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Winnipeg-based fashion brand Anne Mulaire is marking a major milestone in 2025 \u2014 celebrating 20 years in business. Founded by M\u00e9tis designer Andr\u00e9anne (Anne) Mulaire Dandeneau, the brand has stayed true to its roots: Canadian-made, sustainable, inclusive, and steeped in Indigenous storytelling.<\/p>\n
\u201cI used to be a contemporary dancer, and I grew up very connected to my M\u00e9tis heritage, said Dandeneau. Our values were all about taking only what you need \u2014 living sustainably. That has stayed at the heart of everything I\u2019ve built with Anne Mulaire.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/retailinsider.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/image-60.png\")
Today, as the brand celebrates two decades, it remains proudly manufactured in Winnipeg, using Canadian-knitted and dyed fabrics, while operating its flagship boutique and production facility at 421 Mulvey Avenue.<\/p>\n
From Dance to Design: How It All Began<\/strong><\/h2>\nBefore becoming a fashion entrepreneur, Dandeneau was immersed in the world of dance \u2014 a discipline that first revealed to her the shortcomings of synthetic fabrics.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe costumes were all polyester, not breathable,\u201d she recalled. \u201cI started making costumes for my fellow dancers. At some point, I had to decide \u2014 would I continue dancing professionally or do something different?\u201d<\/p>\n
That decision led Dandeneau to Montreal, where she studied fashion design. But sustainability was still a missing conversation.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring my time in fashion school, no one talked about sustainability,\u201d she said. \u201cI brought my knowledge into the classroom, always pushing against the grain. For my final project, I sourced silk-hemp blends and crocheted lace featuring wolf paw prints. It was my \u2018aha\u2019 moment \u2014 realizing there was space in fashion for someone championing natural fibres and sustainability.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/retailinsider.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-56-1200x800.png\")
Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nBuilding a Brand in Winnipeg<\/strong><\/h2>\nAfter graduating, Dandeneau returned to Winnipeg, launching her brand in 2005. Her first client was a yoga studio that loved her natural-fibre creations. She built momentum, focusing on wholesale before quickly pivoting during the 2008 economic crash.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of letting stores go bankrupt owing me money, I took my inventory back and pivoted to direct-to-consumer shows like Toronto\u2019s One of a Kind,\u201d she explained. \u201cI built that model for ten years, sometimes doing three shows at once across Canada and the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n
This agility helped the brand survive multiple economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now tariff-driven disruptions.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/retailinsider.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-57-1200x800.png\")
Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThriving Through Crises with Core Values Intact<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe decision to manufacture locally has insulated Anne Mulaire from recent international tariff impacts \u2014 a move Dandeneau now sees as critical.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen people ask how tariffs affect me, I say, \u2018They don\u2019t.\u2019 Everything is made here. Our fabrics are knitted in Ontario. Our tags, printing, everything is Canadian,\u201d she said proudly.<\/p>\n
While U.S. sales have dipped slightly due to cross-border fees, the brand\u2019s Canadian customer base remains strong and loyal \u2014 a testament to the lasting resonance of its values.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on two decades in business, Dandeneau added: \u201cYou have to decide early \u2014 do you want to be a CEO who chases profit or a CEO of impact? I chose impact.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/retailinsider.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-18-1200x800.png\")
Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCommitment to Inclusivity and Circular Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nInclusivity and sustainability are not just buzzwords for Anne Mulaire \u2014 they are deeply embedded in its operations.<\/p>\n
The brand offers sizes from XXS to 6X, expanded during the pandemic to ensure accessibility for more customers. \u201cTrue sustainability means it\u2019s available to everyone,\u201d Dandeneau emphasized.<\/p>\n
Their Return to Nature program also exemplifies a holistic commitment to circular fashion. It includes repair, refresh, and resale initiatives, helping extend garment lifecycles and diverting textiles from landfills.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just did a resale drop,\u201d she said. \u201cCustomers bring back pieces they no longer wear, and we resell them. It\u2019s like giving garments a second life \u2014 and it\u2019s better for the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/retailinsider.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-22-1200x900.png\")
