More than 35 garments by some 20 Quebec fashion designers, will remind us that fashion has a language of its own, and that over the years, our homegrown designers have put their own accent on elegance.

Legendary outfits by Michel Robichaud or Raoul-Jean Fouré provide timeless counterpoints to the modern fantasies of a dress by Marie Saint Pierre or a Joseph Helmer jacket. A lavish dress designed by Marie-Paule reflects the current fascination with 50s design, while a cocktail dress by Clairette Trudel - who caused a stir by bringing Dior models to Canadian runways in the 60s - shows how fully the designer realized the potential of the classic, timeless material that is lace.

Thanks to the presence of several pieces from the permanent collection of the Museum of Costume and Textile of Quebec, alongside contemporary creations by a dozen Montreal fashion designers, the show pays a colourful tribute to our fashion community's enduring creativity.

From street clothes, to ball gowns, to hats, each garment projects its own vision of elegance, and is presented in a way that helps viewers appreciate the great trends of the past and present. The exhibition permits a close-up look at creations by Michel Desjardins, Serge et Réal, Yves Jean Lacasse, Andy Thê Anh, Philippe Dubuc, Jacques de Montjoye, Christian Chenail and many others. In addition, short videos of interviews with several of these designers can be viewed along the way.

"The Montreal Eaton Centre is certainly an unusual venue for an exhibition put together by a museum. But for Montrealers and foreign visitors alike, the Montreal Eaton Centre is the very heart of downtown. BEHIND THE SEAMS takes a look at the heart of our own fashion - a look at its boldness, creativity and laid-back side. Above all, it showcases the extraordinary quality of our designers' work. I am sure that visitors will make some surprising discoveries as they explore this hidden heritage," said Suzanne Chabot, director of the Museum of Costume and Textile of Quebec.

Montreal Eaton Centre