Whether it’s the masses of printed fabric on the sideboard, the golden baubles hiding beneath them, or the pages and pages of band posters and drawings on the kitchen table, it’s clear this is as much a workshop as a beautifully appointed living space. Morales first left her mark on the Montreal fashion scene when she opened a storefront on Saint-Laurent in Mile End in the early 2000s.

Since then, she’s gone through various transformations, as an artist is wont to do, to finally end up with a select handful of regular clients and a devil-may-care approach to fashion. She doesn’t follow the constraints of fashion weeks, or the strict rules of fashion seasons – she makes beautiful things (dresses, mainly) when she feels like it, and launches exciting new collections when she is so inclined.

These days, the breadth of this dynamo’s talent will be displayed in an eight-day frenzy at the forward-thinking Phi Centre, mere steps away from Morales’s home. The 8-Day Week by Renata Morales is one of Phi’s five people invited over the year to curate the whole centre their way. “Given the dates that were offered to me – June 5 to 12 – and the excitement of summer, being outside, and the way the Phi Centre is made, for spaces to be transformed and used so many ways – it all inspired an eight-day party,” says the designer.

The café space, just as you enter, will be transformed into a pop-up shop open from noon to midnight every day and featuring designs by herself and other Montreal marvels, including Complex Geometries, Denis Gagnon, Andrew Floyd Jewelry and Of / Golf Wang. “I’m making a special line of prints and tops for the Phi Centre, and then there’ll be some of my dresses; I’m also bringing back some prints from the past that we’re reworking,” says Morales.

There will also be an exhibition by amazing faux-Flemish-historical painter Joe Becker, some film screenings, and more music than you can shake a stick at: Young Paris, The Salivation Army, Tenderness, Prison Garde, Tonstartssbandht and the list goes on.

“I like the celebratory part of summer – we made it through winter again! The Old Port comes alive. Every day you can come to the Phi to eat and shop; there’s a DJ all day and then in the evening you come to see cutting-edge musical acts. There’s a karaoke night too, for those who like that!” Clearly, Morales has thought of everything.

THE DETAILS

The 8-Day Week by Renata Morales, June 5-12, 2013

Phi Centre, 407 Saint-Pierre, (514) 225-0525

Photos by Coey Kerr

The post The World According to Renata Morales appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

The post Come live some magical Montreal Moments this spring and summer appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Spring is here, and as the cobwebs of winter get dusted away, doors are flinging open to let in the sunshine. Both Design Montréal Open House, running in various locations across town on May 4 and 5, and the Virée des ateliers, which runs from downtown to Hochelaga-Maisonneuve along Parthenais street from May 9 to 12, invite art and design fans into the interior sanctums of Montreal’s creative geniuses. Both provide an amazing opportunity not only to get a sense of how people work, but to pick up the most unique souvenirs imaginable.Over 100 addresses all over the city are yours to discover on the Design Montréal Open House trajectory, designed to familiarize you with the astounding star power that lives in Montreal, a Unesco City of Design. Among them you can visit the studio and store of Montreal fashion maven Mariouche Gagné, the mind behind the label Harricana, in St-Henri; the workspace and store of Aquaovo (pictured at top of page), on Saint-Laurent, who designed of the world’s most handsome water purifier (no wonder it won awards); the workspace of stuffed toys Raplapla, where designers Anne Chalifoux, Dominique Dansereau and Erica Perrot will give family-friendly workshops on how their funky characters are made; and Espace Verre, a glass-blowing studio and gallery in Old Montreal where not only will you able to snag unique pieces, you’ll see professional glass artisans create on the spot.The Virée des ateliers, in the city’s east end, is an event spread over three massive art buildings, each of which houses dozens of creative minds – think of the whole area as an enormous think-tank. Among the 100-plus studios you can visit – including so many by visual artists that you’ll get your fill of eye candy – are those of Atelier Cocotte, makers of beautiful woven wooden lamps; Velvet Moustache, which design hilarious cushions in the shape of animals; fashion accessory and textile designers Infuse, who make the most evanescent batik scarves; and women’s wear designers Grob, where you can pick up that perfect lacey blouse for all those upcoming summer picnics.

