Photo: Melanie Leavitt
For decades, garment factories helped define the identity of Mile End. At its peak, this sector employed tens of thousands of people. However, the industry declined very rapidly during the 1980s and 1990s because of globalization.
But since then, a new generation of designers, anxious to create clothes produced in a sustainable, ethical and local way have taken over. They have created several small workshops in the neighborhood, contributing to the revival of a “made in Mile End” garment industry. What challenges do these businesses face? How can they develop, not only in the face of giants who source in China or Bangladesh, but also with the transformations of the neighborhood?
Come and talk with Katrin Leblond (Katrin Leblond Designs) and Lisa Bobrow (Ramonalisa), two designers who have devoted more than a decade to creating Mile-End designed and crafted clothing.
The roundtable will be moderated by Melanie Leavitt from Mile End Memories.
Presentation in French, bilingual discussion period
Mordecai-Richler Library, 5434 Park Avenue
Sunday, March 25, 2018, 2 p.m.
Free admission