Anne Mulaire showroom in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA Boutique and Manufacturer in One<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Anne Mulaire boutique is a rare model: a combined retail space and manufacturing facility. Customers visiting the Mulvey Avenue location can witness the craftsmanship firsthand \u2014 a rarity in today\u2019s fast fashion-dominated market.<\/p>\n
But the boutique wasn\u2019t always part of the plan. After a former manufacturing partner defaulted, Dandeneau seized the opportunity to build her own operation from scratch in 2010, recruiting skilled workers, including some previously employed by Winnipeg-based Nygard.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy office was in my parents\u2019 basement for eight years to keep costs low,\u201d she laughed. \u201cSlowly, we transformed part of the factory into a boutique. It evolved organically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today, the boutique offers a full expression of the brand: career wear, casual styles, elegant dresses, and heritage pieces featuring intricate embroidery inspired by her M\u00e9tis ancestry.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/retailinsider.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-16-1200x444.png\")
Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStorytelling Through Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEvery garment at Anne Mulaire tells a story \u2014 often literally.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father, a M\u00e9tis artist, creates the prints for our collections,\u201d Dandeneau explained. \u201cBehind every design is a story about Indigenous culture in Canada. Clothing should mean something \u2014 it shouldn\u2019t just be worn; it should inspire conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
One standout piece is the Mulaire Jacket, featuring embroidery inspired by Dandeneau\u2019s ancestor \u2014 one of the first M\u00e9tis schoolteachers in the Red River region. \u201cShe combined M\u00e9tis beading traditions with European embroidery, and I wanted to keep her spirit alive in my work,\u201d Dandeneau said.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/retailinsider.b-cdn.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/image-21-1200x900.png\")
Anne Mulaire manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLooking Ahead: Expanding with Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile the boutique continues to thrive in Winnipeg, Dandeneau has her sights set on expansion \u2014 but only thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working towards opening a store in Banff, Alberta,\u201d she revealed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a two-year search for the right space. We want to offer customers the full Anne Mulaire experience \u2014 something wholesale just can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banff would mark a symbolic and strategic next step: a Made-in-Canada, Indigenous-owned brand bringing authentic sustainable fashion to an iconic Canadian destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no clothing brand in Banff right now that\u2019s truly made in Canada,\u201d Dandeneau noted. \u201cWe would bring something unique \u2014 beautiful, sustainable fashion that carries the spirit of M\u00e9tis culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from Retail Insider:\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Building a Brand in Winnipeg<\/strong><\/h2>\nAfter graduating, Dandeneau returned to Winnipeg, launching her brand in 2005. Her first client was a yoga studio that loved her natural-fibre creations. She built momentum, focusing on wholesale before quickly pivoting during the 2008 economic crash.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstead of letting stores go bankrupt owing me money, I took my inventory back and pivoted to direct-to-consumer shows like Toronto\u2019s One of a Kind,\u201d she explained. \u201cI built that model for ten years, sometimes doing three shows at once across Canada and the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n
This agility helped the brand survive multiple economic challenges, including the 2008 financial crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now tariff-driven disruptions.<\/p>\nPhoto: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThriving Through Crises with Core Values Intact<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe decision to manufacture locally has insulated Anne Mulaire from recent international tariff impacts \u2014 a move Dandeneau now sees as critical.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen people ask how tariffs affect me, I say, \u2018They don\u2019t.\u2019 Everything is made here. Our fabrics are knitted in Ontario. Our tags, printing, everything is Canadian,\u201d she said proudly.<\/p>\n
