Festival M.A.D.: A Must-See Fashion Show Celebrating 65 Years at LaSalle College
The M.A.D. Festival, a true gathering for fashion and art enthusiasts, offered an unforgettable edition this year, as it marked a significant milestone for us: the 65th anniversary of LaSalle College. This flagship event took place in a vibrant atmosphere in Downtown Montréal, showcasing talented creators, public figures, and eco-responsible initiatives.
Here’s a look at the highlights of this celebration.
The Anniversary Fashion Show
To celebrate its 65 years, LaSalle College orchestrated a grand anniversary fashion show featuring creations from 65 of its graduates, highlighted by the presence of 65 public figures walking the runway. Among the most iconic figures was Montréal's mayor, Valérie Plante, who dazzled alongside artists and influential personalities like Emily Bégin, Sophie Durocher, Anik Jean, Lolitta Dandoy and Geneviève Borne.
The showcased creations beautifully illustrated the richness and diversity of Québec fashion, with pieces designed by renowned designers such as Marie Saint Pierre, Mikael D., Denis Gagnon, Lamarque, and many others. The audience was immersed in a world where innovation, craftsmanship, and excellence intertwined, celebrating not only the College's legacy but also the promising future of its alumni.
To discover who dressed whom, you can consult the dedicated page of the fashion show.
Upcycling Booth in Collaboration with Reitmans
Throughout the M.A.D. Festival, one booth particularly captured attention: the LaSalle College's one! Our upcycling workshop was the result of an innovative collaboration between Reitmans and LaSalle College students. Visitors had the opportunity to choose donated clothing from Reitmans and transform them with the talents of our fashion design students. Custom screen printing, creative reassembly of pieces, and the creation of eco-responsible items were at the heart of this immersive experience.
This interactive workshop raised public awareness about the importance of sustainability in the fashion industry, while also offering them the chance to become creators themselves. This project embodies LaSalle College's commitment to ethical and responsible fashion, encouraging deep reflection on how to consume fashion in a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way. An initiative that brilliantly redefines the relationship with fashion and creativity.
The Great M.A.D. Meetings
During the Great M.A.D. Meetings, hosted by Stéphane Le Duc, we welcomed Thierry-Maxime Loriot, curator of the "Portraits and Fashion" exhibition at the McCord Stewart Museum, for an engaging discussion on the impact of Québec photographers beyond borders. Together, they explored how these local talents have made their mark on the international stage while celebrating Québec's rich creative heritage.
This enriching exchange, filled with profound reflections and inspiring anecdotes, was recorded live at the Festival. It marked the kickoff of the third season of the podcast Hors série, presented by LaSalle College.
Recording of the Inspira Podcasts
The festivities continued with the live recording of the Inspira podcast. Hosted by Stéphane Le Duc, this podcast provided an exceptional platform for creators to share their inspirations, artistic visions, and creative journeys.
Among the most memorable moments was the interview with the avant-garde artistic duo Fecal Matter. Present especially for the occasion, they not only engaged in a fascinating exchange but also led an exclusive masterclass for our students, at the College, immersing them in their bold creative universe.
What is the M.A.D. Festival?
The M.A.D. Festival is a major annual event highlighting bold creativity in fashion, arts, and design. A true showcase of innovation, this avant-garde festival offers an immersive experience through spectacular fashion shows, interactive workshops, and inspiring meetings with major figures from these industries. For enthusiasts, it’s a unique opportunity to explore new trends and engage in enriching reflections on contemporary fashion and art.
This edition was the perfect occasion to celebrate Québec fashion while engaging the public on current themes such as upcycling and eco-responsible creation.
