Montreal, March 14, 2018 — Canadians are always proud to recognize the names of fellow ‘Canucks’ in department stores in English Canada, the United States or France. Although only a few of our labels have made it onto the world stage, the talent of Canadian fashion artisans is undeniable. A success abroad – outside America – unfortunately remains a rarity, reserved only for a handful of brands whose names adorn the garment racks of department stores rather than the streets of the world’s fashion capitals.
With 22 years of creative experience and more than 60 per cent of sales generated outside the province, the unusual global growth of Quebec jeweler Anne-Marie Chagnon escalates again this week with the opening of her first flagship store abroad. Although her brand is already distributed in more than 700 independent stores on five continents and in 19 countries, it is in Japan that the jewelry pioneer will open her doors internationally for the first time this month. The designer, who has won the hearts of women from all over the planet, will offer a unique artisanal and high-quality product, handmade in Montreal.
“I am proud to be amongst those who prove that Canadian design has no borders,” says the designer. By staying true to my values and my business model, I have been able to win fans who have accompanied me since my beginnings both locally and abroad. Japanese women have embraced my distinctive touch for some years now and I am excited to be among the few brands that are defining and making Canadian fashion design known internationally.”
Tokyo-bound
Although the Anne-Marie Chagnon (AMC) brand has been present in Japan since 2012, the Daikanyama store will open in the heart of the trendy Shibuya district. In a demanding market in search of sophistication, originality and, above all, quality, the 300 square foot store will offer Chagnon’s seasonal collections as well as a selection of unique authenticated pieces alongside art work from the Montreal artist. Although the move is bold for the businesswoman and her team, the brand is already successful there, with a presence at 30 retailers, including pop-up shops and department stores such as Takashimaya, Mitsukoshi, Seta and Matsuzakaya, as well as a slew of specialized local shops.
Doing it her way for more than 20 years
Despite her success being relatively well-hidden, Anne-Marie Chagnon continues to multiply accolades while growing a strong network that values relationships with independent stores rather than major chains or department stores. Over the last two decades, the artist and her team of 40 employees have expanded the brand’s presence to more than 320 retailers in the United States, including 45 museums and galleries, and more than 100 sales outlets in France, Russia, Germany, Australia and Asia amongst others. Chagnon has defeated great odds while staying true to her values and her unique business model, an adventure that has led her to large-scale collaborations with Cirque du Soleil, with style icon Iris Apfel for a special collection sold at the Peabody Essex
Museum in Salem, Mass., as well as for causes that she supports such as the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund of the Montreal Cancer Institute.
“My sister has always been stubborn but determined,” says David Chagnon, Anne-Marie’s brother and general manager of the family business. Her success is a reflection of her great creativity, her persistence as well as her values. She has never boasted of her accomplishments, but she is nevertheless one of the most successful fashion creators in the country.”
About Anne-Marie Chagnon – annemariechagnon.com
Trained in visual arts at the Université du Quebec à Montréal (UQAM), Quebec native Anne-Marie Chagnon has been creating wearable art since she was old enough to hold a welding torch. Since 1995, her modern and minimalist aesthetic has captured the attention of customers all over the world. Chagnon’s contemporary approach to jewellery design has been the driving force behind her career, resulting in high profile collaborations with companies like Cirque du Soleil, for whom she created several exclusive collections. She was also awarded with the Étoile de Mode award, at the Bijorhca Paris trade show among numerous other honours and accolades the designer-artist has received. Since giving back is in Chagnon’s DNA, she designs two fundraising collections each year, for causes that she is passionate about. As a result, she was honoured with the YWCA Montreal’s Women of Distinction Award in Entrepreneurship in 2015. With the belief that authenticity and selfworth are paramount values, she continues to create two seasonal collections annually for clients around the world who share her values.
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For high-resolution images, photography, samples, or to coordinate an interview with Anne-Marie Chagnon, please contact The PR Department at 416.535.3939 or [email protected].
For interviews with the Japanese franchisee, please contact Messe International Corporation (M.I.C.), Masaru Komura, at 03.5734.1500, [email protected].
