founder of anne mulaire
Meet Andréanne
Honouring Catherine Mulaire
Andréanne "Anne" Mulaire Dandeneau’s roots run deep in the Red River Métis Nation, born and raised in Saint-Boniface, Winnipeg, on Treaty 1 Territory. Her identity is shaped by her Anishinaabe/French Métis heritage, a legacy carried through generations of strong women.
One of Anne’s greatest inspirations is her ancestor Catherine Mulaire, born in 1843 in Île-à-la-Crosse. Catherine was the first rural Anishinaabe/Métis teacher in the Red River Settlement, teaching in both Anishinaabemowin and French. She was also an accomplished seamstress whose embroidery is still cherished by the family today.
Today, we proudly honour indanéko bijigan Catherine Mulaire, whose strength, resilience, and artistry continue to inspire the designs and spirit behind Anne Mulaire.
Her Journey
Andréanne’s journey began in her parents’ basement at just 14, when she started sewing her own dancewear for comfort and movement. That spark grew into 10 years of costume design for Nafro Dance Productions, where she developed a deep awareness of movement, culture, and sensitivity, values that continue to guide her collections today.
After graduating from LaSalle College’s renowned School of Fashion Design in Montréal, Anne launched her first comfort collection, Hug Me, under the name MJAnne Couture, an homage to her twin sister, Marie-Josée.
Her career spans styling for APTN’s Taken, designing a couture gown for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and receiving awards for both entrepreneurship and Indigenous leadership. Her work has been featured by APTN National News and Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto.
Born in St. Boniface, Winnipeg, Anne is a proud Red River Métis designer of Anishinaabe/French Métis ancestry. Raised to honor her heritage and the planet, Anne carries forward the teachings of her parents: respect for Mother Earth from her mother, Huguette, and artistry from her father, David, who contributes original Métis prints to the brand’s Heritage Collection.
Recognitions and Achievements
2024
NOMINATED in the category of Sustainability
Cafa (Canadian Art & Fashion Award) .
CANADA'S CLEAN50 WINNER 2025
Recognized for the “Return to Nature Initiative“.
SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY AWARD
Presented by the Red River Métis Business Excellence Awards.
2022
B-CORP CERTIFIED
2015-2019
COSTUME STYLIST
Costume stylist for Lisa Meeches, host of APTN’s Taken.
2016
ENTREPRENEURSHIP AWARD
Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau received an entrepreneurship award from the Saint-Boniface Francophone Chamber of Commerce, recognizing her achievements in sustainable design and environment.
NATIONAL LAURIER PME AWARD
VOILÀ Designs received the National Laurier PME Award recognizing its transition from a small to a medium-sized enterprise.
EXCELLENCE IN ABORIGINAL Leadership Award
Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau was awarded the Excellence in Aboriginal Leadership Award from the Asper School of Business, University of Manitoba.
2015
FOSSE AUX LIONS
VOILÀ Designs was awarded the Grand Prize of Fosse aux Lions (Lion’s Den in Winnipeg).
2014
CANADIAN MUSEUM FOR HUMAN RIGHTS
The Canadian Museum for Human Rights commissioned Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau to design a unique shawl for their boutique. Performer Ginette Reno wore it while singing the national anthem at the Museum’s opening ceremonies.
2013
ROYAL WINNIPEG BALLET
The Royal Winnipeg Ballet commissioned Andréanne Mulaire Dandeneau to design an Alexander McQueen-inspired haute couture gown to promote their 2012–2013 season.
COSTUME DESIGNER
Costume designer for NAfro Dance Company in Winnipeg. (2004-2015)
