Simon Chang

Simon Chang is a women's fashion designer, currently residing in Montreal, Canada. In 2008, the designer was honored by Governor General Michaëlle Jean with the Order of Canada medal "for his contributions to the fashion industry as well as for his philanthropic and social engagement".

Of Chinese descent, Simon grew up in Vancouver, BC, where he first became interested in fashion through films such as Imitation of Life and Pillow Talk. Inspired by the costumes, Chang began to follow the careers of movie wardrobe designers Jean Louis and Helen Rose. Chang studied graphic design and photography at the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design under a full scholarship provided by The Hudson’s Bay Company.

In the early 1970s Chang moved to Montréal and began his career as a fashion co-ordinator for The Bay department store. Shortly after, he started designing ready-to-wear collections for the Clothes to You and International Typhoon labels, cofounding the latter company. Working at Brodkin as a licensed designer, Chang met Phyllis Levine. Together, they created Simon Chang Concepts in 1983.

After deciding to pursue a career in women's fashion, Simon Chang completed over 300 women's wear collections, from eyewear, to bathing suits, to uniforms. Simon Chang fuses a European high-fashion concept with a North American eye to affordability. His current office is located in the 555 Chabanel St. Building.