WHAT’S THE greatest challenge FACING CANADIAN FASHION right now?

ZEE “When you’re not in one of the four fashion centres [Paris, New York, Milan, London], it’s hard to get noticed.” CHARTRAND “The industry can feel restrictive and uninviting at times. However, we’ve always considered having our base in Montreal one of our greatest advantages: It liberates us from being a part of the status quo, and we’ve challenged the conventions of our industry.” MARIE SAINT PIERRE “The west of Canada is very different from the east: Each province has its strengths, but it’s hard to say ‘I’m from Canada and this defines me.’ Consumers in other markets are a little ignorant about who we are.” MILNER “The biggest stereotype we have to break in the international community is that Canadian fashion is just about outerwear. Roots has done a great job of telling its story, and Canada Goose has our country right in its name so no one will mistake where it’s from, but we have to show that we have a diverse offering of brands. We have amazing outerwear, but we also have stunning eveningwear and everything in between.”