While U.S. sales have dipped slightly due to cross-border fees, the brand\u2019s Canadian customer base remains strong and loyal \u2014 a testament to the lasting resonance of its values.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on two decades in business, Dandeneau added: \u201cYou have to decide early \u2014 do you want to be a CEO who chases profit or a CEO of impact? I chose impact.\u201d<\/p>\nPhoto: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCommitment to Inclusivity and Circular Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nInclusivity and sustainability are not just buzzwords for Anne Mulaire \u2014 they are deeply embedded in its operations.<\/p>\n
The brand offers sizes from XXS to 6X, expanded during the pandemic to ensure accessibility for more customers. \u201cTrue sustainability means it\u2019s available to everyone,\u201d Dandeneau emphasized.<\/p>\n
Their Return to Nature program also exemplifies a holistic commitment to circular fashion. It includes repair, refresh, and resale initiatives, helping extend garment lifecycles and diverting textiles from landfills.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just did a resale drop,\u201d she said. \u201cCustomers bring back pieces they no longer wear, and we resell them. It\u2019s like giving garments a second life \u2014 and it\u2019s better for the planet.\u201d<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire showroom in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA Boutique and Manufacturer in One<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Anne Mulaire boutique is a rare model: a combined retail space and manufacturing facility. Customers visiting the Mulvey Avenue location can witness the craftsmanship firsthand \u2014 a rarity in today\u2019s fast fashion-dominated market.<\/p>\n
But the boutique wasn\u2019t always part of the plan. After a former manufacturing partner defaulted, Dandeneau seized the opportunity to build her own operation from scratch in 2010, recruiting skilled workers, including some previously employed by Winnipeg-based Nygard.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy office was in my parents\u2019 basement for eight years to keep costs low,\u201d she laughed. \u201cSlowly, we transformed part of the factory into a boutique. It evolved organically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today, the boutique offers a full expression of the brand: career wear, casual styles, elegant dresses, and heritage pieces featuring intricate embroidery inspired by her M\u00e9tis ancestry.<\/p>\nPhoto: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStorytelling Through Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEvery garment at Anne Mulaire tells a story \u2014 often literally.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father, a M\u00e9tis artist, creates the prints for our collections,\u201d Dandeneau explained. \u201cBehind every design is a story about Indigenous culture in Canada. Clothing should mean something \u2014 it shouldn\u2019t just be worn; it should inspire conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
One standout piece is the Mulaire Jacket, featuring embroidery inspired by Dandeneau\u2019s ancestor \u2014 one of the first M\u00e9tis schoolteachers in the Red River region. \u201cShe combined M\u00e9tis beading traditions with European embroidery, and I wanted to keep her spirit alive in my work,\u201d Dandeneau said.<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLooking Ahead: Expanding with Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile the boutique continues to thrive in Winnipeg, Dandeneau has her sights set on expansion \u2014 but only thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working towards opening a store in Banff, Alberta,\u201d she revealed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a two-year search for the right space. We want to offer customers the full Anne Mulaire experience \u2014 something wholesale just can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banff would mark a symbolic and strategic next step: a Made-in-Canada, Indigenous-owned brand bringing authentic sustainable fashion to an iconic Canadian destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no clothing brand in Banff right now that\u2019s truly made in Canada,\u201d Dandeneau noted. \u201cWe would bring something unique \u2014 beautiful, sustainable fashion that carries the spirit of M\u00e9tis culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from Retail Insider:\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Thriving Through Crises with Core Values Intact<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe decision to manufacture locally has insulated Anne Mulaire from recent international tariff impacts \u2014 a move Dandeneau now sees as critical.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen people ask how tariffs affect me, I say, \u2018They don\u2019t.\u2019 Everything is made here. Our fabrics are knitted in Ontario. Our tags, printing, everything is Canadian,\u201d she said proudly.<\/p>\n
