Eliza Faulkner is a Montréal-based womenswear brand redefining everyday dressing with bold femininity, craftsmanship, and heart. Founded by designer and creative director Eliza Faulkner, the label creates locally made pieces that are whimsical yet timeless—clothes meant to be worn often, loved deeply, and kept forever. Rooted in generations of sewing tradition and produced entirely in Montréal’s Chabanel district, the brand speaks to creative, working women who aren’t afraid to stand out. With a growing presence across North America and a beloved Mile-End boutique, Eliza Faulkner proves that thoughtful design and local manufacturing can still spark real joy.
What is your business called and what does it do?
Eliza Faulkner is a contemporary womenswear brand that makes bold, feminine, and locally manufactured clothing here in Montreal.
What made you want to do this work?
My mother made everything when I was a kid. From clothes to curtains to prom dresses, my earliest memories are of sitting underneath her sewing machine, listening to the machine whir away. Her mother also was a seamstress, and her father worked in the woollen mills in New Zealand, so it felt sort of inevitable.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
I personally wanted to make wearable, durable every-day clothes that were also whimsical and timeless and something that the wearer would treasure and keep forever.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
Our customers are creative, working women who want every-day practical clothes that stand out and spark joy. They aren’t afraid to be bold and feminine and stand out in a crowd.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
We are a wholesale and a direct-to-customer brand, selling to boutique retailers across North America and online to our own customers. We also have a boutique in Mile-End that we opened in June 2024 – it has exceeded our expectations, and we are looking at opening in Toronto soon!
Where in the city can we find your profession?
Chabanel is the city’s main hub for clothing manufacturing. Our studio is located in this district, and it’s really convenient for us to be here. Some of our contractors and sewists share the same floor as us in our building. We love that we can see them quickly and speak to them directly when issues arise. We design, cut, and sew everything in Montreal.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part is seeing new ideas come to life – from an idea to a sample, to a whole campaign that brings the entire story together. It’s super rewarding and exciting to watch that happen each season.
The worst part can be the pace of fashion – it cycles quickly, and you are always trying to play catch-up. If one thing is late, it can really. slow down a whole season.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
I don’t know if it’s a joke, but many people think designers are making and designing all the time. The reality is that design is maybe 5% of the job. I mostly design on the back of scrap paper while I watch TV with my kids. The rest of the job is sales, marketing, social media, and meetings!
Where can we follow you?
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
I love Heirloom Hats! Sam makes THE most coveted mohair beanie and beautiful straw hats in the summer.
