The Brand
1ER MAI explores clothing as a social, political and identity marker.
With a minimalist aesthetic, 1ER MAI's creations revisit the history of denim, uniforms and combat gear, through unisex silhouettes.
Inspired by countercultures, 1ER MAI appropriates dress codes to deconstruct, subvert, and reinvent them. The brand seeks to subvert power relations, mix codes, and blur conventional boundaries by uniting disparate elements.
Each piece is designed and handmade in Montreal by me, Ysaline Lannes, using primarily upcycled materials, and incorporating mixed artisanal techniques, such as weaving, beading, patchwork, and embroidery, celebrating heritage and ancestral know-how.
The designer
After ten years in the fashion industry as a designer, seamstress, costume designer, and stylist, I launched 1ER MAI in 2021 to create clothing that reflect my deep environmental commitment and my love for traditional crafts.
My work has received numerous awards and recognition, including from the City of Montreal, the Conseil des métiers d'art du Québec, and mmode. My creations have also been showcased on several occasions at the M.A.D. Festival (2021-2025).
Our Commitment for Sustainable Fashion
Circular Fashion
Our garments are crafted from local, recycled or deadstock fabrics.
I use upcycling to transform existing materials into new garments.
I source deadstock, pre-owned garments and leftover fabrics from local designers and manufacturers, and I reuse fabric scraps and samples from our previous collections in creative and innovative ways.
I occasionally buy new fabrics, and when I do, I carefully select the best qualities from local suppliers, contributing to Montreal's fashion ecosystem.
Craft Based
We value ancestral crafts and techniques.
Preservation of savoir-faire is essential for 1ER MAI, and our clothes honor a variety of ancestral crafts such as weaving, beading, macrame, embroidery and patchwork.
Slow Fashion
Locally produced in small quantities.
Each garment is designed, hand cut and sewn by me with high quality standards, ensuring a durable and long-lasting garment.
In a slow fashion approach, I create made-to-order pieces, which means the production of your piece only starts once your order is placed. This allows customization while avoiding waste and overproduction.