While U.S. sales have dipped slightly due to cross-border fees, the brand\u2019s Canadian customer base remains strong and loyal \u2014 a testament to the lasting resonance of its values.<\/p>\n
Reflecting on two decades in business, Dandeneau added: \u201cYou have to decide early \u2014 do you want to be a CEO who chases profit or a CEO of impact? I chose impact.\u201d<\/p>\nPhoto: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nCommitment to Inclusivity and Circular Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nInclusivity and sustainability are not just buzzwords for Anne Mulaire \u2014 they are deeply embedded in its operations.<\/p>\n
The brand offers sizes from XXS to 6X, expanded during the pandemic to ensure accessibility for more customers. \u201cTrue sustainability means it\u2019s available to everyone,\u201d Dandeneau emphasized.<\/p>\n
Their Return to Nature program also exemplifies a holistic commitment to circular fashion. It includes repair, refresh, and resale initiatives, helping extend garment lifecycles and diverting textiles from landfills.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just did a resale drop,\u201d she said. \u201cCustomers bring back pieces they no longer wear, and we resell them. It\u2019s like giving garments a second life \u2014 and it\u2019s better for the planet.\u201d<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire showroom in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA Boutique and Manufacturer in One<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Anne Mulaire boutique is a rare model: a combined retail space and manufacturing facility. Customers visiting the Mulvey Avenue location can witness the craftsmanship firsthand \u2014 a rarity in today\u2019s fast fashion-dominated market.<\/p>\n
But the boutique wasn\u2019t always part of the plan. After a former manufacturing partner defaulted, Dandeneau seized the opportunity to build her own operation from scratch in 2010, recruiting skilled workers, including some previously employed by Winnipeg-based Nygard.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy office was in my parents\u2019 basement for eight years to keep costs low,\u201d she laughed. \u201cSlowly, we transformed part of the factory into a boutique. It evolved organically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today, the boutique offers a full expression of the brand: career wear, casual styles, elegant dresses, and heritage pieces featuring intricate embroidery inspired by her M\u00e9tis ancestry.<\/p>\nPhoto: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStorytelling Through Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEvery garment at Anne Mulaire tells a story \u2014 often literally.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father, a M\u00e9tis artist, creates the prints for our collections,\u201d Dandeneau explained. \u201cBehind every design is a story about Indigenous culture in Canada. Clothing should mean something \u2014 it shouldn\u2019t just be worn; it should inspire conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
One standout piece is the Mulaire Jacket, featuring embroidery inspired by Dandeneau\u2019s ancestor \u2014 one of the first M\u00e9tis schoolteachers in the Red River region. \u201cShe combined M\u00e9tis beading traditions with European embroidery, and I wanted to keep her spirit alive in my work,\u201d Dandeneau said.<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLooking Ahead: Expanding with Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile the boutique continues to thrive in Winnipeg, Dandeneau has her sights set on expansion \u2014 but only thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working towards opening a store in Banff, Alberta,\u201d she revealed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a two-year search for the right space. We want to offer customers the full Anne Mulaire experience \u2014 something wholesale just can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banff would mark a symbolic and strategic next step: a Made-in-Canada, Indigenous-owned brand bringing authentic sustainable fashion to an iconic Canadian destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no clothing brand in Banff right now that\u2019s truly made in Canada,\u201d Dandeneau noted. \u201cWe would bring something unique \u2014 beautiful, sustainable fashion that carries the spirit of M\u00e9tis culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from Retail Insider:\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Commitment to Inclusivity and Circular Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nInclusivity and sustainability are not just buzzwords for Anne Mulaire \u2014 they are deeply embedded in its operations.<\/p>\n
The brand offers sizes from XXS to 6X, expanded during the pandemic to ensure accessibility for more customers. \u201cTrue sustainability means it\u2019s available to everyone,\u201d Dandeneau emphasized.<\/p>\n