THE DETAILS

Design Montréal Open House, May 4-5, 2013

Virée des ateliers, May 9-12, 2013

The post Montreal Designers Open Their Doors This Spring appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

The two brains behind Montreal fashion brand UNTTLD, José Manuel St-Jacques and Simon Bélanger, met when they were in fashion school – St-Jacques at Marie Victorin and Bélanger at Collège Lasalle. They clicked instantly, but then world travels and different paths separated them for a couple of years – until the fateful day Simon came back from studying in Milan. “I went to get him at the airport, and that was that, “ laughs St-Jacques in their messy Mile End studio.

Their fate as a fashion brand was sealed with the help of television: in 2010, they were the big winners of Quebec’s answer to Project Runway, La collection. “We won $100,000 – that’s how we managed to launch our own line,” says St-Jacques. “I mean, we don’t have any business background, so in a year that $100,000 was gone – but we learned a lot from that experience and had we not had that start, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

The spirit of Montreal infuses their creativity and the unique quality of their beautiful designs. There is a love of texture and sophisticated statement wear in their brand that doesn’t equate to outlandish prices and hard-to-wear materials. Says St-Jacques, “When we design first of all we think of a woman that’s very contemporary, that likes beautiful things but needs things to be practical. There’s a public part to her life that requires her to look sharp, but she need to run around, do errands, and then dash to a 5 à 7.”

And are there plans to design for men too one day? “Ultimately I’d like to design for men as well, and in other media – collaborate with furniture designers, collaborate with other more commercial fashion labels, like Le Château. I just like to make beautiful things for life. And for that the people in Montreal are so inspiring. You don’t need a lot of money to make things happen here, and that’s such a wealth. It keeps everyone so creative.”

THE DETAILS
Find UNTTLD at Simons (977 Sainte-Catherine West, 514-282-1840) and Quai 417 (417 Saint-Pierre, 514-419-3848)

Photos by Richmond Lam

The post Montreal Designer Duo UNTTLD Shine Off Screen appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Her studio is a stylish Mile End loft full of recuperated materials and wood surfaces in a not-so-stylist old industrial building – “just to show that there are hidden treasures in these ugly old things,” she laughs. Eve Gravel and her team of five staffers are in the ever-gentrifying area just east of Saint-Laurent around Saint-Viateur, where new yoga studios, coffee shops and restaurants are rapidly improving the landscape. When she moved her business here eight years ago, it was for practicality’s sake: “There are still tons of sewers and furnishers in these industrial blocks, so it’s so handy – when I need something from them all I have to do is cross the street,” she says.

Gravel’s design style is distinct: she makes pretty, beautifully cut pieces for women that are eminently easy to wear. She focuses on dresses, blouses and skirts, and there’s always a detail ­– a Mao collar, a half-sleeve, a geometric cutout  – that distinguishes her prêt-a-porter from the rest of urban wear. Because Gravel’s aim is that anyone can wear her clothes. “I want to see them in the street,” she says. That’s why her pieces are affordable and flattering on as many shapes and sizes as possible.

Though she’s known for her black and white palette, enhanced with only a splash or two of colour, the current collection celebrates lively hues with unusual abandon. “It’s because of Asia! As I was conceiving of spring-summer 2013 I travelled around Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia for five weeks. The fabrics there were so multicoloured there – when I got back, I wanted to surround myself with colour. I think I even surprised myself!”

Always influenced by her world travels – she’s been going on three or four trips a year since she was 16 – Gravel promises Mexican vibes in her fall-winter 2014 looks; think Frida Khalo with gothic inflections. “I like to keep a simplicity in my designs, but they also have to be different enough to be worth the purchase. If it’s too basic, people can buy it anywhere. I want my customers to be proud of wearing a piece I’ve signed.”

