This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Founded in 2017, the Montreal shoe and accessories brand Maguire stands out in many ways, starting with its business model focusing on transparency, ethics, quality and comfort, without sacrificing style. Discussion with sisters Myriam and Romy Belzile-Maguire who, in addition to celebrating the fifth anniversary of their business this year, are betting big on the very recent inauguration of their third store in New York.
Bold and colorful designs
A shoe designer by training, Myriam studied in Italy and London, in addition to working for brands from here and elsewhere before founding Maguire. Romy, on the other hand, specializes in marketing. Together, the duo have created a collection of high-end shoes, which gives pride of place to bright colors, daring cutouts and details that could not be more feminine. On the cutting edge of trends while remaining timeless, their pumps, boots, moccasins and sandals are sure to please. Witness the growth of the brand since its inception just five years ago, which now has fans across Canada and the United States. “Colors are really in our DNA,” says the designer. Of course, customers can always buy a model in black because we always offer neutral and classic shades, but it also allows us to have fun and try colors that we don’t see anywhere else. »
A unique concept
By setting up their own shoe brand, the Maguire sisters made it their mission “to make high-end shoes accessible to as many people as possible, at a fair price”. How ? First, by making sure to remain very transparent in all respects. Whether on their website or in store, we shop knowingly. Everything is detailed there: the factory where each model is made (in Portugal, Italy or Spain), the materials used and the cost of production. Even the concept of their three stores has been studied in order to differentiate themselves and offer an unparalleled experience. Their stores offer a “wardrobe” area where all sizes are accessible to everyone, customers as well as advisers.
An exceptional showcase
After opening a boutique in Montreal — their Mile End head office was inaugurated in 2019 — and in Toronto, Myriam and Romy Belzile-Maguire have now opened a third boutique in the Nolita district, a booming sector. effervescence in the heart of the Big Apple. Their new address, a stone’s throw from a pretty park, is on a busy thoroughfare, Elizabeth Street. They will also rub shoulders with well-known brands, such as Everlane, Cuyana, Sézane and Mejuri, to name a few. “It was a dream for us to establish ourselves in New York,” explains Romy. And it is largely because of (or thanks to!) the pandemic that they have been able to achieve this, they explain, since commercial rents have halved there since 2020. “So we jumped at the chance” , she exclaims.
Maguire in Montreal (5365 Saint-Laurent Boulevard), Toronto (1514 Dundas Street West) and New York (198 Elizabeth Street) maguireshoes.com