Imagine sitting in elementary school at the age of twelve, doodling rough sketches on your desk, which later transform into applauded designs that bolster a family outwear business to one of the most prestigious brands in North America! Sound like a fairy tale? Well, maybe a genuine one...à la Mackage!
Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan may have stopped doodling one day, but they never stopped designing, as they graduated from high school to enter the fashion design program at La Salle College in Montreal. Now, this childhood doodling duo is designing for the outerwear label, Mackage.
Mackage is a family-run business based in Montreal, Quebec, which was founded in 1990 by Eran's older brothers Michel and Ilan Elfassy. Michel's daughter, Danielle, even inspired the name of the brand when she mispronounced the French word maquillage ('makeup') for Mackage!
Exhilarated by this romantic fairy tale à la Mackage, I could not help but entreat this almost mythical doodling duo for an interview!
Are Eran and Elisa the main designers of the outer menswear for Mackage?
Yes, Eran Elfassy and Elisa Dahan are both the creative minds and talent behind the collection.
What attracted you to fashion at such a young age?
Eran and Elisa both agreed that something was missing in the fashion world, outerwear that had a sexy tailored fit that would appeal to the contemporary market.
So I'm curious about the content of the doodles in elementary school?
Kids have wild imaginations...especially when they are able to draw so well!
Hmm...did Eran and Elisa have any idea that they would be designing together now?
Eran started designing solo, at first, as his family was already in the business. Elisa and Eran joined forces at around 19 yrs of age and together began to build what we know to be the Mackage Empire today.
Incredible! From where do you derive your inspirations?
Inspirations can come from anywhere. We like to blend in what we feel, what we've seen and where we've been...
Do you take a thematic approach to your collections each season?
We obviously follow the up-coming trends, but we like to twist that sometimes and use our own perspective of what the look for outerwear will be, should be.
What can you tell me about the fashion scene in Montreal?
Montreal is a contemporary city. It’s where we started it all! It’s where we found our first fans.
Is it different from other cities?
We can't say that it’s all that different, but we can say that it’s unique in its own way. Just like everywhere else in the world, Montreal has fashion followers and fashion setters. Everywhere you look, fashion is applied into everything: from cuisine, decor, furnishings, architecture...etc.! It’s where we call home.
Do you have any opinions about green fashion?
It's definitely something good toying with. It's great hearing about designers that are working with materials that are good for the environment.
For the readers in search of outerwear, what is the key to the perfect outer garment?
There can be many key elements to a perfect coat. We do our best in providing different cuts for each individual.
For example?
The main key elements that should be applied to the perfect coat are slimming silhouettes, which enhance the curves of the body, quality in fabrication and construction, comfort and warmth, and most importantly style. We feel that one needs to feel and look sexy and warm at the same time.
Best,
Eran and Elisa
