a new year with plenty of pivots
Get ready - this is a long journal entry ;)
As we begin to lean into the stirrings of Spring - so much has shifted in the world that some of us have whiplash and we at MG are not immune to the theatre unfolding around us.
Our fabric journey will be dynamic this year as we have decided to make some serious shifts in how we do things - nothing like obstructions to fuel creativity!
We have for many years worked with several suppliers, most of whom are Canadian - though one is American. This is an excellent company and we have appreciated working with them for all this time as they make beautiful linen. With all the uncertainty between our shared border, the shaky Canadian Dollar and a new import process that is rather unfriendly to small companies we have decided to forgo our American supplier at this time.
For the most part we have worked with the American supplier to fulfill our HWL selection - but we have options that are now prudent for us to consider. Sometimes a crisis is a great opportunity to take a look around and choose a meandering path instead of the sidewalk.
As time unfolds and the US linen abates we will be replacing our HWL with our Canadian suppliers.
The Heavyweight Linen has been the bedrock of our company and we did not take this decision lightly.
It has been under consideration for the better part of a year.
The US linen was steadily increasing in price and our margins continued to be eroded - with the rise in shipping and the new import structure (and costs) - not to mention the potential tariffs - it was all becoming a little too unsustainable without increasing our prices further than we felt we wanted them to be.
We have managed to substitute Black, Espresso (though it is a touch lighter - we may rename to Chocolate), and Natural - and will be able to replace the Lake (eventually, when our original HWL runs out).
More colours will slowly be introduced as we get our bearings. Keep an eye out.
This is a process, an evolution, a journey and may have bumps along the way.
Some of you may see/feel the difference and some of you may not.
The American HWL is very much loved and has proven to be a crowd favourite but we are confident the new Canadian options will provide the same loyal result.
And new colours will filter in which is exciting!
The original HWL Stone, Olive, Moss, and Mushroom are officially out of stock and no longer available.
We have started to bring back in 100% Hemp (which some of you may remember) - it is a beautiful fabric that weighs the same as our HWL and possesses a similar drape. It will feel a little more ‘dry’ as linen has silica whereas hemp does not. Otherwise they are nearly the same constitutionally and functionally with Hemp being a touch more durable.
Hemp is a beautiful fabric and worth exploring as a sister fabric to linen.
A new textile exploration has also come about: Hemp/Organic Cotton Knit.
This fabric is utterly new to our collection and has so far been a lovely contribution - the physical sensation, the drape and ease are truly comfortable and beautiful to wear.
So far the reception has been really good but it is still so new that many discoveries will be yet made.
This fabric can be found in the Cecelia Lounge Pant + Veronica Camisole.
We rolled out some of new designs to add to our AW25 Collection:
The V-Neck Juliana Shell, The Orlando Trouser, The Clementine Series (Top, Tunic + Dress) and the Snappy Juliana Dress/Coat.
In the Clementine Series we are introducing another new fabric to our collection: Cotton Poplin
This crisp, lightweight and architectural fabric brings a freshness and fantastic new look to our collection.
Cotton also lends itself to brighter and bolder colours - which some of you have been requesting for years.
Linen + Hemp have limitations when it comes to bold colours due to its natural stain resisting qualities - and since we work with companies that do not use harsh chemicals to dye with - the colours will always be a little more muted.
Cotton on the other hand is easier to dye and tends to result in much more pigmented results.
The Snappy Juliana Dress/Coat is fun and reminds us that we will indeed be able to show our bare legs sooner than later.
Based on the Snappy Juliana Jacket and Blazer, the D/C has a wider and shorter sleeve to allow for layering and offers a more midcentury vibe. It’s a subtle shift but sometimes it’s the small things that make the difference. Wear as a Dress or as a shoulder season Coat - this garment has many possibilities in your wardrobe repertoire.
Thank you for being here as we navigate The New.
Wishing you all a Beautiful Spring!
be well,
Destanne