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District Central Celebrates Local Fashion
On August 9, District Central transformed into a true stage for urban and underground fashion. In collaboration with the M.A.D. Festival (Mode, Arts et Divertissement), the Société de développement commercial (SDC) District Central and Les Immeubles HS—the owner of the building where the event unfolded—presented a signature experience that highlighted the neighborhood’s unique DNA: a fashion district in motion, brimming with creative energy.
60 Looks, 100% District Central
The highlight of the day came with Le Grand Défilé of “Défile ton Montréal,” presented on the loading dock of 433 Chabanel Street West—an iconic industrial space transformed into an urban, underground runway for the occasion. Before an enthusiastic crowd of more than 200 guests, sixty distinctive looks—conceived, designed, and produced entirely within District Central—were unveiled, featuring the collections of twelve Montreal-based brands rooted in the neighborhood.
This runway show embodied the power of local creation: pieces conceived, crafted, and celebrated right here in a district where fashion is part of everyday life. The initiative shone a spotlight on the essential role businesses play across the entire production chain—from design to manufacturing—and reinforced the value of a close-to-home fashion model.
Participating Brands:
Maison Marie Saint-Pierre, Eliza Faulkner, Nadya Toto, Audvik, Iris Setlakwe, Trucs d’enfants, NDSCLSD, Milo and Dexter, Hotel Motel, Ionik Sport, Créations GAMA, 1er MAI, Julei Design
An Urban, Underground Atmosphere
The magic of the day wasn’t just in the creations—it was in the energy that filled the space. Geneviève Borne captivated the audience with her charismatic presence, while Vibe Benders infused the venue with infectious rhythms, setting an electrifying tone from start to finish. Adding to the momentum, the Flowmotion troupe—specialists in urban dance—delivered a dynamic choreographed performance, bringing an extra layer of artistry and rhythm to the event. Guests also enjoyed a welcoming bar, a comfortable lounge area, and a gourmet food truck, adding warmth and flavor to an immersive experience where fashion and music were in perfect harmony.
The Return of Samedis sur Chabanel: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Design
The day began with the much-anticipated return of Samedis sur Chabanel, a concept created by the SDC District Central to open the doors of fashion workshops to the public. For this first edition of the year, participating businesses gathered on the mezzanine of 433 Chabanel, creating a lively and welcoming shared space.
The event offered visitors a rare, behind-the-scenes immersion into the creative process—meeting designers, discovering unique pieces, and seeing them directly at the source. It was a powerful gesture to promote local manufacturing and encourage buying directly from makers.
Inspired by the district’s origins, this initiative celebrates its strong identity as a hub of industrial merchants—a defining characteristic of the neighborhood.
Participating brands
Maison Marie Saint-Pierre, Nadya Toto, Audvik, Trucs d’enfants, NDSCLSD, Milo and Dexter, 1er MAI, Julei Design, Esprit Tendance, Agence Jac-osh, La main d’or
Thank You to Our Partners
The SDC District Central extends heartfelt thanks to its co-presenters, Les Immeubles HS and the M.A.D. Festival, without whom this event would not have been possible, as well as to the City of Montréal for its financial support.
A District That Shapes Fashion
With more than 780 design-related businesses—660 of them in fashion—District Central stands as a true creative and economic engine for Montréal. This event showcased the neighborhood’s vitality, its unique expertise, and its capacity to shine well beyond its borders.
Once again, District Central proves that here, fashion is shaped. Our thanks to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable day.
Photos: Charles-Olivier Bourque
In Pictures : Apéro RH October 19, 2023
Photos : Charles-Olivier Bourque
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