It’s Fashion Revolution Week, a time to rethink how and where we shop. The fast fashion industry has made clothing more disposable than ever, but here in Winnipeg’s Exchange District, local makers are proving that fashion can be both ethical and enduring.
Long before the Exchange became the bustling arts and culture hub we know it as today, it was the heart of Winnipeg’s garment industry. In the 1940s and 50s, warehouses that are now repurposed as residential housing or retail once housed garment factories. Today, designers like Simone’s Rose, Stephanie Smith, and Common Manufacturing keep that legacy alive while creating a new one. With a focus on crafting high-quality and sustainable clothing, their work honours the legacy of the Exchange while challenging mass production in favour of slow fashion, ethical labour, and thoughtful design.
These Exchange District makers are a great place to start if you want to refresh your wardrobe this spring while supporting sustainable, local businesses.
Common Manufacturing
Some clothing brands sell an image. Common Manufacturing sells a product, and a well-made one at that. Owner Andrew Doerksen built CMFG with a simple mission: to make high-quality, responsibly crafted clothing that stands the test of time. No gimmicks. No hollow branding. Just well-made garments designed to be worn for years, not discarded after a season.
After learning about consumer fashion processes while attending university, Andrew was inspired to create more intentional and ethical apparel. Without knowing a thing about sewing, he set out to learn as much as he could about the industry and apparel construction. In 2015, CMFG was born and has been making quality clothing ever since.
CMFG handles everything in-house at their McDermot Avenue space, from design and construction to sales. The focus is on process and materials: natural and recycled fibres from reputable mills, buttons sourced from Japan’s Iris Ltd., and threads from Cansew in Montreal. CMFG designs each piece with a timeless silhouette and crafts it to last.
The idea is to close the gap between process and consumer, meaning transparency is key. Andrew encourages people to visit the shop to see the care put into their garments. And when a CMFG piece has reached the end of its life? Their Take-Back Collection ensures it doesn’t go to waste. Customers can return worn CMFG garments for a $25 credit, with all profits going to the Clean Clothes Campaign, which fights for fair wages and safe working conditions in the apparel industry.
Visit CMFG for great clothing, made the right way.
“Common Mfg specializes in transparently made clothing, handmade in central Canada since 2015. We source fabrics from reputable mills in Japan & Spain, utilizing all natural fibres only. Our garments are designed to be simple, versatile and enduring.
We take pride in every step of our manufacturing process. Each product comes complete with full transparency pricing & supplier information because we value empowering customers with information. Our production team consists of an in-house Winnipeg component, as well as two small domestic factories in the Toronto area. We only sell direct to customers (online & in-store) because we value a direct relationship. We strive to make our products in the most socially and environmentally conscious way possible.”
Andrew Doerksen, owner of Common Mfg
290 McDermot Ave, 4th floor
Website: https://commonmanufacturing.com/
Instagram: @commonmfg
Simone’s Rose
Simone’s Rose is redefining fashion in the Exchange District with a thoughtful, slow-fashion approach that prioritizes sustainability and craftsmanship. Founded by designer and maker Michelle, Simone’s Rose rejects fast fashion and disposable trends, instead creating timeless, well-made pieces designed to be cherished for the long haul.
At the heart of Simone’s Rose philosophy is a commitment to sustainable and ecologically conscious business practices. That’s why every garment is crafted with care in their Winnipeg-based atelier, using organic and natural fibres, vintage fabrics, and surplus materials. Simone’s Rose reduces textile waste by sourcing deadstock and industry overstocks while maintaining high-quality, ethically crafted fashion. Furthermore, all designs are made in small batches or made-to-order, minimizing environmental impact and allowing for custom adjustments in sizing and length.
Beyond materials and design, Simone’s Rose is built on a foundation of respect — respect for the environment, for ethical labour practices, and for the customers who choose to invest in quality over convenience. For Simone’s Rose, sustainability isn’t just a business model; it’s a core value. Fashion should be intentional, not disposable, and that philosophy is reflected in their handmade pieces, which focus on durability, fit, and timeless style.
Michelle believes, “It’s all about having style — both in the way that we dress and the way we affect people and the world around us.” Check out Simone’s Rose for fashion that seamlessly blends style, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
Why is sustainable fashion important to you, or what does it mean to you?
As a fashion designer who has worked in the industry, I have seen the devastating effects that garment production can have on the environment and the people who work in the industry. Several years ago, I made a decision to try and be part of the solution and not contribute to the world of fast fashion and all of its negative attributes.
“As a fashion designer who has worked in the industry, I have seen the devastating effects that garment production can have on the environment and the people who work in the industry. Several years ago, I made a decision to try and be part of the solution and not contribute to the world of fast fashion and all of its negative attributes.
Sustainable and slow fashion has become an integral part of my life & I choose to run my business with this in mind. Being stylish doesn’t have to come at a cost to people and the planet. Choosing to be a conscious consumer is a way of life that I embrace & I hope that I can inspire others to do the same. “
Michelle Maynard, owner of Simone’s Rose
75 Albert Street, 3rd Floor
Website: https://simonesrose.com/
Instagram:@simonesrose
Stephanie Smith
Stephanie Smith Clothing is all about simplicity, comfort, and sustainability. Designed and handmade under one roof in the Exchange District, Stephanie’s pieces embrace slow fashion principles, prioritizing quality materials, timeless cuts, and a production process that values intention over speed.
After studying fashion and costume design in Montreal, Stephanie returned to Winnipeg to start her own brand, formerly known as Made by Josephine. She designs and produces every piece in her studio space, using locally sourced deadstock, natural, and vintage fabrics. Her work reduces textile waste by repurposing materials that might otherwise go to waste, giving them new life in beloved garments.
Stephanie’s designs are effortlessly stylish, focusing on clean lines and straight cuts that feel as good as they look. The pieces are comfortable enough for everyday wear but timeless enough to remain wardrobe staples for years to come.
For pieces made to be lived in, check out Stephanie Smith Clothing.
75 Albert Street, 3rd Floor
Website: https://www.stephaniesmithclothing.com/
Instagram: @stephaniesmith.clothing