DESIGNER-IN-RESIDENCE
This isn’t just a place to work—it’s a place to grow. The LIGNES DE FUITE Designer-in-Residence program is built for young designers who want more than studio access. It’s a structured, collaborative ecosystem designed to help you launch, test, refine, and scale. Below, we answer the most common questions, from logistics to values—so you can understand what you’re really stepping into.
You get full access to our fully equipped studio, seven days a week. This includes industrial machines, a knit machine, a pattern printer, embroidery tools, heat press, CLO 3D, and more. You also get a personal rack and storage locker, plus access to Atelier Textile's adjacent screen printing and dyeing facilities — something truly rare in Canada.
But beyond tools, you’re entering a network. You’ll get informal mentoring with Milan Tanedjikov, visibility across our platforms, access to sell on SUPPLY, the chance to present in our ON SHOW runway series, and possible access to freelance gigs and collaborations. It’s the ecosystem most designers dream of — without the unaffordable price tag.
This residency is about building your brand in the real world — with structure, mentorship, and visibility. You’re not just renting a desk. You’re entering an incubator that amplifies your work and surrounds you with opportunity. It’s ideal if you’re ready to professionalize but don’t want to do it alone — or pay $10,000 a year in overhead.
Yes — this is a residency program built around physical access. If you're relocating, you should already have housing plans in place. The program is designed for local or newly settled designers who can actively use the space and take part in events and mentorship in person.
No — this program is designed for independent designers at various stages. Some residents work full-time jobs and build their brand evenings and weekends. Others are full-time creatives. What matters is your seriousness and drive. We built this to be sustainable alongside other commitments.
We look for three things: creative talent, a sense of direction, and a willingness to grow. You don’t need a perfect portfolio, but your work should show originality and promise. You should be interested in building a business — not just making art for yourself. And you should be open to learning, collaborating, and being part of a community.
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7-day studio access
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Personal rack and locker
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Use of all machines and tools
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Priority access to Open Studio at Atelier Textile (printing & dyeing)
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Up to 6 hours of mentoring per semester
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Option to list and sell on SUPPLY at discounted commission rates
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Eligibility to be featured on LDF platforms
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Eligibility to show at ON SHOW and partner fashion weeks
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Access to LDF’s network and paid freelance opportunities
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The studio is located at Lot 328, 4710 Saint-Ambroise, in the heart of Saint-Henri, one of Montreal’s most dynamic creative neighborhoods. What makes this location so special is our direct partnership with Atelier Textile, which is right next door.
Thanks to this connection, residents get rare access to professional dyeing and screen-printing facilities—in addition to our own in-house fashion production equipment. This kind of setup is almost unheard of in Canada, where fashion and textile disciplines are usually kept apart.
By bridging these two worlds, we’ve created a space that supports real experimentation and hybrid practices. It means you can design, prototype, print, and sew—all under one roof. You don’t need to outsource or delay — you just walk next door and keep creating.
Residents can list on SUPPLY with lower commissions:
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15% on listed products (vs. 25%)
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25% on consignment (vs. 35%)
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40% markup on wholesale (vs. 50%)
It’s a shared sales system with visibility, SEO, and audience built-in — so you can focus on designing, not running an e-commerce backend.
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Yes — residents are regularly promoted on LDF channels. We create editorial content, social media features, and lookbooks when possible. That said, we’re selective with campaigns — the more compelling your work, the more we’ll highlight it.
No, but we encourage it. These opportunities are optional, but they’re designed to benefit you. The more you participate, the more momentum you’ll build.
Yes. Beyond SUPPLY sales, we also give residents first access to paid freelance gigs — from custom garments to styling and direction for clients in fashion, culture, and music. These opportunities vary but are prioritized for residents who are proactive and reliable.
100%. This program supports your independence. We’re not here to direct your creative voice — just to strengthen your infrastructure. You remain fully in control of your collections and brand decisions.
The next cycle runs from September 2025 to August 2026. However, this is a renewable program. If things go well, you can apply to stay on the following year — at a slightly higher rate ($300/month) to help us sustain the program long term.
Yes — if you're seriously considering applying, contact us to schedule a visit. We want you to see the space and feel if it’s right for you.
We understand life happens. We ask for a minimum 2-month notice if you plan to leave early. If a spot opens up, we try to offer it to someone on our waiting list.
That’s okay. This program isn’t going anywhere. If you’re still refining your work, follow us, attend events, and consider joining Open Studio sessions to build momentum until you’re ready to apply.