BEDI Studios

What inspired you to start your business?

I worked in the fashion industry for over 20 years, and over time I became very concerned about the impact fashion and design was having on our planet. I started BEDI with the belief that fashion could be done in a more sustainable way. For me, it wasn’t just about creating one product, it was about building a business where every piece is responsibly sourced, thoughtfully designed, and made to last for years to come. I also believe that true sustainability is not just environmental, it’s also social, so it was also important to me that we make everything in small batches locally to support our community.

How would you describe your business?

BEDI Studios is a small Canadian brand making outerwear and bags in Montreal. Everything we create is made in small batches, built to last, and designed to be timeless. We also use primarily recycled/ upcycled materials for our pieces. The main material we use is ECONYL, a recycled nylon from Italy made of old fishing nets and carpet fibre. The straps for our bags are made from seatbelts salvaged from local scrapyards, and some of our bags are made from leather upcycled from car seats and old furniture. We’re always looking for ways to give new life to materials that already exist!

We don’t follow trends, and we don’t release new designs unless they truly add something meaningful. We offer a lifetime guarantee on all our outerwear and bags, and every piece is minimalist and practical, so you’ll actually want to use it for life.

Community is also central to what we do. All of our coats and bags are made within a few kilometres of our Montreal studio. We pay fair wages, visit our suppliers often, and keep our production as transparent as possible. This allows us to support Canadian craftsmanship while offering products that people can feel good about owning for decades.

What’s your bestselling product?

The ORSOLA, our full-length women’s winter coat.

Why do you think it’s so popular?

The ORSOLA is designed for Canadian winters, so it gives you full protection without feeling bulky. It’s rated to keep you warm down to -30°C, but it’s also breathable enough to wear into early spring. The insulation is lightweight, so you don’t get the “Michelin man” look, and the double zipper makes it practical for moving around or climbing stairs.

People also love the details: the deep pockets, the durable Canadian-made zipper, and the fact that it’s machine washable (the machine washability is a big bonus for many people!) It’s made from recycled nylon, so it’s water-resistant, windproof, and incredibly tough. It’s one of those coats you can wear to the office or on a hike, and it will last a lifetime.

What’s your personal favourite product from your shop?

Right now, I’d say the MONSOON raincoat. People had been asking us for a raincoat for years, but it took me three years to make it happen. I was determined to produce it entirely in Canada, and it wasn’t easy to find someone who could seal the seams properly here.

I’m proud of the final result. It has our signature oversized hood, a slightly heavier fabric than most raincoats, and all the seams sealed from the inside so it looks sleek while keeping water out. It’s functional, minimalist, and uniquely ours— and it shows what’s possible when you insist on keeping production local.

What’s your favourite local Montreal business?

There are so many amazing local businesses to choose from, but right now our team is especially loving a brand we recently discovered called Atelier Wüd. They make these really unique sculptural furniture pieces out of wood. I love a well-executed minimalist design, and Sarah, the maker, has done just that. We recently moved our Montreal store, and it felt like something was missing in the new space. When we saw Atelier Wüd’s Hav bench we knew that was exactly what the space needed. It’s been the perfect addition to the store!

You can visit BEDI Studios in person at their retail shop 5448 St Laurent Blvd Montreal or shop online at www.bedistudios.com