Eliza FaulknerShelby Fenlon/The Globe and Mail
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Eliza Faulkner, and I’m the founder and creative director of my eponymous clothing brand based in Montreal. And I’m a mom of two kids.
Where are you?
I’m in the conference room of the building our studio is in. It’s located in Chabanel, which has traditionally been the fashion district here. There’s now eight of us in the studio – all working on our new collection and upcoming fashion show for Montreal Fashion Week, which starts on Sept. 23.
What are you wearing today?
I love this new suit and shirt from our fall/winter collection. It’s oversized, and the vest has a bow on the back. There’s something so serious about a suit, but this one has a sense of humour! My Bambi-print pony hair shoes are from Maguire; they’re super comfortable and go with everything. And the jewellery is by my friend Cat at Seola Atelier. It’s chunky and has a good weight, which feels very luxurious.
How would you describe your sense of style?
Feminine, bold and irreverent. I like for my look to not be too obvious – I always throw in a twist. If I’m dressed in a lot of frills or ruffles, I want to wear a weird shoe that doesn’t quite go.
Is Montreal Canada’s most stylish city?
I’ve never lived in Toronto, so I don’t know for sure, but I think so – especially in the summer. It’s hard to tell what people are wearing in the winter because they’ll have a giant coat on. But in the summer, there’s such a spectrum of style. I live in Mile End, which is a Hasidic neighbourhood, and we have Hasidic customers who shop with us. And then there are queer people in the same neighborhood who have their nipples and tattoos showing. I love that there’s such a juxtaposition.
What’s your favourite social media account to follow?
I love The World of Interiors for a bit of colour and textile inspiration. And Saint Hoax always makes me laugh, so I appreciate that.
What do you think the most important issue in the fashion industry is right now?
It’s been sustainability for a long time, but that’s changing due to the tariffs and what we’re going to do about the States. As a Canadian brand, you’re always looking to the U.S. as your next market because it’s so big. We’re still shipping to the U.S., but we are really looking at other places to invest in, like Europe and Australia. It’s just getting too volatile.
What’s been your biggest accomplishment this year?
Probably the Simons collaboration. When you dream of being a designer when you’re younger, you think about being in a department store or a big high-end store and seeing your name on that little card. When I was at the store launch of the collection, I noticed we were hanging next to Ganni, which is huge brand, and that felt, like, wow.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
