Montreal's fashion flair seamlessly blends with Mackage, a luxury outerwear brand founded by Eran Elfassy when he was just 19. Musing on the chilly winters and the ubiquity of shapeless jackets in this Canadian fashion hub, Elfassy dared to wonder: why not a winter coat that's both stylish and functional?

Decades later, the brand has won the hearts of A-listers like Meghan Markle, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Madonna. Yet, even after more than two decades in business, the essence of Mackage remains truly Canadian even as it resonates with global luxury aficionados.‍

A Fashion Legacy, Rooted in Montreal

‍It's not just coincidence that Mackage's debut was with leather jackets. Canada boasts a rich tradition of leather craftsmanship — a tradition that Eran was intimately familiar with, given that his brothers ran a leather business. This solid grounding, combined with an astute sense of style, propelled Mackage to reinvent outerwear by merging leather with wool when pure leather fell out of vogue.

Eran remarks on Montreal's distinct aesthetic appeal, stating, "What sets Montreal apart is its unique blend of North American dynamism with a European touch."‍

Pushing the Boundaries with Fabric Innovation

‍In their quest to perfect a coat for Montreal's unforgiving winters, Mackage ventured into uncharted territories. As traditional factories turned away from Eran's novel ideas, he took a leap of faith. Setting up a modest factory, his team, consisting of experts in leather and wool, began crafting outerwear that was truly avant-garde. From pioneering military-grade zippers to slim silhouettes with down insulation, Mackage constantly upended conventions. Eran recalls, "We were fearless in our trials and errors, which led to many innovations that became industry standards."‍

A Culture of Collective Creativity

‍For Eran, Mackage's innovations weren't limited to design. He cultivated a company culture that cherished feedback from all quarters. A unique initiative saw employees across departments — from finance to sales — trying out Mackage jackets in various climates and sharing their experiences. "It was essential that everyone had a say in the creative process," Eran emphasizes.‍

Reimagining Luxury with AffordabilityEran proudly states, "Mackage has always been about luxury," pointing to the meticulous craftsmanship and top-tier materials that define every piece. Today, the brand grapples with gaining its rightful place among luxury giants in upscale retail settings.

Yet, even in its quest for global recognition, Mackage remains rooted in its values. Reflecting Montreal's humility, Eran stresses the importance of affordability. "Our vision was to craft luxury that was within reach, without the exorbitant price tags."

As Mackage spreads its wings across international shores, Eran's commitment remains unwavering — to provide unparalleled luxury that's within reach for many.

Sources: https://www.shopify.com/blog/mackage-montreal-luxury