The Montreal Fashion and Design Festival

The Montreal Fashion and Design Festival, a very popular activity with tourists and residents alike, attracted up to half a million visitors every year since its debut in 2001 and used to be held on McGill College avenue the same weekend as the (now defunct) Canadian Grand Prix.

Turning the downtown core into a series of free outdoor fashion shows and special events over the course of four or five days, depending on the year, the Fashion and Design Fest is without a doubt one of Montreal's hottest attractions and a prime opportunity to check out local designers such as:

• Christian Chenail
• Andy Thê-Anh
• Barilà
• Collection Iris
• Dinh Bà Design
• Helmer
• Marie Saint Pierre
• Tavan & Mitto
• Marisa Minicucci
• Nadia Toto
• Lune Noire

Recurring Events
Every year, the Montreal Fashion and Design Fest features a variety outdoor shows and events. Recurring show themes include:

• design school graduating classes
• green or eco-friendly fashion
• lingerie event
• bikini event

Music
Outdoor fashion shows at the Fashion and Design Fest are often accompanied by live performances and/or DJ sets. Past and present artists include:

• k-os
• The National Parcs
• We Are Wolves
• Ariane Moffatt
• Team Canada
• Misstress Barbara
• The Martinez Brothers
• Jordan Dare
• CLAASS

Check out these free fashion shows at the 2009 Montreal Fashion and Design Festival.