In the age of shrinkflation, it can be hard to know where to find the best value and where to invest your money. This blog focuses on an ethical vision of fashion, and here again, it is often complicated to find the balance between ethics and budget, but also ethics and aesthetics. I have been looking into this issue for more than 5 years and today I will share with you 5 ethical Quebec fashion brands, that convinced me to invest in their work.

HANNAH ISOLDE

Sustainability often equates to timelessness. Indeed, the changes in trends imposed on a practically weekly basis by TikTok contribute to not only emptying the wallets of the most impressionable but also encourage us to get tired of increasingly less qualitative pieces more and more quickly.
With vintage-inspired collections, Hannah offers high-quality clothing, handmade in her Montreal studio. After having purchased several of her pieces, I can confirm that the designer attaches real importance to the choice of fabrics but also to the finishes. Thick cottons, clean seams and a service that includes adjusting the pieces to your liking.
If you are a fan of thrift stores, you will surely have noticed that clothes from previous decades, independently of the material used and the store of origin, tend to stand the test of time better than the current offer. Hannah Isolde has taken note of this, and designs clothes that are meant to last. The heritage of fashion is a gift that is too often underestimated!

EVE GRAVEL

I discovered Eve Gravel in 2021 through a sample sale. The first thing that caught my eye was their prints. At the time, I wasn’t a big fan of colorful clothing, but after discovering this brand, I realized that I was missing out on a lot of joy. Their modern and often abstract prints, their simple cuts that fit so well, make Eve Gravel a brand that is both relevant and dynamic. The Montreal brand uses natural materials, such as linen and cotton, but also OEKO-TEX certified synthetics. I also like the fact that they use versatile silhouettes, easy to style and reuse throughout the seasons.

ELIZA FALKNER

Eliza Falkner is perhaps the clothing brand I have loved the most in recent years. Their relaxed, adjustable and feminine silhouettes perfectly match my sense of aesthetics. Think Studio Ghibli meets Pride and Prejudice and you will understand my clothing style. Eliza Faulkner has infiltrated my wardrobe thanks to comfortable, qualitative materials and color schemes that never fail to catch the eye. Their maximalist blouses and dresses often feature ribbons, ruches and frills, which makes my heart sing. Now there is definitely a North American practicality to their aesthetic, and instead of high heels or Mary Jane shoes, they happily style their outfits with snickers and minimalist ballerine shoes. There is a childlike freedom to their editorials.… Whether you are a “tomboy” or a “girly girl” you will be able to find happiness in their collections.

ODEYALO

If there is one thing I love about fashion, it is the small details that reveal the savoir-faire and meticulous vision of the designers. Odeyalo is for me, a brand that deserves more attention. While walking around Montreal this summer, I came across their physical store on Saint-Laurent Boulevard. I was able to see several of their recent collections in person. They have an understated aesthetic that relies on quality rather than bold colorways or trendy patterns, although, they do have a few pieces (like this Anemone sweater) that stand out from far. Each piece offers well thought-out finishes and the fabrics they chose are beautiful. In addition, their clothes are easy to wear and very comfortable. I, myself have a few pieces from old collections that I have worn regularly for years.

OVATE

Last but not least, Ovate is a brand that I have observed from afar for several years. It was only last winter that I had the chance to see their work in person. I was very impressed by my first impression when I touched these clothes… Indeed, I think that the photos do not do them justice.

Personally, I often need to make sure that the price of my clothes is justified, because “expensive” does not necessarily mean quality. Well, in the case of Ovate, which only uses natural materials and offers ample, generous and very well-cut clothes, I consider that the price is justified.
The brand is inspired by a poetic minimalism, and we perceive a peaceful slowness in their aesthetics. Their color palette is very autumnal, even wintery: black, white, gray, beige, a little burgundy from time to time… This creative choice allows for a certain durability. Indeed, using and re-using the same colour palette avoids waste because the materials can always be repurposed if a product does not sell. No need to get rid of a whole roll of fabric with a print that will not be popular next season.

What I like the most is the weight and texture of the fabrics used. Among the brands I mentioned, I think Ovale stands out the most in terms of materials. The brand has a raw, simple side that exists outside of time. Without print, without color, without noise, the garment speaks for itself. It is a bit like a social media detox, and I love it.

And you? Are you sensitive to the issues of ethical and local fashion? Who are your favorite designers?