Their Return to Nature program also exemplifies a holistic commitment to circular fashion. It includes repair, refresh, and resale initiatives, helping extend garment lifecycles and diverting textiles from landfills.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just did a resale drop,\u201d she said. \u201cCustomers bring back pieces they no longer wear, and we resell them. It\u2019s like giving garments a second life \u2014 and it\u2019s better for the planet.\u201d<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire showroom in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nA Boutique and Manufacturer in One<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Anne Mulaire boutique is a rare model: a combined retail space and manufacturing facility. Customers visiting the Mulvey Avenue location can witness the craftsmanship firsthand \u2014 a rarity in today\u2019s fast fashion-dominated market.<\/p>\n
But the boutique wasn\u2019t always part of the plan. After a former manufacturing partner defaulted, Dandeneau seized the opportunity to build her own operation from scratch in 2010, recruiting skilled workers, including some previously employed by Winnipeg-based Nygard.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy office was in my parents\u2019 basement for eight years to keep costs low,\u201d she laughed. \u201cSlowly, we transformed part of the factory into a boutique. It evolved organically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today, the boutique offers a full expression of the brand: career wear, casual styles, elegant dresses, and heritage pieces featuring intricate embroidery inspired by her M\u00e9tis ancestry.<\/p>\nPhoto: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStorytelling Through Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEvery garment at Anne Mulaire tells a story \u2014 often literally.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father, a M\u00e9tis artist, creates the prints for our collections,\u201d Dandeneau explained. \u201cBehind every design is a story about Indigenous culture in Canada. Clothing should mean something \u2014 it shouldn\u2019t just be worn; it should inspire conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
One standout piece is the Mulaire Jacket, featuring embroidery inspired by Dandeneau\u2019s ancestor \u2014 one of the first M\u00e9tis schoolteachers in the Red River region. \u201cShe combined M\u00e9tis beading traditions with European embroidery, and I wanted to keep her spirit alive in my work,\u201d Dandeneau said.<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLooking Ahead: Expanding with Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile the boutique continues to thrive in Winnipeg, Dandeneau has her sights set on expansion \u2014 but only thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working towards opening a store in Banff, Alberta,\u201d she revealed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a two-year search for the right space. We want to offer customers the full Anne Mulaire experience \u2014 something wholesale just can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banff would mark a symbolic and strategic next step: a Made-in-Canada, Indigenous-owned brand bringing authentic sustainable fashion to an iconic Canadian destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no clothing brand in Banff right now that\u2019s truly made in Canada,\u201d Dandeneau noted. \u201cWe would bring something unique \u2014 beautiful, sustainable fashion that carries the spirit of M\u00e9tis culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from Retail Insider:\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
A Boutique and Manufacturer in One<\/strong><\/h2>\nThe Anne Mulaire boutique is a rare model: a combined retail space and manufacturing facility. Customers visiting the Mulvey Avenue location can witness the craftsmanship firsthand \u2014 a rarity in today\u2019s fast fashion-dominated market.<\/p>\n
But the boutique wasn\u2019t always part of the plan. After a former manufacturing partner defaulted, Dandeneau seized the opportunity to build her own operation from scratch in 2010, recruiting skilled workers, including some previously employed by Winnipeg-based Nygard.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy office was in my parents\u2019 basement for eight years to keep costs low,\u201d she laughed. \u201cSlowly, we transformed part of the factory into a boutique. It evolved organically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Today, the boutique offers a full expression of the brand: career wear, casual styles, elegant dresses, and heritage pieces featuring intricate embroidery inspired by her M\u00e9tis ancestry.<\/p>\nPhoto: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nStorytelling Through Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEvery garment at Anne Mulaire tells a story \u2014 often literally.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father, a M\u00e9tis artist, creates the prints for our collections,\u201d Dandeneau explained. \u201cBehind every design is a story about Indigenous culture in Canada. Clothing should mean something \u2014 it shouldn\u2019t just be worn; it should inspire conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
