SLOE Design Studio
- SLOE Design Studio
- Montreal, QC
- @sloe.design.studio
- sloedesign.ca
Learn more about SLOE Design Studio
I visited over 20 Canadian stores with a $5,000 budget to refresh my wardrobe and walked away with almost nothing because most shops I had visited prioritized synthetic fibers. Being mid-sized, having textiles allergies and having a preference for alternative styles, I was feeling stuck. I wondered if it was just a personal problem or if there other people like me. Through research and personal interviews, I began to see I wasn’t alone.
One of the most interesting things I have come to appreciate about the diverse communities we serve is that while we have different approaches to aesthetics, we have a shared loved for vintage style and slow fashion. Spending time with people who focus on self-expression and creativity has influenced my artistic direction. Montreal felt like the right place to start a business because this city wears unusual as a badge of honour, just like me.
We are a fairly new, small Montreal based atelier who practices fine tailoring and embroidery with a focus on vintage style occasion attire. Our collection features new and upcycled fashions made from biodegradable materials. In addition to our collections, we offer professional tailoring services to personalize your wardrobe.
I have an academic and professional background in technical fashion design, particularly innovative pattern cutting. That’s really helped a lot with developing methods for our zero-waste initiatives. With SLOE’s collections, I wanted to take a more artistic approach to recycling than a technical one. So, I have developed zero-waste sewing patterns and embroidery methods that would fully utilize the materials we consume. My favorite technique is to cut and hand sew small scraps of fabric into 3D floral embroideries. I love to bring beauty to practical objects.
Our best selling product is the onyx shawl in wool twill.
Each client who has bought one has commented on how soft the wool is and how beautiful the embroidery is. While it’s a very practical style, it also embodies our zero waste values perfectly. Each shawl is made from recycled materials, with the embroidery made from post cutting waste. Little scraps are difficult to utilize for a whole product, so we use them in hand sewing 3D embroideries on to shawls.
Each piece is a limited edition wearable artwork that we present with a certificate of authenticity. Knowing that we can only produce a few of each design, we really try to make the experience special for each client.
2023
Since my personal style is about being comfortable and feminine, the orchard dress is my favourite to wear! The dress is so comfortable, versatile and flattering. Made from a organic brushed cotton twill, the fabric is gentle on my sensitive skin. I love the convenience of the big pockets and how the the adjustable corset lacing gives me a beautiful silhouette.
I love shopping at Boutique Marmier Betina Lou. The owner is very kind and they have a nice selection of natural fiber clothing.
