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About
"I cannot explain why I have always conceived artistic beauties as deities entrusted with improving mankind, with civilizing the world."
—Panait Istrati, Romanian writer
THE CONCEPT
Founded in 2015 in Montreal, the brand LE CARTEL specializes in the creation and production of streetwear clothing made in collaboration with artists from diverse styles and genres.
Organized as an artistic collective, LE CARTEL stands out for its originality, boldness, and ability to bring together a wide range of creative talents.
LE CARTEL represents over 50 international artists specializing in various disciplines: drawing, painting, street art, photography, graphic design, tattooing, and more. United under the LE CARTEL banner, they create unique collections, making their art accessible to a broad audience.
THE ORIGIN AND PHILOSOPHY
"Let clothing be a canvas of expression for the artist who creates it and for the person who wears it."
From its Latin origin "Cartello," which referred to the earliest posters made of papyrus, to its contemporary version designating the explanatory plaque placed under a work of art, the word "c-art-el" has always been linked to artistic production and creation.
Our goal is to democratize art, make it tangible and accessible by transforming our clothing into living canvases, allowing everyone to express their creativity and individuality through their personal style.
OUR COMMITMENTS
For the artists
We share the added value fairly with artists through a unique dual compensation system (purchasing the rights to distribute their works + royalties on each sale).
For the consumers
We offer the best quality at the fairest price, while supporting the local ecosystem by prioritizing short supply chains.
Together, we aim to build an independent collective that celebrates diversity and creativity as core values. It's a vision of art and fashion that transcends borders to reach as many people as possible.
HISTORY
2015
At the origin of the brand is Pierre Sauvage, a French expatriate in Montreal, eager to combine his passion for art with his love for fashion within a textile brand.
To achieve this, he collaborated with various artists and created a first textile collection that fused these two worlds. LE CARTEL was born.
Since then, LE CARTEL has launched multiple collections with renowned artists and undertaken large-scale projects, forging a solid and engaged community around the brand.
2019
LE CARTEL teamed up with Canadian artist Ola Volo to create the largest mural ever made by a woman in Canada. This monumental 15,000-square-foot work in the Mile End neighborhood demonstrated the brand’s commitment to urban art and its desire to push the boundaries of creativity.
2020
After five years of existence, LE CARTEL took a new step by opening its own space in the heart of Mile End: 3,000 square feet featuring an immersive art gallery at the crossroads of fashion, art, and events.
2021
In June 2021, LE CARTEL left the Mile End, the neighborhood where it grew, to settle at 3680 Boulevard St. Laurent, also known as "the Hand," the epicenter of the city’s cultural, artistic, and nightlife scenes.
2022
In July 2022, the brand opened a second store, a 1,000-square-foot space inside the William Gray Hotel, just steps from Place Jacques Cartier.
2023
After eight years, LE CARTEL became the fashion partner of the internationally renowned OSHEAGA festival.
2024
In April 2024, LE CARTEL reached another milestone by opening its first international store in Paris, located in the prestigious Marais district. To celebrate the event, a new collaborative collection titled "PARIS IS A FEAST" was launched, bringing together 24 artists from Paris and Montreal.
At the same time, the brand embarked on its most ambitious collection yet: CHATCON. Available since June 2024, this collection spotlights GREMS, a prominent artist from the French streetwear scene, featuring new materials and pieces—a perfect embodiment of the brand’s motto: "Art & Clothes."