THE DETAILS

Shop online or at one of these Montreal stores:

Belle & Rebelle (6321 St-Hubert, 514-315-4903)

Boutique Unicorn (5135 St Laurent, 514-544-2828)

Cokluch (410A Villeray, 514-273-5700)

L’appartement (1871 Mont-Royal E., 514-658-2500)

Magasin Général Bruxe (5662 Sherbrooke W.)

Off the Hook (1021 Ste-Catherine W., 514-499-1021)

Onze (4146 St-Denis, 514-223-6938)

Onze (4151 St-Laurent, 514-844-2662)

Onze (1853 Ste-Catherine W., 514-223-4379)

Simons (977 Ste-Catherine W., 514-282-1840)

Three Monkeys (1455 Peel, Cours Mont-Royal, 514-284-1333)

Photos by Coey Kerr

The post MONTREAL DESIGNER EVE GRAVEL SPRINGS ETERNAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Our Shop Hop guides are designed to help you scope out the most unique finds in town by suggesting easy-to-walk excursions through the city’s nicest neighbourhoods. Not only will you get a feel for Montreal as locals experience it, you’ll also come away with souvenirs that’ll remind you of your magical trip to la belle ville. After our hunt for designer clothing in Outremont and menswear in Old Montreal, we take a gander at some sleek designer furnishing stores in Little Burgundy.

Our journey starts admittedly a little east of Little Burgundy in Griffontown, on Peel between Wellington and Ottawa street, only because that’s where Celadon Collection lives. Among the tufted leather divans, wallpapers and mile-long cherry wood dining tables o this breathtaking showroom, you’ll find a plenitude of cool little items that are easy to pack. A kit of lacquered cream-coloured stationary boxes, for example, will make your desk look as worldly as Christopher Columbus – or how about a vide poche with a heraldic lion motif for a stately statement?

When you wander out, take Ottawa street westward to De la Montagne, turn right and walk to Notre-Dame. Notre-Dame, Little Burgundy’s main drag, has long been a destination of choice for interior decorators and stylish amateurs because it’s home to a huge concentration of antique stores, so make sure you keep some time to explore those too. What’s most interesting though are all the contemporary design boutiques that have popped up over the years. Ludovik is an invaluable resource for playful contemporary ware, including a vast collection of ceramics, cushions and dishware by Jonathan Adler, an exclusivity in Quebec.

Continuing westward, you’ll happen upon Beige, a sweet, tasteful store filled with silky soft bedding by the likes of Area Home and Dwell Studio, classy glass dishware and chic table linens worthy of Martha Stewart’s Maine home(s). Though generally classic, the tone here sometimes veers towards the contemporary, especially in the lighting department – and everything remains impeccably curated. Just across the street, at Léo Victor Design, the wares are distinctly avant-garde by comparison, trading in dramatic lines and unexpected forms. There’s a preponderance of pop colours in the seating – a specialty – and in the accessories, the focus is on stainless steel, which is the material of choice for wine racks, key holders, lanterns and filing trays – all cooler than cool.

Peckish? Choose between one of the city’s most acclaimed restaurants, Joe Beef, and its subsidiary Liverpool House, both kings on this block.  After three courses of meaty goodness, you’ll be ready to bask in other made-in-Montreal delights just a hop westward, for a grand finale of this Shop Hop at Fait Ici. In this store specialized in sustainably-produced Quebec products you’ll find everything for the home, but of a different sort: less design products and more edibles, including a gift section where you can get growing gifts – plants in pretty pots. Whatever your wants, it’s worth a stop!

THE DETAILS

Celadon Collection, 186 Peel St., (514) 932-3306

Ludovik, 1318 Notre-Dame West, (514) 678-6617

Beige, 2475 Notre-Dame West, (514) 989-8585

Léo Victor Design, 2480 Notre-Dame West, (514) 939-3888

Joe Beef, 2491 Notre-Dame West, (514) 935-6504

Fait Ici, 2519 Notre-Dame West, (514) 439-3888

The post SHOP HOP: INTERIOR DESIGN WARE IN LITTLE BURGUNDY appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Harricana par Mariouche, named after its creator Mariouche Gagné, is a fashion house unlike others because nearly everything Gagné makes is fashioned out of recycled fur.

