Smart, out-of-town shoppers know that buying indie fashions, which you don’t see in every mall across the country, is an easy way to original style. I mean, how cosmopolitan does it sound to say, “Oh, this little laser-cut, distressed leather, pleated skirt? I picked it up in a cute little boutique in the Old Montreal. I met the designer. He had these really huge black glasses…” (Pause right there: if I had you at “Oh, this little thing…” you should immediately check out my post on Montreal Jewellery Shopping.)

Mode Montréal goes out of their way and into the private ateliers of Montreal designers and indie-boutiques to show you the real people and the underground vibe of our local fashion scene. I’ve even learned a lot. The site’s Mode TV tab has smart, video snippets of up-and-coming designers (like Juliana Bennett and her line Mulcair), fashion veterans (like Iris Setlakwe), even mega-retailers that are based here in Montreal (Aldo’s VP, David Bensadoun).

Pretty exciting is the interactive Fashion Map where you’ll find 11 style categories; when you click on one, you’re connected to a Google Map that shows you where to get that specific look. Let’s say, in my case, I need a new LBD, I go to The Little Black Dress and, voilà, under “route” there’s a shopping itinerary planned out with little red dressmaker pins indicating each stop, complete with address and telephone number. Number five on that specific route, by the way, is Unicorn, one of my favourite non-vintage boutiques in the Mile End. I’d start there and work my way back downtown.

Another choice “route” to follow is Virtuosos for it’s mini-roundup of the city’s brightest fashion stars, including haute couturier Helmer, modern dandy Philippe Dubuc and avant-garde Marie Saint Pierre.

I also like Sustainable Style where you’ll find eco-friendly brands like Cokluch (I’m loving their oversized purses with hand-painted flowers for spring and summer 2011) and Harricana whom, besides recycled furs, does amazing blouses with recycled wedding dresses. You may not be in the mood to say “I do” but if you’re anything like me, you’ll be saying, “I WANT!

The post MODE MONTREAL MAPS OUT THE CITY’S FASHION appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

« Oh my god, this is so goooorgeous – where did you get it ? »

You know what happens next.  Merely a couple of days later,  the whole city is wearing that latest piece of fashion you were so proud of.  So much for being original, right?

Well, if you’re visiting Montreal this fall, there are plenty stores you must stop by to fulfill your style hunger.  We’ve picked three collections that might tickle your fancy. Not only are the chances of seeing your latest purchase on your ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend  slim- these collections are only available in Canada – you won’t destroy your wallet  because they’re all very much affordable.  So next time you’re being asked that killer question, simply answer : « I got it in Montreal daaaarling…»

DENIS GAGNON x BEDO

Often dubbed the « enfant terrible » of Canadian Fashion, Denis Gagnon is today clearly recognized as one of the most significant designer in the country.  As a matter of fact, his work will even be featured this fall in an exhibit at the Montreal Fine Art Museum.  Surfing the momentum, Bedo has just launched  a new exclusive collection created by the designer of the hour.  If you’re speedy enough – yes, it’s flying out fast – you could become the proud owner of one (or many) of his signature leather and  zipper dresses – from 30$ to 300$ CAN.

Find a BEDO Store : www.bedo.ca

JOE FRESH

Founded by Joseph Mimran, the creative mind behind the now famous Club Monaco chain, Joe Fresh Style is a lightspeed-fast growing concept that offers accessible yet trendy collections for women, men and children, along with its own cosmetics collection (Joe Fresh Beauty).  Go see its new flagship Studio Store built in an original 1931 Canadian Pacific Railways station.  Hurry before they export the concept over the border – from 10$-90$

Jean-Talon Studio
395 Jean-Talon W
Montréal, QC H3N2Y8
(514) 271-2775
www.joe.ca

JOHN BARTLETT x SIMONS

Maison Simons has been a favourite destination for Montrealers fashionistas of all kinds since day one.  But this fall, they took the big guns out, hiring New York designer John Bartlett to make a full men’s collection that rocks, down to its photo campaign featuring male model icon Tony Ward (remember Madonna’s Justify My Love – yes, that’s him).  The man with a taste for high end design but not enough credit cards to back it up can finally embrace his full vanity – from 100$ to 400$.

