Dorsali: Responsible fashion made in Mtl

It was on a beautiful sunny day in September that Dorsa welcomed us to her stunning garden filled with greenery. While sipping a hot coffee, she began to recount her journey in the fashion industry.

During her teenage years, Dorsa and her family lived in India for seven years. There, she discovered exceptional craftsmanship and an abundance of colors and embroideries, which led her to pursue studies in fashion design. In 2014, she graduated from the renowned French fashion school ESMOD in Dubai. She became a demi-couture designer, meaning that about 90% of her collections are handmade, with the remaining 10% done on sewing machines. To this day, Dorsa applies the haute couture techniques she learned to ensure superior quality in her creations.

In the years following her studies, she worked as a designer for a luxurious concept store located on the Dubai waterfront. Later, she and her family returned to Iran, her home country, where Dorsa opened a workshop-boutique with her mother. For about two years, they worked together and even opened a second boutique. At the same time, the designer applied to work and live in Canada, and her application was quickly approved. She arrived in the country in the heart of winter in 2017. For a few years, Dorsa worked as a designer for companies in Montreal's Fashion District, and in 2021, she officially launched Dorsali, her women's ready-to-wear brand.

"I think the future of fashion will consist of several small independent brands and designers."

Quality above all

Dorsali offers clothing focused on comfort and versatility, suitable for casual or chic wear, whether on vacation, at work, or at home. Sizes range from XXS to XXL to accommodate all body types. Throughout our discussion, Dorsa emphasized that quality is a very important element of her work. Located in her home on the South Shore of Montreal, her workshop is large enough for three more people to assist her in every stage of garment creation. Two years ago, her mother moved to Quebec and now works as the head of production for Dorsali and several other local brands. She ensures that quality standards are met down to the finest details. After 13 years of collaboration, the two women make a formidable team, ready to deliver high-quality clothing made in Montreal.

"I feel very fortunate to have a brand in 2023. Consumers of all ages have a great respect for locally made and responsible products."

In addition to making about six patterns of the same garment to achieve the perfect fit, the team takes care to machine wash all fabrics before making a piece. This process prevents fabrics from shrinking during future washes. Speaking of fabrics, they are also of paramount importance to the designer. After using recycled fabrics (curtains and tablecloths) for some time, Dorsa realized that her production had become too significant to continue operating this way. She turned to a manufacturer in France that produces on demand, just like Dorsali, and offers a wide variety of certified fabrics.

But what are certified fabrics? These are simply fabrics that do not contain harmful substances for humans or the planet and adhere to ecological standards. There are many certifications, such as OEKO-TEX, which ensures the absence of chemicals, or the GOTS label, which guarantees the organic and ecological status of the textile fibers used and all stages of production. In short, pay attention to your clothing labels; it makes all the difference!

Tribute to women

During her recent fashion show at the M.A.D. Festival, Dorsali presented her upcoming collection, titled Twisted Basics. The designer offers basics with a little twist, making a Dorsali garment a must-have in any wardrobe. Inspired by the political movement of the Iranian revolution, the show showcased colorful and timeless creations. The models confidently walked to the sound of an American version of the revolution's anthem.

"Personally, this means a lot to me, and I'm sure it will mean a lot to Iranian women and women in general."

In the coming years, Dorsa would like to first establish her brand in Canada and then explore international opportunities. She also wants to continue her production in Quebec and develop a system to give a second life to the garments she creates. In short, Dorsa is a generous and creative person who wants to give back to the community that welcomed her with open arms when she arrived in Quebec.

M.A.D. Shoppe is proud to feature several Dorsali pieces on its platform. Shop them right here!