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What is the story behind your brand and how would you describe it?
I felt the need to express myself through clothing and thus humbly propose my vision of Montreal fashion. My universe proposes clothes that evolve with each season, each encounter.
Authentic, chic and comfortable.
What is your creative process?
I like working with 3D, with materials. It is the one who will tell me what to do, maybe a pair of pants? Moreover, I like to work in collaboration with my team in order to always be relevant and current in my proposals.
What has inspired your latest collection?
What inspires me the most is the material. For this season, I chose to work with silk and add pearl details. I am inspired by the world of the catholic religion, the military field as well as the Quebec culture.
What are your influences?
“From darkness to light”. Never give up. With hard work and passion, it is possible to find solutions to our problems. #modesolidaire
What is your signature piece?
The evening dress is a must for the DENIS GAGNON woman. For more than 20 years, I have been working with passion every day to contribute to the development of Quebec’s know-how while participating in the growth of the local economy by offering a “customized” service for events from the Greater Montreal area to the international scene.
Who is the Denis Gagnon woman?
The Denis Gagnon woman is independent and likes to wear unconventional clothing. She dresses for work, to go shopping or attend events just as much as she does for entertaining. The Denis Gagnon woman blossoms completely thanks to the different silhouettes offered each season.
What is your fondest fashion memory?
My exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. It was a recognition of my peers, but also a celebration for Quebecers by seeing a Canadian designer exhibited there for the first time. It was a beautiful moment.
How are you coping with COVID?
The loyalty of our clientele and the creation of a collection of urban masks allow us to ensure the continuity of the operations of Atelier-Boutique Denis Gagnon.
Moreover, we are a small team, which allows us to adapt quickly to changes and thus offer quality products.
That said, the DENISE ready-to-wear collection (between $55 and $235) offers clothing for work from home or for everyday life.
On a different note… Which book is on your nightstand at the moment?
“Ru” by Kim Thùy.
Which song are you listening to over and over?
“A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.
Which television series are you binge-watching?
“The Crown”.
What is your favorite recipe of the moment?
Banana bread.
Which movie inspires you?
The saga “The Godfather” directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
Andrew McNally
When asked what it is that I do for work, I like to joke that I am a fashion hybrid. I am lucky enough to work in various ways within this industry which I am passionate about. I am a fashion columnist at Journal de Montreal for which I write for different columns, including Mode de stars (Fashion of the Stars) and Dans la garde-robe de… (A Glimpse In His.Her Closet…). I also do image consulting for several performers and actors in the Quebec entertainment industry. In addition, I work behind the scenes as an Artistic Director at many fashion events and fashion shows. The rest of my time is spent teaching fashion at LaSalle College.