Andy Thê-Anh (2006) | Arthur Mendonça (2005) | Izzy Camilleri (2004)
Mackage (2004) | Paul Hardy (2004) | Ghetto Panda (2004)
Tavan & Mitto (2003) | Renata Morales (2003) | Pat McDonagh (2002)
Marie Saint-Pierre (2001) | Stephan Caras (2000) | Ross Mayer (2000)
Marisa Minicucci (1999) | Jean-François Morissette (1999)

1999 -- Marisa Minicucci

I have been designing collections that address a woman with an allure all her own for over fifteen years. During this time, I have personally experienced the evolution of moods, tastes and preferences that I try to reflect in my collections. I believe that today's woman is more self-assured. We want our clothes to underline our personality, not to dominate it. We will find a style that corresponds to our idea of femininity, sensuality and good taste, but we also want to be tempted to test our fashion limits. I like to think that today's woman rejects fashion dictatorship in favor of elegant self-expression. The personal interpretation of my collections translates into a unique and understated style that is at once modern and noticeable and, at the same time, enduring and remembered.

In 1993 my partner, Barry Bly and I launched a Montreal-based company to produce and distribute the signature Marisa Minicucci Collection. Since then, we have succeeded in distributing the Collection to the finest retailers across North America including Holt Renfrew in Canada and Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus in the US. Our network of highly dedicated contractors in Montreal, Toronto and Italy consistently produce the quality workmanship which today's consumer demands. I believe that a key strength of my collection lies in the uniqueness and quality of the fabric; that we select from world class mills in Italy. A Marisa Minicucci Collection is an unusual blend of subtle embellishment and function. Function is no seasonal gimmick, but the single most essential element of fashion. Whatever the year, whatever the tendencies, clothes have to work in real life and not only on the runway. I want to playfully respect the desire for casual elegance that continues to prevail while offering those distinguishing details that ornament without compromising the beauty of the wearer. Today's calendar influences our existence - it's a time for reflection, evaluation and prioritizing. It's a point of maturation ; in emotions, in tastes, in values. It's now that we want to decide what kind of stamp we want to place on our life and on the lives of those around us. It's now that we must face challenges with a lightness, a smile and with self-confidence. I want my collections to complement and enhance this state of mind - and I want to exalt the feminine spirit.

Jean-François Morissette was one of the first to remodel fur. A veritable magician, he regularly shears, dyes and combines fur with other materials to give older coats a fresh, contemporary look.

Jean-François's approach to design also sets him squarely apart. Meeting his clients is the cornerstone of his art. He takes time to talk with each client individually, insuring that his designs specifically reflect each individual's personality. He sketches exclusive models in the company of his clients and can satisfy even the most exacting requirements. Clients are guaranteed elegant, customized creations that cannot be found anywhere else.

Jean-François Morissette, recipient of the Griffe d'Or 1998 for the best fur collection in Québec, has practiced his art for more than 25 years with unflagging passion. He has already transformed more than 3 000 coats that are the pride of those who wear them .