The runways, museum halls, and neighbourhood venues of Montreal are alive this week with creative energy, as Montreal Fashion Week opened its fifth edition on Tuesday, September 23. Running until September 30, 2025, the event has quickly become a fixture on the city’s cultural calendar, drawing designers, retailers, and the public together in celebration of Quebec’s style.
Presented by La Vie en Rose, in collaboration with Kronenbourg 1664 and supported by Clin d’œil, Fonds de solidarité FTQ, Parc Jean-Drapeau, and Olay, Montreal Fashion Week is more than a seasonal showcase. Organizers describe it as a platform designed to unite the industry under a shared vision of creativity, responsibility, and inclusion.
Since its relaunch in 2021 by the industry cluster mmode, Montreal Fashion Week has steadily expanded its reach. The fifth edition, now underway, is seen by organizers as proof of both resilience and ambition.
“On this 5th 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,” said Mathieu St-Arnaud Lavoie, executive director of mmode and Montreal Fashion Week.
Homegrown Talent at the Forefront
To mark this milestone year, the organizers have tapped Laurence Fortin-Côté as spokesperson. The Montreal-based entrepreneur and founder of Rholend embodies the spirit of this anniversary edition, bringing her background in fashion and social media to the role.
The schedule, now in motion, features six signature events. Among them is the long-awaited runway return of designer Eliza Faulkner, a show that has already generated attention. Maison Marie Saint Pierre, one of Quebec’s most celebrated fashion houses, is unveiling a new chapter in its story, while MRKNTN, a rising brand, is presenting a daring proposal that reflects the next generation.
Cultural programming is also underway. The McCord Stewart Museum has opened Afrique Mode, an exhibition tracing the connections between African heritage and contemporary fashion. Jewellery designer Anne-Marie Chagnon has launched a showcase of her latest creations, while “Lignes de Fuite,” an immersive runway event from three emerging designers, debuted with an unconventional presentation.
This year’s edition reflects the event’s growing scale. More than 100 organizations are participating, with nearly 100 activations spread across 14 neighbourhoods. From boutiques to museums, the city has taken on the spirit of Montreal Fashion Week.
Organizers expect 20,000 people to attend before the week concludes. Industry professionals, students, and fashion enthusiasts have already begun filling venues, confirming the week’s reputation as both an economic and cultural force.
Fashion as a Sustainable Practice
As in past years, sustainability remains at the center of the programming. Already, Core Fabrics and Collective Détour have hosted a Lunch and Learn session on responsible sourcing and production. Later this week, the ReMode festival, presented by Fashion Takes Action, will debut in Montreal, bringing conferences, a specialized market, and a large-scale clothing swap.
Workshops are also emphasizing circularity. On Thursday, designer Charles Hulin will lead participants in transforming upcycled fabrics into unique pieces, continuing the message that fashion can balance creativity with responsibility.
Laurence Fortin-Côté stressed that this focus is not a passing theme. “Behind every garment lies expertise, stories, and materials that deserve respect. As spokesperson for this anniversary edition, I am proud to see Montreal Fashion Week spotlight initiatives that prove fashion can be as inspiring as it is sustainable,” she said.
The anniversary edition also highlights the role of fashion as a form of social connection. Partnerships with Concertation MTL, Atelier PROMO 21, The Shoebox Project, and Le Chaînon thrift store are underway, reinforcing the idea that fashion can also be a vehicle for inclusion and solidarity.
Five Years of Building Momentum
Since its 2021 revival, Montreal Fashion Week has demonstrated adaptability and growth. Each year has seen new formats, broader participation, and a stronger emphasis on sustainability. The fifth edition, now in progress, underscores how far it has come.
Organizers say that the growth mirrors shifts in the global industry, where responsibility and inclusivity are as important as design. Yet Montreal’s approach remains rooted in its own identity, with an emphasis on collective energy and cultural connection.
The full schedule, running through September 30, is available at en.semainemodemtl.com. Organizers emphasize accessibility, inviting not only industry insiders but also the public to attend.
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