The first ‘official’ office of M&N on Chabanel (the fashion district of Montreal) was an 800 sq ft space with a reception area, showroom and ‘assembly’ room in the back. After my landlord got fedup of seeing UPS trucks pull up to my apartment, I figured it was time to take the next step, that was in the winter of 2001. That spot supported myself, Manny and our only employee for 2 years. We would move 2 more times before settling into our current digs at 225 Chabanel.

We’ve made many friends and memories on Chabanel in this metropolis of rags and glass and have seen developments with the city investing in some great projects over the last 2 years. Montreal is the fashion marketing center of Canada and remains one of the top 3 fashion cities in North America after LA and NY.

At the end of the year we are going to Ville St. Laurent, Deslauriers, just off rue Lebeau. Once again going back to our roots, we’re moving to a ground level spot with trees and grass to house the M&N family, ironically enough, it has the same feel as my first apartment, in a good way

At MATT & NAT one of the exciting parts of what we do is being constantly on the lookout for new materials/applications that push the envelope in terms of sustainability and innovation.

Contrary to popular belief, cork is regarded as a sustainable material that is easy to harvest and therefore a friend of the environment. I can also personally attest that it makes a great sound and thermal insulator for homes

We played around with cork this year in the 2012 collections and experimented with it in the TRIP and the CALI. Due to unprecedented response and demand, we are expanding the offering to include the SCHLEPP in our SPRING 13 collection.

If you pay close attention, you’ll catch our giveaway on facebook over the coming weeks….

- Inder

a few items I never travel without! My Raylan & my favorite reads.

Our lunchroom discussions are often about culture, fashion, food and our favorite travel memory. Over our thanksgiving weekend we had a giveaway contest on our Facebook page where we invited our followers to win a Raylan bag by describing what traveling beautifully means to them. Here was our winning response by Francine Darroch.

“Traveling beautifully to me – means being willing to experience new cultures, places and things! It means the opportunity to open new doors both literally and figuratively by challenging my way of understanding the world! Traveling beautifully also requires lovely, versatile, and reliable luggage to support the journey!”

From various discussions on travel inside and out of office and loving to travel and meet people myself, I question motives of travel for individuals. What kind of traveler are you? Tell us!

My love stems from meeting people from cultures other than my own. From their fashion to the food they eat and ways of expressing themselves, those who are different than myself fascinate me. Maybe it’s my roots growing up in Montreal being surrounded by various cultures other than my own that makes me appreciate difference.  After a year living in San Francisco, I got to tell you nothing irks me anymore. Individuality is what drives me to explore. And let me tell you; I’ve been meeting all kinds of fun, beautiful and interesting individuals! I guess what I’m trying to get at is; wherever you are in the world, be different, stand out, and make a difference! Explore & appreciate culture wherever you are : )

Best, Sarah

Hey guys!

How was your weekend? It was a beautifully colored weekend here in Montreal, and I’m not just talking about the many colors of fall. On Saturday we joined thousands of runners on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve for Montreal’s first Color Run. Some were dressed as animals, ballerinas, wearing wigs, and all sorts of costumed accessories ; the motto of the run was the crazier the better! Crazy is a good name for it!  We got splashed with colors every kilometer we ran (or walked as many of us did). What better motivation to run? I wish this happened on a regular basis! Though some of the color throwers were getting quite rough towards the end, splashing colors in our hair, mouth, face & eyes… I guess the color was starting to get to some…it sure got me all excited and riled up! Though we didn’t come first at the finish line, we did successfully finish the 5 k run multicolored… 2^nd to last.  The goal wasn’t who arrived at the finish line first, it was mostly focused on who had most color plastered over their body. There’s no rush when you’re having fun!

After the run we indulged at Aux Vivres for delicious vegan brunch. This place is amazing! Have you tried it yet? If you haven’t and you’re around Montreal, check it out! There’s something for everyone to enjoy : ) We pretty much ordered the whole menu.  We got rice bowls, salads, fresh juices, smoothies, corn bread, tofu scramble, my mouth is watering thinking of it!… I think I’ll go back this week, I’m a regular now.

Have a beautifully colored week everyone!

-M&N

Comment s’est passé votre week-end? C’était un week-end magnifiquement coloré ici, à Montréal, et on ne parle pas seulement des couleurs de l’automne.  Samedi, nous avons rejoint des milliers de coureurs sur le circuit Gilles Villeneuve de Montréal pour « The Color Run », une course de 5km. Certains étaient déguisés en animaux, en ballerines, portant des perruques et toutes sortes d’accessoires, la devise de la course est le plus fou, le mieux c’est! Nous nous sommes éclaboussés de couleur à chaque kilomètre couru (ou marché …). Quelle meilleure motivation pour courir? On devrait faire ça plus souvent! Les lanceurs de couleur s’en donnaient à cœur joie vers la fin, on a fini avec de la couleur dans les cheveux, la bouche, le visage, les yeux… On a du arriver en avant dernière place (pas très grave puisque la course est principalement axée sur se barbouiller de couleur) mais on est arrivés tous ensemble. C’est l’esprit d’équipe qui compte finalement. Et avoir du fun !

Après la course nous nous sommes retrouvés à Aux Vivres pour un brunch végétalien. Cet endroit est fantastique, avez-vous déjà essayé? Si vous êtes dans le coin de Montréal, visitez ce resto, vous ne serez pas déçu. Nous avons dû commander tout le menu : salades, jus de fruits frais, smoothies, pain de maïs, gaufres, ça nous donne l’eau à la bouche d’y repenser! … Je crois que je vais y retourner cette semaine, je suis une habituée maintenant.

On souhaite une belle semaine colorée à tous!

- M&N