SHOW & SELL - BARILÀ POP-UP SHOP

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Barila Fall/Winter 2010 Campaign from Le Genou de Claire on Vimeo.

Ladies, start your engines. Montreal-based fashion label Barilà is opening a pop-up shop. For ten days starting Nov. 14, get your fill of edgy frocks at major discounts. I’ve seen this local brand’s rocking show at Montreal Fashion Week; now it’s time for you to see the collection up close – and bring it home.

To kick off Day One of this temporary boutique, there will be a special grand opening event with cocktails and nibbles. Plus, designer Sabrina Barilà will also be in the house to mix and mingle. I caught up with this super-stylish lady to chitchat about her ideas, her pop-up shop, and, of course, her clothes.

Your motto is “Live the life you love and love the life you live.” It’s taken from a Bob Marley song?

It’s something he says before he sings a song actually. It reminds me to live more “in the now” and try to find happiness in everyday life. I believe this is the way to live my life to the fullest. So I use it as the Barilà motto in hopes that when people read it, it will provoke that same thought.

Why a pop-up shop? Are you testing the scene for your own Barilà boutique?

Actually, yes! That’s exactly what I’m doing! It’s a good way for me to get to know and familiarize myself with my customer base as well.

I love the location you chose in the Mile End.

I spoke to my friend Julia (she has a jewellery line called “La Raffinerie”) and she told me about this space on St-Laurent that is rented for all sorts of events, mostly art exhibitions. I checked it out and I liked it! I thought it was perfect for a pop-up shop. Next time will probably be somewhere else; I like the idea of popping up in different areas of the city.

Tell me about the clothes.

The collection is edgy, sexy and totally wearable. Anybody can pull it off – anybody that has the personality and confidence, of course. There are lots of sequins for the holidays, great little party dresses, blazers and super cosy tunics. We also created some new styles just for the pop-up shop.

What kind of deals will there be?

We will have the glitzy holiday collection at retail price and the fall stuff will be reduced from 30% to 50% off. There will be something to suit everyone’s budget.

I notice you work with faux leather, and I think you told me in our last interview that you’re a vegetarian. What is your stand on fur and leather?

I didn’t eat meat for 10 years, but I never claimed I was a vegetarian since I ate fish. But last year, I did this Master cleanse (not for everyone, btw!) and once I came off of it, I had this urge for chicken. So now, I eat poultry! My stand on fur and leather? I’m not as radical as some activists, and I don’t want to be a hypocrite either. I do have leather shoes, but I don’t buy fur or leather jackets. I do what I can.

Opening night will feature DJ Kyle Calma and cocktails. Will it be a rock-themed night?

Kyle is my boyfriend. He can play whatever he wants.

Just so I can prep my girls, is the sale cash only?

We take cash, credit and debit.

Finally, what will you be wearing at your next holiday party?

In all honesty I would like to be naked on a deserted beach for the holidays, but since this is not going to happen, and I will probably be hosting a little Christmas bash at my place, I think I would like to wear a nice high waist, a wide-leg camel cashmere wool trouser with a pastel colour shirt tucked in, rolled up sleeves, a thin belt and burgundy patent leather heels. Imagine a threesome between Chloé, Marni and Max Mara.

THE DETAILS

Address:
5145 blvd. St-Laurent (between Laurier and Fairmount)

Grand Opening Cocktail (and shopping):
Sunday, Nov. 14, 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Pop-up Shop:
Monday, Nov. 15 to Wednesday, Nov. 24, 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Prices:
Between $150 and $500

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