their clothes come from, how they’re made, and what they stand for. Millennials and Gen Z in particular are leading the shift, choosing brands that align with their values and lifestyles. Montreal’s focus on transparency, craftsmanship, and inclusive design speaks directly to that.
Brands here are also striking a balance between quality and price, offering ethical luxury without the intimidating markup—something that sets Montreal apart from many other fashion capitals. Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing.
Local production and sustainable materials can be expensive, and not every shopper is ready to invest more in eco-conscious pieces. But that’s where storytelling comes in. Brands that are open about their process and values are earning trust—and building loyal communities in the process.
Events like the Montreal Fashion & Design Festival are helping to amplify those stories and connect designers with a broader audience.
Montreal’s Global Influence
What’s happening in Montreal isn’t staying in Montreal. Brands like Matt & Nat and Frank And Oak have made their way onto the global stage, showing that style, ethics, and sustainability can coexist—and thrive.
Montreal’s identity—creative, multicultural, grounded in craft—makes its fashion scene feel especially relevant in a global market that’s craving authenticity. As the industry pushes toward more sustainable practices, this city is already a step ahead.
How You Can Support the Movement
• Shop : Visit our vintage boutique and designer pop-ups to discover homegrown talent.
• Buy less, choose well: Look for timeless pieces made to last.
• Go vintage: Montreal’s vintage scene is one of the best in North America.
• Stay curious: Follow local fashion news and get to know the stories behind the clothes.
Montreal is proof that fashion can be both beautiful and responsible. By blending heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation, the city’s designers are rewriting the rules of luxury—and proving that sustainability doesn’t have to mean compromise.
Whether you’re a conscious consumer, a fashion lover, or just someone who appreciates good design, there’s never been a better time to explore what Montreal has to offer. The future of fashion is here—and it’s wearing recycled leather and upcycled fur.