A Look Back at SIGNATURE 2025: A Bold and Deeply Moving Fashion Show | LaSalle College Montréal
Signature
A Look Back at SIGNATURE 2025: A Bold and Deeply Moving Fashion Show
On May 13, the Pavillon du Grand Quai du Port de Montréal was the stage for a major moment in Québec fashion: LaSalle College’s Signature 2025 fashion show.
Photo: Paul Doumit
On May 13, the Pavillon du Grand Quai du Port de Montréal was the stage for a major moment in Québec fashion: LaSalle College’s Signature 2025 fashion show.
Presented to nearly 2,000 spectators over three representations, the event was much more than a typical graduation runway show. It was a true artistic, cultural, and human statement.
Photo: Paul Doumit
A Dazzling Showcase of Student Creativity
Throughout the evening, the talent of the graduating Fashion Design students was on full display across a wide range of styles and approaches—from minimalist designs to extravagant creations, each student expressed their unique vision of fashion. As Andrew McNally, Fashion Dean at LaSalle College, noted in an interview with Salut Bonjour:
“Fashion is very broad. Some people want to create simple things, others more extravagant ones, and that’s the beauty of it. That’s what we will see on the runway. It’s amazing to see students discover themselves through this form of art.”
A Powerful Opening: The Collaboration with KWE!
A striking collaboration with KWE! set the tone for the evening. The Tressage project, born from a dialogue between the iconic creations of Jean-Claude Poitras and the know-how of 11 Indigenous artists, opened the show with impact. This poetic and powerful introduction broke away from traditional fashion codes and immersed the audience in a deeply symbolic universe. The excellence of the pieces—both technically and artistically—left the crowd truly awestruck.
Photos: Élizabeth Couture
A Moving Tribute to Valérie Dumaine
Another highlight of the evening was a heartfelt tribute to designer Valérie Dumaine, a LaSalle College alumna who recently passed away from cancer. The voice of her partner, echoing through the venue near the end of the show, created a wave of palpable emotion.
In her honor, a pop-up shop was set up throughout the Festival, with proceeds donated to cancer research and palliative care. An annual scholarship was also announced to support a new generation of ethical designers committed to sustainability and innovation.
Photos: Simon-Pierre Bossé-Messier
More and More Prestigious Collaborations
Among the major projects, two standout partnerships included:
Cirque du Soleil: Students created costumes using leftover textiles from the company, showcasing their ability to design within a sustainable development context.
McCord Stewart Museum: Graduates reinterpreted the theme of the Costume Balls – Dressing Up History, 1870-1927 exhibit with a contemporary lens. The result of this artistic exploration will be on display at the museum’s atrium starting May 26.
Photo: Andy Winner
A Strong Commitment to Sustainability
Signature 2025 reaffirmed LaSalle College’s eco-conscious values. Over 90% of the fashion accessories presented on the runway were made from upcycled materials.
Projects with Cardinal of Canada and Télio further demonstrated the students’ commitment to sustainable development. Notable examples include the #CashmereUpcycling project and the Télio Impact Award, which recognizes a creation that integrates the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals—a clear reflection of the drive to combine fashion with social responsibility.
Distinguished Guests
Returning as spokesperson for a second year, Éléonore Lagacé shared her admiration for the young designers in an interview with Salut Bonjour:
“There’s something incredible about getting to know the next generation through the clothes they create. It blows my mind that these are people in their early twenties making such works of art... You’d think it was Dior or Gucci!”
Photos: Paul Doumit & ERV
Personalities like Joselito Michaud, illusionist Luc Langevin—who even collaborated with students for his upcoming show’s costumes—and Francine Grimaldi, who gracefully walked the runway at age 81, also marked the evening with their presence. A notable moment: it was the first time the public saw Francine without her iconic turban.
Photos: Paul Doumit
Media Coverage Worthy of the Event
The show also drew media attention. The TV show Salut Bonjour featured behind-the-scenes coverage of the event, with Ingrid Falaise immersed among the students and their creations.
Fashion magazines Clin d’œil and Les choix 7J also ran features with Éléonore Lagacé, where she discussed her frequent collaborations with LaSalle College for her TV appearances, her love of fashion, and her experience at the show.
Photo: Paul Doumit
Signature 2025 once again proved that the next generation of Québec fashion is creative, committed, bold, and inspiring. LaSalle College continues to propel its talent forward with passion and purpose.
See you next year!
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