Maison Simons

977 Ste-Catherine W.
Montréal QC, H3B 4W3
(514) 282-1840

The post EXCLUSIVE FASHION – ONLY IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Mona Moore

Avant-garde footwear salon, Mona Moore, is known around the world as the place to score shoes right off the runway. Four times a year, the girls from the prestigious Montreal boutique, Anna and Lisa (seen above), travel to Paris, Milan and New York to purchase a meticulously edited selection of the best styles from the best designers. The shoes are then put on display at their Montreal boutique, offering clients expert consulting and personal attention that is usually only reserved to Queens. If that wasn’t enough, Mona Moore is a play on words for « Mon amour », a French term of endearment that clearly portrays the way we feel about this Montreal shoe mecca. Where : 1446 Sherbrook Street West, Westmount, H3G 1K4 (514) 842-0662

Pretty Ballerinas

If heels are not your day-to-day thing (like moi) you will be pleased to find out that Pretty Ballerinas (home of the beloved Spanish flats) has one boutique in North America and that this boutique is in Montreal. Pretty Ballerinas are detailed and artful. They’re hand-made, praised by the Kylies and Kates of this world, come in a diversity of colors and shapes, and most of all, they are designed in a limited number of each style so they remain that much more special. Mostly made out of leather or suede with high quality leather soles, the precious ballerinas are also often decorated with gorgeous details such as Swarovski crystals, and delicate flowers and bows. Head to Montreal’s posh Westmount area and find out for yourself! Where : 392 Victoria Avenue, Westmount, H3Z 2N4, (514) 489-3030

Chou Chou Shoes

Whether you’re looking for easy-to-wear elegant sandals or fashionable pumps, this trendy shoe boutique located in Westmount (yes, there goes Westmount again. What can I say, that Montreal hood knows good shoes) will have you covered. Open for more than 25 years, Chou Chou has been catering to the ladies’ love for Italian chic with brands such as Ash, Neosens and Barbara Milano. Where: 4886 Sherbrooke Street West,
Westmount, (514) 488-0009

Browns

Browns Shoe Shop is a family-owned business established in Montreal in 1940, which is synonymous with top international designer collections, luxurious leather goods, and exclusive street savvy fashion for ladies, men and children. Browns was the first Canadian retailer to carry Charles Jourdan, Bruno Magli, and Rossi Moda (which now produces collections for Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein and Pucci). Today, it is one of the most important retailers of Italian shoes outside of Italy and carries all major designer brands such as Michael Kors, BCBG, Dsquared, and Prada to name a few. Whether you are looking for flats, heels, sandals or boots, this is a must-stop when shopping for shoes in the city. Plus, it is conveniently located at the heart of the Montreal shopping district on St-Catherine Boulevard. Where: 1191 Rue Sainte-Catherine West, Montreal, H3B 1K4‎, (514) 987-1206‎

The post SHOE SHOPPING IN MONTREAL appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.

Ever wondered what a summer festival would look like if all the stores from a city’s fashion district got together for fours days, organized major runway shows, and threw glamorous parties under the metropolitan stars? If so, wonder no more. That’s what Montreal’s Festival Mode et Design is all about!

From August 4 to August 7, fashion aficionados from all over the world are invited to the popular Montreal fashion event (celebrating its 10th anniversary this year) to revamp their style and find new inspirations for the last few weeks of the summer interval and the oh-so exciting season that is fall in the fashion world.

Fashion shows will be held at outdoor stages in downtown Montreal in addition to many special events and late night parties featuring musical sensations such as Misstress Barbara or the Pinup Saints. For full  details on the programmation make sure you check out the Festival’s website which is loaded with activities to choose from and photos that will make your shopaholic heart beat like an 808 drum.

THE SHOPPING RALLY

Now the greatest part about Montreal’s Festival Mode et Design is that you don’t have to actually wait an entire season to wear the looks on display. All the sexy trends are available in the Montreal boutiques located steps away from the runways. In fact, the organizers of the Festival are even hosting a Shopping Rally on August 5, bringing together Montreal’s leading fashion retailers. The stores will welcome shoppers with gift bags, music, DJs, workshops, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and – wait for it – discounts!

AND NOW – THE ULTIMATE GIRL GETAWAY PACKAGE

Tourism Montreal is also currently offering all ladies a fantastic Girls Getaway package which includes exclusive privileges at many of the city’s finest hotels, discounts on spa treatments, and many other goodies such as $5 cosmos, mojitos and martinis at Phillips Lounge, VIP service at the chic Espace Pepin boutique, free make-up sessions at The Bay, 15% of at La Senza or Levi’s and even free public transportation during your stay !

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THE DETAILS

When : August 4 – August 7

Where : McGill College Avenue, corner Ste-Catherine

Info : (514)-876-1499

Email: info@sensationmode.com

Twitter: @Sensation_Mode

The post MONTREAL FASHION AND DESIGN FESTIVAL : A PERFECT GIRLS GETAWAY! appeared first on Tourisme Montréal Blog.