One standout piece is the Mulaire Jacket, featuring embroidery inspired by Dandeneau\u2019s ancestor \u2014 one of the first M\u00e9tis schoolteachers in the Red River region. \u201cShe combined M\u00e9tis beading traditions with European embroidery, and I wanted to keep her spirit alive in my work,\u201d Dandeneau said.<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLooking Ahead: Expanding with Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile the boutique continues to thrive in Winnipeg, Dandeneau has her sights set on expansion \u2014 but only thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working towards opening a store in Banff, Alberta,\u201d she revealed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a two-year search for the right space. We want to offer customers the full Anne Mulaire experience \u2014 something wholesale just can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banff would mark a symbolic and strategic next step: a Made-in-Canada, Indigenous-owned brand bringing authentic sustainable fashion to an iconic Canadian destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no clothing brand in Banff right now that\u2019s truly made in Canada,\u201d Dandeneau noted. \u201cWe would bring something unique \u2014 beautiful, sustainable fashion that carries the spirit of M\u00e9tis culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from Retail Insider:\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Storytelling Through Fashion<\/strong><\/h2>\nEvery garment at Anne Mulaire tells a story \u2014 often literally.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy father, a M\u00e9tis artist, creates the prints for our collections,\u201d Dandeneau explained. \u201cBehind every design is a story about Indigenous culture in Canada. Clothing should mean something \u2014 it shouldn\u2019t just be worn; it should inspire conversation.\u201d<\/p>\n
One standout piece is the Mulaire Jacket, featuring embroidery inspired by Dandeneau\u2019s ancestor \u2014 one of the first M\u00e9tis schoolteachers in the Red River region. \u201cShe combined M\u00e9tis beading traditions with European embroidery, and I wanted to keep her spirit alive in my work,\u201d Dandeneau said.<\/p>\nAnne Mulaire manufacturing facility in Winnipeg. Photo: Anne Mulaire<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nLooking Ahead: Expanding with Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile the boutique continues to thrive in Winnipeg, Dandeneau has her sights set on expansion \u2014 but only thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working towards opening a store in Banff, Alberta,\u201d she revealed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a two-year search for the right space. We want to offer customers the full Anne Mulaire experience \u2014 something wholesale just can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banff would mark a symbolic and strategic next step: a Made-in-Canada, Indigenous-owned brand bringing authentic sustainable fashion to an iconic Canadian destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no clothing brand in Banff right now that\u2019s truly made in Canada,\u201d Dandeneau noted. \u201cWe would bring something unique \u2014 beautiful, sustainable fashion that carries the spirit of M\u00e9tis culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from Retail Insider:\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
Looking Ahead: Expanding with Purpose<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhile the boutique continues to thrive in Winnipeg, Dandeneau has her sights set on expansion \u2014 but only thoughtfully.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re working towards opening a store in Banff, Alberta,\u201d she revealed. \u201cIt\u2019s been a two-year search for the right space. We want to offer customers the full Anne Mulaire experience \u2014 something wholesale just can\u2019t replicate.\u201d<\/p>\n
Banff would mark a symbolic and strategic next step: a Made-in-Canada, Indigenous-owned brand bringing authentic sustainable fashion to an iconic Canadian destination.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s no clothing brand in Banff right now that\u2019s truly made in Canada,\u201d Dandeneau noted. \u201cWe would bring something unique \u2014 beautiful, sustainable fashion that carries the spirit of M\u00e9tis culture.\u201d<\/p>\n
A Message for the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs<\/strong><\/h2>\nAs Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n
More from Retail Insider:\u00a0<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n
As Anne Mulaire celebrates 20 years, Dandeneau hopes her journey inspires others to stay true to their vision.<\/p>\n
\u201cI heard so many no\u2019s along the way: \u2018You can\u2019t do both sustainable and Indigenous,\u2019 \u2018You have to manufacture overseas.\u2019 But I stayed the course,\u201d she said. \u201cIf you believe in your values, you can build something that lasts \u2014 something that matters.\u201d<\/p>\n