Montreal Designer Eliza Faulkner Prepares for Fashion Week, Discusses Style & Industry Challenges
MONTREAL – Montreal-based fashion designer Eliza Faulkner and her team of eight are finalizing preparations for their upcoming collection and fashion show at Montreal Fashion Week, set to begin september 23rd. Faulkner, whose studio is located in the city’s historic Chabanel fashion district, recently shared insights into her personal style and the evolving landscape of the fashion industry.
Faulkner describes her aesthetic as “feminine, bold and irreverent,” favoring looks that incorporate unexpected elements. “I like for my look to not be too obvious – I always throw in a twist,” she explained. Currently, she’s enjoying a new oversized suit and shirt from her fall/winter collection, complete with a bow on the vest’s back, paired with Bambi-print pony hair shoes from Maguire and jewellery by Seola Atelier’s Cat.
When asked about montreal’s reputation for style, Faulkner believes the city rivals others in Canada, notably during the warmer months. “In the summer, there’s such a spectrum of style,” she noted, highlighting the diverse styles within her own Mile End neighbourhood, from Hasidic community members to those expressing themselves with visible tattoos and piercings.
Looking beyond aesthetics, Faulkner identified sustainability and geopolitical factors as key issues facing the fashion industry. Specifically,she cited increasing tariffs and the volatile political climate in the United States as prompting her brand to explore expansion into European and Australian markets.
A recent highlight for Faulkner was the collaboration with Canadian retailer Simons. “When you dream of being a designer when you’re younger, you think about being in a department store…and seeing your name on that little card,” she said, recalling the launch of the collection and its placement alongside the brand Ganni.
Faulkner draws inspiration from sources like The World of Interiors for color and textile ideas, and enjoys the humour found in the social media account Saint Hoax.