“A real fur coat has a shelf life of 100 years, whereas we don’t even know how long it takes a faux fur coat to disintegrate once it’s been discarded, because plastic hasn’t been around long enough for us to know. Which one do you think is worse for the planet?” Gagné’s question is a pointed one, and one even members of PETA should mull over. For Gagné, this is the basis of a philosophy she’s developed throughout her career, that blends a love of Native culture, natural materials and high-end fashion.

After a first immersion into fashion in Paris, where as the winner of a contest created by Cartier and Air France she got to live and work a stint in the City of Lights, Gagné wanted to study at the Domus Academy in Milan. The only problem? The tuition cost $25,000. That’s when her mom came across another contest that asked budding designers to work with fur. “I was really outdoorsy, so I decided to create skiwear with fur inside, using my mum’s two old fur coats, and I won the contest. I was able to do my master’s degree at Domus. When I came back to Montreal at 21 I kept working with recycled fur, and presented my pieces to Simon’s and right away got orders. That was the beginning!”

Today, in addition to having her line in stores like Simon’s and Ogilvy’s and working in tangent with some of the world’s biggest brands, including a partnership with Rossignol next year, Gagné has her flagship store in an impressive 100-year-old bank building on the corner of Atwater and Saint-Antoine.

“I moved here in 2002, just over 10 years ago. The whole collection is here, as well as all the services we offer – transforming, cleaning and restoring recycled fur and wedding dresses. I’ve got amazing contact with the customers here – I get young, old, men, women visitors, so I can go bit more crazy and do one-of-a-kind pieces. If you look at the store there are no two pieces that are exactly the same.”

The most impressive section of the building, other than the retail, is the Économusée  – launched in 2012, the museum invites visitors to explore Gagné’s atelier and back store (I’ve never seen so many fur coats in one place!) in a fascinating guided tour that teaches not only about this label, but about the history of fashion in Montreal. It’s a great way to absorb the craftsmanship and detail that goes into the kind of restorative work Gagné and her team do. It paints a sharp contrast to the world of fast fashion.

“You can get a pair of boots for the cost of a cup of coffee today,” says Gagné. “It doesn’t make sense, if you think of the work that goes into making a pair of boots. As a fashion person it’s up to us to educate people on this imbalance. There’s a very big difference between the boots at $19 and the ones at $200. It’s not the same materials, it wasn’t made in the same conditions, it’s not going to last the same way…  the $200 pair will last you 10 years. The effect on the planet is so much less in the long run.”

So make a visit to this made-in-Montreal design house a must while you’re in town, and while you’re at it, reserve yourself a half-day for the area. “Every week there’s a new condo building, a new restaurant, a new Starbucks in this area! It’s so great,” says Gagné. “There’s Parisian Laundry and Arsenal, two art galleries that are just amazing; cute cafés and restaurants on Notre-Dame Street; you can rent a peddle-boat on the Lachine Canal, go to the Atwater Market… discover an area that’s kind of what Brooklyn has become to New York.”

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THE DETAILS

Harricana par Mariouche, 3000 Saint-Antoine West, (514) 287-6517

Photos by Coey Kerr

The post RECYCLED FUR FASHION BY MONTREAL’S HARRICANA appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Strøm Spa Nordic is located on Ile-des-Soeurs, just a short drive away from the heart of downtown Montreal. The spa is close enough for a quick commute, but just far enough that even if you listen really hard, you hear and see nothing but the swirls of winter wind and the steam from the thermal water circuit. The Strøm Spa experience includes thermal and nordic baths and waterfalls, Finnish sauna, eucalyptus steam bath, and multiple relaxation areas. Plus you get your massages in adorable little blue huts that are covered in winter, but in open air come summer. Look at that couple enjoying some healthy selections from the Strøm Spa bistro. Don’t they look deliriously relaxed and happy? This could be you.

