Montreal shop notes: 5 minutes with Rachel Fortin

Mathieu Mudie, your partner and boyfriend, does some interesting silkscreening on leather. How is it working together? “He’s my partner in life before work. But he takes care more of the business side, and I take care more of the design and creation.”

What is your favourite piece this season? “I love the long mittens that [reach] just below your elbow. I’ve always made mittens, but these are so soft and the design is intelligent. They’re good for the city. You can even drive with them.”

What was your inspiration for fall? “The Roaring Twenties—that’s where the Cloche hat idea came from. Also, the personality of Coco Chanel. She liked comfortable things but still had great style. There is a Coco-esque hat made of textured wool with beige mink, gold chains, leather and pearls.”

Do you have a muse in mind when you’re designing? “I design for my friends and family and the people around me. I’m also inspired by what I see on the street—that’s where my collection ends up.”