m0851 | Timeless bags for 35 years

The Montreal brand of bags, accessories and leather coats m0851 is celebrating its 35th anniversary. Meeting with Faye Mamarbachi, president of the company.

Olivia Levy
The Press

Despite its age, m0851 has not aged a bit. The models of handbags created at its beginnings are still very current. “They haven’t lost their shine,” exclaims Faye Mamarbachi, president of the brand founded by her father, Frédéric Mamarbachi, in 1987. “The timeless design of our leather bags and accessories, just like the quality of the product , these are the values ​​and the DNA of the brand,” she says.

“We have always relied on timeless classics. All our bags and accessories are made here in our workshops, it has always been the case, it’s like having a kitchen in your house! »

We recognize the bags of the m0851 brand by their sleek design and their famous smooth Italian “aniline” leather which has made the success of the house, as are the shoulder bags, shopping bags, tote bags and backpacks. Not to mention the leather coats and jackets. The brand was first called “Rugby North America” ​​in 1987, then changed in 2003 to m0851, M for Mamarbachi and 0851 corresponds to the month and year of birth of the founder, Frédéric Mamarbachi.

capsule collection

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, m0851 is collaborating with Je Love Haïti, a young Montreal brand created by Martine St-Victor, general manager of the Edelman agency. The capsule collection m0851 x Je Love Haïti offers two scarves that feature works by two Haitian artists, the writer and painter Frankétienne, a true national treasure of the country, and Pascale Faublas. Ten percent of profits will be donated to the KANPE Foundation, whose mission is to support the most vulnerable communities in Haiti. “It is to highlight the love story that Haiti has with Quebec and the talent of these artists, but also a way to celebrate my friendship with Martine St-Victor. »

In the fall, m0851 will also launch small collections of favorite bag designs that are part of the brand’s history, a way to create a bit of nostalgia. “The most requested models are those that were designed 30 years ago,” observes Faye Mamarbachi.

What’s the secret to lasting 35 years? “You have to adapt to changes and obstacles. During the pandemic, the online sales platform has grown, fortunately! We also have international representation with long-standing partners, particularly in Europe. And our clientele is very loyal,” explains the president.

“Bags are passed down from one generation to another,” she points out. The children of our customers carry the bags which are the proof of time, and if you want to have them repaired, you are welcome, you can do it here, at our office-workshop. »

Changes and projects

A new boutique on Bloor Street, in the heart of downtown Toronto, will open in July. “We are excited to open a store on this very beautiful shopping street in Toronto, because in the past two years things have changed, and it is good to launch projects again. In December 2019, the offices and production workshops left the Mile-End to settle on boulevard Saint-Laurent, corner Chabanel, then Faye Mamarbachi replaced her father and took over the management of the company.

“The transition was natural and gradual, I’ve been working there for a very long time, it’s a small company, we wear many hats and above all I work with a team of passionate women. We will continue to stand out, that’s what makes us last. We remain honest with our values ​​in the management of our development, the human relationship with our customers, our teams and partners. »