MONTREAL, CANADA.- The McCord Museum announced a significant donation to its collection by renowned Quebec fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras. The selection of garments from the 1980s and 1990s is accompanied by a substantial archival fonds of photographs, drawings, sketches, and personal documents. Some twenty garments were selected both as outstanding fashionable examples of men’s and women’s outerwear of this period, as well as illustrations of the wide variety of contexts in which Mr. Poitras built his lengthy career.

Mr. Poitras chose the McCord as the ideal home for his donation because of its significant Canadian costume collection and also because of the Museum’s reputation in conservation and research expertise. The depth and variety of archival documentation accumulated by Mr. Poitras over the years, not to mention its rich local and regional significance, are consistent with the McCord’s longstanding dedication to the social and cultural history of Montréal and Quebec. “This acquisition highlights our commitment to documenting key figures in Quebec fashion and our apparel industry,” explains the Museum’s Curator of Costume and Textiles, Cynthia Cooper. “Poitras' outstanding career in the milieu, so well documented in his archival donation, cuts across many relevant themes in the Montreal fashion business in the late 20th century, ranging from his own boutique lines and retail ventures to his work with well-known manufacturers such as Irving Samuel.”

Jean-Claude Poitras: Jean-Claude Poitras was born in Montreal on June 18, 1949. He graduated from the École des métiers commerciaux in 1969 specializing in Fashion Design and went on to study Graphic Design at Studio Salette in 1971. Over the last 35 years, Mr. Poitras has worked as a designer, fashion buyer, entrepreneur, interior designer, lecturer, and writer. He has also worked to develop and promote Quebec fashions locally and internationally. He received the Moda del Amo in California (1982), the Woolmark prize in Toronto (1987), the Fil d’or in Monte Carlo (1989), the Style hall of fame prize in Toronto (1989), the Canadian Manstyle Award in Toronto (1990), two Via Design Montreal prizes (1990), two Griffes d’Or (1991), the Elle Québec prize (1991) and was named Designer of the Year in 1985, 1986, 1988, 1990 and 1991. He has also received the following honours for his distinguished career: Officer of the Order of Canada (1995), Chevalier national du Québec (1996) and the Griffe d’Or hommage (2000).

The Costume and Textiles Collection - The McCord Museum is home to one of the most renowned historical collections of costume and textiles in North America. A Canadian cultural treasure, the collection of clothing and accessories includes more than 16,600 items representing the last three centuries. The collection reflects the daily lives of Canadians and the creativity of this country's greatest designers.