Democratizing Fashion

Casual-chic and timeless, Frédérique's collections consist of all the essential pieces of a wardrobe. Pants, short or long skirts, mini or maxi dresses, jumpsuits, tank tops, and turtlenecks – everything is there! But what's most important for the designer is to create sustainable fashion while avoiding all the common irritants, such as high prices.

"I sell local at the price of China."

To achieve this, Frédérique explains that these garments must be easy to sew because the most expensive part of production in Quebec is labor. However, simplicity in sewing doesn't mean sacrificing quality. In fact,, the designer ensures that quality is not compromised by choosing the best cuts and fabrics. Recently moved to her new studio in the Mile-End district of Montreal, Frédérique has hired her very first employee to assist her with on-demand production and ensure superior quality.

Le Moulage

Even though Frédérique's creations are simple, it's the materials and small details like rings or asymmetry that give a unique touch to FDG clothing. These are elements featured in her latest collection for spring/summer 2023. Inspired by sub-Saharan Africa, this collection is filled with warm colors and lightweight fabrics like linen, as well as more intricate ones like crochet. Including about 20 pieces, the collection is made from only five fabrics to produce less waste and ensure that all the pieces go perfectly together.

Entitled Le moulage (the draping), the FDG fashion show, presented at the M.A.D. Festival last summer, once again aligns with the goal of democratizing fashion. Draping is a sewing technique that involves molding the fabric directly on the mannequin to create a garment. Frédérique wanted to recreate this image on stage so that the audience could get a glimpse of the creative process behind a piece of clothing. During the runway show, the models draped the fabric on a professional dancer, creating a strong and artistic image.

Seizing Opportunities

In addition to her locally made and on-demand brand, Frédérique launched a production management service two years ago. Her service involves overseeing all the steps in creating and producing a clothing collection for other local companies, such as Le Cartel and Noble. She never thought she would do this, but she realized that the need was indeed there.

This part of her work fulfills a different need for Frédérique, but she still wants to continue producing FDG clothing locally in her studio. Besides wanting to break taboos and show that producing in Quebec at an affordable cost is possible, the designer would like to further develop custom tailoring. She believes that being able to adjust clothing directly to her customers is the best way to personalize her service.

Frédérique also emphasizes that in Quebec, there has been an incredible preservation of expertise in fashion design. This also contributes to the uniqueness of each individual's clothing style.

"In Montreal, we embrace everyone's style."

Since the beginning of her brand, Frédérique has been producing two collections per year, but for the very first time, she won't be producing a collection for the fall of 2023. She prefers to restructure her expanding business and come back strong for spring 2024. However, she notes that her previous collections are still relevant, as they are not based on seasonal trends.

M.A.D. Shoppe is proud to have several pieces from FDG on its platform. Shop them right here !