Montreal Fashion

The city that brings French sophistication to Canada is also a haven for chic fashion.
From runway-to-runway, a central clothing philosophy remains intact. Canadian collections are wearable. Repeat: wearable. Fashion is très importante in Montreal, where the urban sidewalk is a living, breathing fashion catwalk, and vintage clothing shops are plentiful.
If you come to visit Montreal you simply must dedicate a few hours to scouring the friperies. Be sure to mix the best of the old with the boldest of the new and keep your eyes peeled for cutting-edge fashion boutiques. For in the words of Coco Chanel, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

Mes boutiques préférées:

For the Indulgent

Designer Heaven: Holt Renfrew. If you’re thinking about Montreal in European terms, this luxury department store (think personal shoppers and high-end brands) is Galleries Lafayette with a Canadian twist. With designers like Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Jimmy Choo Holt Renfrew makes giving your wallet a workout-easy!

1300 Sherbrooke Street West; 514.842.5111; http://www.holtrenfrew.com/
Louis Vuitton
1307 RUE SAINTE-CATHERINE OUEST
MONTRÉAL, QC, Canada
(514) 849-6520
www.louisvuitton.com


For the comfy cozy lovers

Having already worked with chunky knit details on their bomber jackets, it seemed only logical that Mackage designers Elisa Dahan and Eran Elfassy would create a full knitwear collection . Made in a moody palette including midnight blue and gunmetal grey, the oversized cardigans (starting at $350), tube dresses and turtlenecks are guaranteed to leave you feeling warm all over. At Influence U (1476 Ste-Catherine St. W., 514-931-3283) mackage.com

For the sex kitten
Slip into Josephine for an extraordinary lingerie experience. Celebrate your natural curves with pieces from high end lines such as Princess Tam-Tam, La Perla, Guia La Bruna and I.D. Sarrieri. This boutique has thought of everything when it comes to trying on these delicate unmentionables. Each dressing room is equipped with a pair of stilettos and full-length mirrors strategically angled to flatter any shape. For the more daring there is a second door for a private viewing by your biggest fan. Save your pennies for spring when Josephine will carry the new swimsuit lines by Vivienne Westwood and Tomas Maier – you won't find him anywhere else in Canada. Holland designers Viktor and Rolf will also be an exciting new addition to Josephine's collection.
(1448 Sherbrook West, 514-849-7774, www.joesephineboutique.com)

For the fashionista
Pay homage to Denis-Gagnon
One of Canada's most recognized designers hosts his own superior line of incredible leather cuts and unique yet wearable designs in his funky and modern boutique. Made from transformed vintage clothing you're sure to find something hip to add to your own collection.
(5392A Saint Laurent Blvd, 514-272-1719 www.denisgagnon.com).

For the fashion forward:

MUSE by CHRISTIAN CHENAIL
L’esprit de cette collection est né d’un rêve d’ "opéra-collage" qui cadre bien avec l’univers Muse : Reine d’Écosse, amours tragiques, plainte du vent sur la falaise, trahison…

Romantisme croisé à une recherche de structure nette, volumes contrôlés, tartans remixés, plis, bouillonnés, fronces, vestes courtes à col important, textures variées, la silhouette n’est jamais banale et impose une allure royale…
Vous simplement devez faire les courses ici!


HELMER (couture)
This season, Helmer Josephs collection stole the hearts of the public by offering a look, an outfit, for every women...every occasion. His collection was inspired by the 40s and 50s allowing him to play with volume, cuts and colour. Dresses were cinched, highlighting feminine curves, while others accentuated volume to add voluptuousness.

The result? Grace and sensuality.


For the Daring
Frett design
Michelle Secours combines fur with knitwear to create the perfect collection for a Canadian winter. Described best as funky Montreal hobo meets Aspen ski bunny, this line is both daring and sophisticated. Stretchy woolens are paired with audacious furs in colors such as azure blue, lime, orange, and chocolate. For friends of PETA, this line may not be the best fit; for fur lovers, however, it is a dream come true.

Bonne Année!

Zoey Gulmi Landy