There is no such thing as “too dramatic” in fashion designer Angie Larocque’s world. Speaking to The Tribune from her car, she exudes both the glamour and grit that define her work. This year, from March 3 to 11, she represented Quebec on one of the biggest stages in fashion: Paris Fashion Week.
For Larocque, the moment was monumental.
“I am the only Québecoise designer at Paris Fashion Week this year, though there was one a couple of years ago. It’s rare,” she said. “I am feeling very privileged, very lucky, very proud.”
Born in Gaspésie, Larocque draws inspiration from the rugged coastline and vast waters of her hometown. She speaks passionately about the untapped talent in the province, believing that Montreal’s rich artistic culture will, over time, carve out a larger space on the global stage.
“There is a smaller market [in Quebec], and there are many designers and artists who have a lot of talent that is not appreciated here, so they leave,” she explained. “The cost of producing in Montreal is higher, but I feel it’s important to give work to our community.”
Larocque’s 2025 collection is a love letter to cinematic drama, particularly The Godfather. The old-school mafia aesthetic—luxurious, sensual, and intense—feels like a natural fit for her.
“I love the darkness, the passion, the fire,” she said. “Last year’s collection was all about drama […] this one is about love and loss.”
Her designs are steeped in a sense of fatal romance that is unmistakably Larocque’s. Black, red, and white dominate the collection, with each colour and fabric chosen deliberately.
“Black lace is for the darkness, the drama,” she says. “Red is passion, fire. White is love.”
Larocque’s dresses celebrate the woman’s form with corsetry, sensual silhouettes, open backs, and lace detailing. Beyond beauty, she wants her clients to feel powerful.
“When women wear my dresses, they feel sexy and confident, empowered,” she said. “That’s what matters.”
Though haute couture is often seen as exclusive, Larocque embraces its focus on craftsmanship. In fact, it’s what drives her passion: Working one-on-one with clients to compose a personal piece of art that captures the client’s “aura.” Her bridal gowns, in particular, are intimate projects.
“It’s special,” she said. “Choosing the fabric, the details—living that moment with them.”
Larocque has always known she was meant for fashion; she laughs as she recalls sketching designs into the margins of her notebook instead of paying attention in math class. At first, she pursued hairdressing and makeup, working on film sets and in theatre. But the pandemic forced her to reevaluate.
“I had a child, and I was buying local clothes for my son,” she said. “And I thought, ‘Why am I not doing this myself?’”
She began with the children’s clothing brand Biggismall, and within one year, she transitioned to high fashion. However, success in fashion is no easy feat; for Larocque, it’s all about intention.
“I work three jobs, I’m a mom, I sleep four hours a night,” she highlighted. “I never stop […] You have to manifest it. Write down your goals. Take baby steps. Nothing is impossible.”
Though Paris has been a dream, Larocque is focused on what’s ahead. She’s planning her own event—separate from Montreal Fashion Week or Montreal’s Mode, Arts, Divertissement (M.A.D.) Festival—to make sure her work reaches a local audience and stands apart from mainstream fashion. Larocque’s independent approach isn’t just about showcasing her work; it’s about shaping a distinct identity that aligns with the bold, confident women she designs for.
It’s unsurprising that her dream celebrity client is someone who exudes this vision: Angelina Jolie. “Or Eva Green. Monica Bellucci,” Larocque said. Her creations are made for the femme fatale—women who are striking, confident, and undeniably daring.
Daring: Much like her dresses, and much like Larocque herself. The world of fashion may not yet fully recognize Quebec’s talent, but with designers like Angie Larocque, that’s bound to change.
