The great story of Original Au Coton

Cotton wool and crimped hair

Founded in 1982, Original Au Coton is an iconic Quebec brand that stood out in the 80s/90s with its loose-fitting, pastel-colored clothing, scarves, bags and matching macarons. Not to mention its legendary logo.

Original Au Coton, or more commonly called Au Coton, was in the 80s/90s the Quebec brand beloved by women and men with a relaxed and trendy lifestyle.

The good old days when wearing an Au Coton sweater was as popular as MusiquePlus music videos, Cyndi Lauper's pop, Jean-Marc Parent's bold humor, the unifying show Chambre en Ville, Nintendo and "crimped" hair.

At the height of its popularity, the Original Au Coton company had more than 170 stores in Canada, the United States and Europe.

At the turn of the 2000s, the company, facing an unprecedented economic situation, had to stop its commercial activities.

The company has faded, but the brand has transcended.

Original Au Coton has shaped the collective memory of Quebecers of an entire generation who lived through this beautiful “Au Coton” era, directly or indirectly.

What if Original Au Coton was reborn?

The expected return

Cultural tidal wave and decades of all possibilities, the memories linked to the 80s/90s are vivid and strong. Today's fashion is reappropriating its codes, which resonate with Z, Y and make X smile.

The planets are aligned: the moment is perfect for Original Au Coton to win back the hearts of Quebecers and thus proudly promote the brand across Canada and the entire world.

Proudly designed in Montreal, Original Au Coton is offering some classics and a preview of its complete collection of comfortable unisex cotton clothing for women and men this spring-summer 2019 season.

Find the classic unisex cotton sweatshirt with its original logo. Also discover brand new printed logos, celebrating the brand's renewal, diversity, individuality and originality.

I am Original Au Coton

Now it’s your turn to (re)bring Original Au Coton back to life. Share your past memories and present stories. Celebrate your individuality.

#WearProudly #CottonOriginal

The story of a revival

The challenge

At the turn of 2010, Cherif Atallah set himself the challenge for his fiftieth birthday of becoming the owner of a clothing brand. He spent several years looking for the right opportunity and when the opportunity to acquire the Original Au Coton brand presented itself in 2014, he immediately knew he had found it.

A question of values

The fit was perfect between his own values and those of the iconic Quebec brand. The parallel could be made between his strong sense of belonging to Quebec society and that of Quebec society with regard to the Original Au Coton brand.

The acquisition of the Original Au Coton brand therefore becomes a completely natural and meaningful decision of the heart.

Recognition of the past

For Cherif, the brand's relaunch is much more than a business opportunity. It is a way to commemorate the iconic brand's contribution to Quebec society in a spirit of humility and gratitude toward all those who helped build it.

Its mission is to provide an authentic, inspiring experience based on the ever-current values that were the foundation of Original Au Coton's reputation.

Who is Cherif Atallah?

Cherif Atallah is a manager with over 20 years of experience who has worked in strategic positions as a human resources professional. His experience applies to various industries such as hospitality, consulting, higher education, telecommunications, information technology and aerospace.

In addition to his corporate functions, Mr. Atallah is an entrepreneur who multiplies real estate investments and who occasionally carries out business acquisitions/creations.

Mr. Atallah has been teaching management and staffing at McGill University for 10 years.