Strøm Spa has an extremely popular event called “Night Under the Stars.” The Spa opens from 11PM-3AM and practically changes into a full fledged nightclub with lights, DJ, cocktails and delicious food from the bistro! Except instead of dancing, you get to just bask in the bliss of nothingness under a starry sky. Sounds pretty close to perfection. The next evening takes place December 21 and you can reserve your spot here. If regular business hours are your thing, check out their Holiday Packages that range from just $59 for “Zen Relaxation” to $229 for “Wonderful Shiver” which includes the thermal experience, massage of your choice, body treatment or facial, a meal at the bistro, and a special Strøm gift!

Put your worries and stress on ice for an afternoon at Montreal’s floating boat spa, Bota-Bota. Bota-Bota is even having a contest to get you vying for a hot winter. Until midnight on December 21, if you guess when the Alexandra Bassin (where Bota-Bota is stationed) will freeze you could win a Bota-Bota prize package! Check out their Facebook page for details and entry. If you’re on a budget, a day of the Nordic bath circuit and relaxation rooms could be what you need to melt that tension. If money and silliness is no object, then the 60 minute massage with a live private harpist is for you.

Spa Scandinave, conveniently located in Montreal’s Old Port is perfect for a quick getaway. The design of this place is breathtaking, it even won the Governor General’s Medal for Architecture! The place is very modern, but still provides a tranquil atmosphere for some serious R&R. There’s a small health bar, a few relaxation rooms, and of course a large menu of treatments. Perfect for a quick dip out of the icy air!

On a chilly winter day, I can’t think of anything that sounds more appealing than a hot stone massage. Especially after doing some outdoor winter sports. If I could remain upright, I would put hot stones in my winter jacket. But that’s a little silly and hot stones are best left to the professionals at Espace Nomad in Montreal’s Plateau district. Espace Nomad is a holistic and organic spa that offers a massive array of treatments tailored for both women and men. A trip here will turn that “Brrrrr” into an “Ahhhh” in no time. You can even book your appointment online!

Often referred to as the “best kept spa secret” in Montreal, Spa Eastman is located on the 16th floor of an office building on Sherbrooke. It stakes its claim as Montreal’s first urban spa when it opened 20 years ago, and it’s had people drift through their doors looking for an escape every since. Even though Spa Eastman is located dead centre in the hustle and bustle of the city, stepping inside is like transporting yourself into a peaceful slice of the eastern townships. They have many massage and beauty services that will have you primped and prodded in time for New Year’s Eve and a fresh crack at 2013.

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THE DETAILS

Strøm Spa / 1001 Boulevard de la Forêt, Montreal / (514) 761-2772

Bota-Bota / 358 rue de la Commune West / (514) 284-0333

Spa Scandinave / 71 Rue de la Commune West, Montreal / (514) 288-2009

Espace Nomad / 4650 Saint Laurent Boulevard, Montreal / (514) 842-7279

Spa Eastman / 666 Sherbrooke West / (514) 845-8455

The post WINTER SPAS IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

A Pretty Montreal Calendar: Start off the New Year with a pretty 2013 Montreal Calendar by Chelline featuring photos by Dmitry Gimon. So even if your stay in Montreal was a quick one, getting a fresh reminder every month will definitely have you lusting for a return. Available in English & French from the MACM’s Boutique or online.

Fairs: During the holiday season, there are many artisan fairs that feature products made with tender loving care right here in La Belle Province. The Montreal Buzz has a complete rundown of these fairs here.

Books: Quebec and Food have been in a love affair since the very beginning. Now some of the cities top chef’s are sharing their secrets…

The english version of master chef Normand Laprise’ cookbook Toqué! Creators of a new Quebec Gastronomy hit shelves November 28. I personally will never pretend to replicate one of his signature dishes served at the renowned Toque! restaurant, but y’all can sure give it a shot! $40, Available in French & English. 

