A Montreal ready-to-wear firm known for their leather and suede fashions, Bagatelle was founded in 1967 by Jack Margolis, with Margaret Godfrey designing. Born in England, Godfrey worked in both the London and New York fashion industries, with a brief tenure at Jonathan Logan before being hired by Margolis. In 1969, she became a partner as well as head designer. After a 1992 bankruptcy, Godfrey worked with Michael Litvak to resurrect the company, and in 1996 Bagatelle was relaunched. After Godfrey’s retirement in 2010, Bagatelle, International has continued in business with, as of 2019, Litvak as president and the head office in Montreal.
Written by Hollis Jenkins-Evans
from a 1960s skirt
Courtesy of Poppy’s Vintage Clothing
from a 1970s skirt
Courtesy of Ranch Queen Vintage
