Jean-Claude Poitras: Fashion and Inspiration
Last chance! Only a few days left to explore the sources of inspiration and the creative work of Montreal designer Jean-Claude Poitras.
The exhibition sheds light on the creative world of Montreal designer Jean-Claude Poitras. It takes a look at the man who left his mark on prêt-à-porter in Montreal and the rest of Canada over the course of a prolific career spanning more than three decades, from the 1970s to the 2000s.
Clothing, objects, archival material and multimedia displays reveal the designer’s personality and his three major sources of inspiration: family and religion, muses and film, and travel.
This exhibition was organized jointly by the McCord Museum and the Musée de la civilisation.
A GREAT DESIGNER
Jean-Claude Poitras is an icon in the world of fashion and design. After studying fashion design at the École des métiers commerciaux and graphic design at Studio Salette, he opened his first studio in Old Montreal in 1972 and embarked on a long career. His creations have garnered numerous awards, including the Fil d’Or de Monte-Carlo in 1989, and two Griffes d’Or in Quebec in 1991.
He was named to the Order of Canada in 1995. In 1996 he was appointed a Knight of the Ordre national du Québec, then promoted to Officer in 2012. On October 11 this year, he received the Prix du Québec, the highest distinction awarded by the Gouvernement du Québec in science and culture, in the “Land use, architecture and design” category, the first fashion designer to be acknowledged in that category.
Montreal designer Jean-Claude Poitras talks about one of his sources of inspiration: Japan, where he travelled during an exploratory trip in 1979. In French with subtitles in English.
Montreal designer Jean-Claude Poitras talks about one of his sources of inspiration: women that impacted his life.
Conversation with Jean-Claude Poitras: learn more about his beginnings, his background, his vision and his passion for fashion. Lecture presented on November 13, 2019 and hosted by Stéphane Leduc. In French.
Discover the exhibition and learn more about the inspiration of Jean-Claude Poitras who left his mark on prêt-à-porter in Montreal and the rest of Canada. In French, with subtitles in English.
What people are saying about it
« All the iconic fashions of JC Poitras are there... » Christine Long, CTV
Behind the Scenes of the Exhibition
By Caroline Bourgeois, Conservation Assistant
Mannequins That Measure Up!
A year before the opening of the exhibition, I had no idea of the challenges the mounting team was going to have to overcome using articulated wooden arms, from selecting the type of mannequin to crating it for travel…
Fashion at the Museum
A Creator Under the Influence
Quebec designers Philippe Dubuc, Mariouche Gagné and Jean-Claude Poitras talk about their approach to stimulate their creativity through contact with influences and inspiration from the world of fashion, but also from unusual sectors.
View
Contest
Until April 26, 2020
Contest: Jean-Claude Poitras
You could win one of the prizes including $1,000 to spend at the Grande Braderie de la Mode Québécoise, one night in a Deluxe suite at the prestigious Saint-Sulpice Hotel and three books Quand la vie défile, by Jean-Claude Poitras.
New online encyclopedia
EncycloFashionQC
A unique reference tool created by the McCord Museum, EncycloFashionQC features over 500 entries on who’s who in Quebec fashion, from the 19th century to today. Discover the designers, manufacturers, retailers, organizations and events that have been shaping Quebec’s fashion industry since its beginnings!
Discover
Free unlimited
Become a Museum Member
Join a community that celebrates Montreal’s diversity in style! Live your passion for fashion at the Museum: free and unlimited entrance, Dedicated Members activities, meetings with designers, and more!
Become a Member
15 people and more
2019 Program
Come to the Museum as a group
Participatory visits, creative workshops, and much more… Discover our activities designed for groups (adults, school, tourism professionals) and inspired by our current exhibitions! Information: reservation@mccord-stewart.ca or 514-861-6701, ext. 2234
Discover
Flash visit
Flash visit with cultural mediator
- English: Tuesdays to Sundays at 12 p.m.
- French: Tuesdays to Sundays at 3 p.m.
The schedule is subject to change without notice.
Cultural mediators are also available to answer questions.
Partner Offer
Le Saint-Sulpice Hotel Montreal
Partner of the exhibition, the hotel offers you an advantageous package and enhance your visit by discovering another facet of this artist with his newest artwork in its art gallery.
Learn more
Joint presentation with:
Thanks to our partners:
Preventive measures
The Museum staff is ready to offer a safe, pleasant, entertaining experience to all Montrealers!
Learn moreBe an insider!
Subscribe to our newsletter to get the inside scoop on upcoming exhibitions and cultural events.
Subscribe nowOnline Tickets
Reserve a ticket ahead of time to visit current exhibitions and take part in activities.
Tickets