Martin Picard is a local celebrity chef and owner of the famous Au Pied de Cochon. His cookbook Au Pied de Cochon Sugar Shack is beautiful enough for a coffee table and an interesting read complete with a short story, and a detailed history of Quebec’s legendary Maple industry. With recipes like “Squirrel Sushi” and “Confederation Beaver,” you’ll have to stick by the “try-everything-once” mantra. $40, Available in French & English.

The Art of Living According to Joe Beef: A Cookbook of Sorts from the co-owners/chefs Frédéric Morin and David McMillan with former staff Meredith Erickson give a whole new meaning to “from scratch” with tips for welding your own cake mold. The book includes 135 recipes along with personal stories, a Montreal travel guide, and how to make absinthe. $40, Available in French & English.

Gift Cards: Gifting someone an Old Montreal Experience is a unique way to show your gratitude. The Old Montreal Experience Gift Card is available online and is valid at a large number of iconic and popular Old Port restaurants, hotels, bars and spas including  Modavie, Taverne Gaspar, Vieux-Port Steakhouse, Hotel Nelligan, Place d’Armes Hotel and Rainspa. Check out the full list and gift card options here.

Bicycle Wine Rack: Montreal is ranked as the most bike friendly city in North America. Sun or snow, Montrealers seem to bike everywhere. In the summer, it’s common to see locals enjoying some wine & cheese in our many urban parks. Jesse Herbert is founder of the “tools for urban living” studio oopsmark.ca. He put 2 and 2 together and came up with probably the most genius thing ever: The Bicycle Wine Rack. Handmade in the Mile End with antique brass fasteners and olive-oil treated vegetable-tanned leather, this thing is as beautiful as it is functional. $29, available online and at local artisan fairs.

Jewelry & Accessories: LALAYEAH is a collection of beautifully handmade necklaces, ornaments and accessories. Made from leather and other raw materials like silver, bronze and horse hair, these are quickly defining what Montreal style is all about. They’re available directly from the atelier (by appointment only) or at local boutiques like Unicorn, Mylène B, White Label, Atelier B and Moug.

For the Kids: A Raplapla is a organic cotton doll with no neck, ears, elbows or nose. What it lacks in body parts, it makes up for with one huge smile and a promise that it will be a trusty confidant to a little one. You can buy one directly from the Raplapla studio & boutique (69 rue Villeneuve West) or from stores like Fait Ici, Musée McCord Boutique, Buk & Nola, or L’Empreinte Coopérative d’Artisans in the heart of Old Montreal (Full boutique list here). P.S If you grab my favorite Raplapla “Monsieur Tsé-Tsé”, which won a Graphika award in 2009, 10% of profits go to UNICEF!

Maple Perfume: When the director of the prestigious French perfume house Galimard passed through Montreal, she didn’t expect to meet Quebecker Pierre Faucher at Sucerie de la Montagne in Rigaud. Or that together they would concoct “Attire-moi” – a unique perfume that captures the essence of maple vapor and honors Quebec heritage and the glorious liquid gold that runs in the land. With notes of maple, café, spices, balsamic, vanilla and crème brulée this parfume smells finger licking good. $45 for 100 ml. Available at Sucrerie de la Montagne or online.

The post A MADE IN MONTREAL HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Our Shop Hop guides are designed to help you scope out the most fashionable finds in town by suggesting easy-to-walk excursions through the city’s nicest neighbourhoods. Not only will you get a feel for Montreal as locals experience it, you’ll also come away with souvenirs that’ll remind you of your magical trip to la belle ville every time you wear them. First up: women’s designer ware in Outremont – and slightly beyond.

Outremont is among the city’s greenest and most picturesque hoods, and its main shopping drag, Laurier Avenue West, shines as a beacon of world-class designer clothing. Plus, you’ll find amazing options for either weekend brunch (mile-high French toast at Lémeac), lunch (steak-frites at Chez Lévesque), high tea (macarons at Esprithé) or cocktail hour (anything at Baldwin Barmacie), to rest between stops. So let’s get to it!

