Article: A Montreal Fashion Landmark
A Montreal Fashion Landmark
We're excited to share our ongoing partnership with Mixte Magazine, a publication that has been a key part of our journey in showcasing Gorski's vision and collections. You can read the full article here, Gorski - Mixte Magazine.
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Gorski has captivated customers for over 40 years with its distinctive, iconic collections, rooted in elegance and originality. Founded in Montréal—a city that deeply inspired Leonard Gorski upon his arrival in 1975—the brand reflects the multicultural vibrancy of its home. While pursuing his MBA at McGill University, he immersed himself in the fashion industry, selling Canadian-made clothing and furs. This experience cultivated his passion for luxury and refined his expertise in the finest furs, shearlings, cashmere, outerwear, and accessories, ultimately shaping the vision behind the Gorski brand. In 1984, Leonard Gorski and his wife Karin established the high-end outerwear and accessories brand Gorski, later adding “Montréal” to the logo. Focusing on the U.S. market, Gorski became the exclusive North American distributor for renowned designers like Gianni Versace, Gianfranco Ferré, and Giuliana Teso, building a network of over 200 top retailers. Unlike other brands emphasizing heavy, practical fur outerwear, Gorski envisioned lightweight, fashionable pieces—like cropped sleeve jackets—that combined style and comfort, redefining luxury outerwear. |
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In 1988, Leonard Gorski’s talent caught the attention of Ira Neimark and Dawn Mello of Bergdorf Goodman, who visited his modest Montréal office. This led to a landmark shop-in-shop at Bergdorf Goodman, introducing Gorski’s collections to an elite global clientele. That same year, Gorski launched his collections with Holt Renfrew across Canada and, by 1989, expanded into the U.S. through a partnership with Neiman Marcus, establishing shop-in-shops in key markets like Dallas, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco. These milestones solidified Gorski’s reputation as a visionary and leader in luxury fashion retail. |
“We were likely the first Canadian brand to widely promote fashion in top-tier magazines like Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Vanity Fair,” Gorski recalls. As a pioneer, Gorski embraced online sales in the late 1990s, recognizing the potential of digital technology to support retailers like Holt Renfrew. The brand continued to expand, securing a 2015 deal with Neiman Marcus to feature Gorski collections in 40 shop-in-shops and 30 Last Call outlets, alongside exclusive capsule collections from top designers.
Today, Gorski focuses on its expanded collections, available at high-end stores like Saks Fifth Avenue and leading digital luxury platforms. During COVID, the company opened its Montréal flagship on Greene Avenue, a landmark moment that affirmed confidence in the city’s future. Gorski is also growing its presence across Canada, the U.S., and globally, targeting Europe, the Middle East, and the Pacific. Offering luxury outerwear, cool-weather accessories, and upcoming handbag collections, Gorski remains committed to sustainability, community support, and using the finest natural materials.
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The success of the Gorski brand lies in its strong foundation, iconic leadership, and dedication to exceptional quality. “Unlike many brands that design for unrealistic size-zero models, we focus on real people,” says Gorski, who has spent much of his career engaging directly with clients. This customer-focused approach has driven the company’s evolution, leading to new store openings and state-of-the-art distribution centers in New Jersey, where clients can customize or restyle their furs and shearlings. “Our mission is to deliver the ultimate client experience,” Gorski adds. While Leonard Gorski remains the company’s visionary and advisor, the next generation is leading the way. Lauren Gorski, vice president of design, merchandising, and marketing, and Bryan Gorski, vice president of business development, oversee growth, technology, and operations. The team includes senior merchant Samantha Green, 14 U.S. brand ambassadors, and top specialists at U.S. facilities. Together with sewing workshops and a best-in-class supply chain, this team drives the continued success and growth of the Gorski Montréal brand. |
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