Spot the pin and dress up to the nines! - Montréal Fashion Bureau supports
local fashion designers

MONTREAL , Dec. 10 /CNW Telbec/ - The Montréal Fashion Bureau takes action on the Fashion Map project launched on October 13, 2009 , by giving Montréal fashion designers the opportunity to identify their boutiques with a "Mode Montréal" pin. This visual symbol will help the public spot the shops that feature clothes by Montréal designers.

Inspired by the Fashion Map virtual pin - www.montrealfashionmap.com - the "Mode Montréal" pin sticker will be posted, free of charge, by the Montréal Fashion Bureau on the shop windows of fashion designers wishing to be part of this promotional plan. To date, more than 30 designers have accepted to display the fashion pin.

"This initiative shows just how much Montréal values creativity. The program launched today by the Montréal Fashion Bureau is a unique opportunity to promote the talent of local designers and for the public to discover these skilled artists. The holidays are the perfect time of the year to find that special item, and I invite Montrealers to discover our fashion treasures", said Richard Deschamps , member of the Montréal Executive Committee responsible for economic development, infrastructures and the road network.

"I am pleased to support local fashion designers in their action to promote their collections. In accepting to display this new visual symbol in Montréal shop and boutique windows, fashion designers become key players in identifying and positioning their creations to support marketing efforts and promote sound competitiveness in the lively fashion industry," said Laurent Lessard, Québec Minister of Municipal Affairs, Regions and Land Occupancy.

"This initiative is in line with those introduced by the government of Québec, which has been supporting fashion events for several years, including Montréal Fashion Week and the Fashion and Design Week, highlighting the creativity of Québec designers," said Clément Gignac, Québec Minister of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade.

Identifying the businesses of Montréal clothing designers is part of the Montréal Free Style strategy, which was launched last March and led to the creation of the Fashion Bureau. With the help of the Québec government's $2.4-million financial support over three years, the Fashion Bureau can promote Montréal as a creative design centre by focussing on local assets and know-how, potential for creativity and ability to innovate.

For further information: Fedwa Lahlou, Bureau de la mode de Montréal, [phone]; Source: Bernard Larin, Cabinet du maire et du comité exécutif, [phone]