Starting at Laurier’s western tip, on the corner of De l’Épée, you’ll find local designer Isabelle Élie’s eponymous boutique, home to beautifully tailored blouse-and-skirt sets and dresses. A lover of brightly coloured silks and interesting mixes of patterns, Élie offers both prêt-à-porter and bespoke fashions at this second-floor shop/atelier.

Across the street heading eastward, Henriette L. has been a mainstay on the strip for over three decades, and for good reason: the moody, high-design store houses a judiciously chosen collection of international labels including Sonia Rykiel, Yohji Yamamoto and Jean Paul Gaultier. Think black, sculptural pieces punctuated by bursts of colour – you’ll spot the vibe from the amazing window display.

Down a couple of blocks, both Tristan & America and BCBG are more casual and pocketbook-friendly street-wear labels that are worth a stop. BCBG is designer Max Azria’s international line of office and flirty party threads, while Tristan is special in that it’s a Quebec-born Canada-wide chain specializing in work-friendly wear like sweater dresses and pantsuits.

Get a shot of European glamour eastward at another cornerstone, Mousseline, where you can find an exuberant and unique mix of James Perse, Nolita, Twin-Set, Virginia Johnson and Odd Molly. The window of their narrow storefront is always a beacon of layered textures and colours.

François Beauregard’s boutique a few doors down brings us back to local designers – his clothes are easy-to-wear, conceived-in-Montreal basics that prioritize comfort and casual sexiness. (His camis have fans citywide!)

The impressive, two-story Une île en Amérique is a mecca of Quebec design, uniting the best of everyone from Denis Gagnon to Marie Saint Pierre, Nadia Toto, Yves-Jean Lacasse, Melissa Nepton and Joseph Helmer. It also acts as an art space, with roving exhibitions that keep the space constantly renewed, and offers an impressive collection of local jewelry as well – you’ll find your made-in-Mtl souvenir here, guaranteed.

By now you’ve reached the limits of Outremont, but I’d be remiss if I didn’t recommend a couple of store on Saint-Laurent Boulevard, just around the corner in what is officially Mile End. When you reach Laurier and St-Laurent, turn north and within the first block you’ll find Unicorn. Lovers of all things black, well-cut and sedate, the folks behind Unicorn bring lines from Sweden and Australia that no one else carries in town. They also boast young Montreal designers like Marie-Eve Emond (of Betina Lou) and Ève Gravel, whose dresses you’ll fall in love with.

Northward, Montreal duo Tavan & Mitto have their atelier/boutique, where you’ll find sophisticated fine wool overcoats, jewel-coloured silken gowns and draped blouses perfect for the office – if you happen to toil in a fabulous workplace. Finally, just across the street is Les Étoffes, a venerable last stop for this fashion excursion: their impeccable collection of internationally-culled labels presents everything that’s just-so and perfect for that season, be it boyfriend pea coats by Rachel Comey or leather bags by Deadly Ponies. All you need to strut, Montreal-style.

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THE DETAILS

Isabelle Élie, 1090 Laurier West, (514) 276-1568

Henriette L., 1031 Laurier West, (514) 277-3426

BCBG, 1020 Laurier West, (514) 274-6719

Tristan & America, 1001 Laurier West, (514) 271-7787

Mousseline, 220 Laurier West, (514) 878-0661

François Beauregard, 204 Laurier West, (514) 508-0772

Une île en Amérique, 102 Laurier West, (514) 878-0661

Unicorn, 5135 Saint-Laurent, (514) 544-2828

Tavan & Mitto, 5334 Saint-Laurent, (514) 279-1212

Les Étoffes: 5253 Saint-Laurent, (514) 544-5500

The post MONTREAL SHOP HOP: OUTREMONT (MOSTLY) appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.