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Kollontai's SS 2020 Collection: Creative & Effortless Elegance

April 22, 2020
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Kollontai is a Montreal based fashion brand created by Gabrielle Tousignant in 1998. In naming her brand, Gabrielle was inspired by Alexandra Kollontai, the Russian political figure and feminist who fought for the advancement of women’s social rights and contributed to the creation of International Women’s Day.

Each Kollontai piece is designed and produced in Montreal and has a unique signature with a touch of creative exploring of color charts. Kollontai’s style could be described as playful laid back chic. Its playfulness translates into notes of creative cuts, pattern choices and color piecing. The brand’s spring summer collection is refreshing, to say the least, as it adds notes of elegance through a beautiful palette of neutrals on soft fabrics. As you look at the different designs of the current collection, you will see how it provides us with perfect elevated elegant loungewear options, which is exactly what we need during quarantine and after, I mean I would never say no to comfortable fashionable elegance !

Here are some of our favorite pieces of their latest collection for Spring/Summer 2020.

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Creative Makeup Ideas To Try While Quarantining

April 15, 2020
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If you think about it, this quarantine period has some silver linings. One of them is getting to try out of the box makeup looks and maybe even take it for a test run for a walk outside or to the grocery store. Your creativity will certainly brighten other people’s day and most likely inspire them to step up their style or makeup game during quarantine. Here is some inspiration to help unleash your own makeup creativity.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B8WqjzUn_7W/?igshid=9li0n2r5w5h4

 

 

 

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The Origins Of Tartan, A Fashion & Cultural Excursion

April 6, 2020
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Today, April 6th, is Tartan Day. Historically, the most ancient reference to Tartan dates back to 1800 BC with the Tarim Mummies discovered in Xinjiang, China wearing Tartan leggings. Some similarities were underlined with textile remains found from the European Hallstatt culture which was predominant between 1200 BC and 500 BC.

Today, Tartan is largely associated with Scotland and has a deep historical signification. It is often seen on kilts and shoulder shawls and often paired with bagpipes in current times. Previously, belted kilts were worn by men and shawls by women. After appearing in the country in the 16th century and being banned by the 1746 Dress Act due to its promotion as a rebellion political uniform, to then being reinstated in 1782, it became the emblematic dress of Scotland. The Highlands who joined the royal regiment were exempt from the ban and, with their participation in the British imperialist expansion and to reinforce their keenship, the regiment incorporated Tartan in their uniform known as the Black Watch’s Tartan. In the 18 hundreds, United Kingdom royals such as King George IV and Queen Victoria wore Tartan, which made it of fashionable good taste throughout the Victorian and Edwardian eras.

Before the mid 19 hundreds, different Tartans were associated with different regions as they were made locally by their local weavers using the locally available dyes. Later on, different Tartans were associated with different clans, families, organizations, brands and royal personalities such as Queen Elizabeth. As a matter of fact, one Tartan you are most certainly familiar with is the Burberry Tartan, which was created in 1920 and was used originally as a lining to their iconic trench coat. It is recognized by the Scotish Tartan Authority. The historical association to regalness and authority of Tartan contributed to its use as a political statement in the 70’s by the punk movement as a form of rebellion against modern society as well as its use in private schools as part of their uniforms.

In the early 1960′, a Canadian Tartan was created by Highland Queen Sportswear Ltd., a Torontonian garment company, to highlight the, then, upcoming Expo 67 and Canada’s 100th year anniversary. This Tartan was also worn by Canadian officials to represent the country during meetings. Distinctive provincial Tartans were added later on. And, a little cherry on our Tartan journey, Montreal was gifted its own Tartan for its 375th birthday in 2017 by the Saint Andrew’s Society of Montreal, a charitable society representing Montreal’s Scottish community. It is even officially registered with The Scottish Register of Tartans.

Tartan is often mistaken with other fabrics such as Plaid. Here is a visual distinctive picture showing Plaid on the right and Tartan on the left.

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Meet Montreal's New Vintage Fashion Deconstructionist

March 24, 2020
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Interview with the woman behind Bloom Vintage Clothing: Angelina Alvarez Soto. She is skillfully applying fashion deconstructionism to vintage and we’re here for it! Montreal, meet your new vintage fashion deconstructionist and potentially your own Rei Kawakubo or Martin Margiela!

1. How would you define Bloom’s style?

Bloom’s style is rather streetwear. It’s a mix of many styles and inspirations. It’s laid back, often unisex and one size fits all.

2. What inspires you when creating pieces? (And do you go from the fabrics to the design or from the design to the fabrics you choose)

All forms of art can inspire me like music, film, painting, dance and of course fashion. I watch a lot of fashion shows. I also think a lot about the Canadian pieces that we must have in our wardrobes because of the climate such as coats, jackets and tracksuits. When creating a piece, I always start with a design, an idea and then I will choose among the fabrics and clothes that I have in stock. The idea may vary and change slightly along the way because of the fabric.

3. What sizes do you design for and what price range can people expect?

I create for practically all sizes: XS to 3XL and since I work with recycled materials, I can add or remove fabrics easily to create a new size. My prices are fixed with a few exceptions, prices start at $ 35 and go up to $ 100.

4. Tell us a little bit more about you, the artist behind the brand.

I always had a very developed artistic side. I decided to make a career out of it when I understood that I could make a change and have a positive impact around me while combining some of my interests and passions such as ethical art and ethical fashion. It’s important for me to watch our consumption and be aware of what’s happening on the other side of the fashion industry. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. Unfortunately, in the fashion industry, we have more efforts to make with regards to pollution, ethics and humanity.

5. You mentioned in your press release that Bloom respects the environment and people, how does that translate in your direct company operations?

We work with clothes and fabrics that we collect and recycle. By doing this we are reducing the company’s ecological footprint and giving a second life to clothing that could end up in a landfill. We are practically zero waste too because we recover and use our own production waste and scrap. In parallel, company employees work in safe conditions and are paid fairly. I make sure of maintaining a good work environment and that the team is happy and comfortable at Bloom.

6. Where can people shop your pieces?

We have an online store where we sell our creations at bloomvetementsrecycles.com. We also organize popup shops several times a year, which are shared on our social media.

7. What fashion trends and consumption trends would you like to see more of?

I would like to see more clothing brands go green, hire local employees, use local materials and use durable quality materials. By offering a little more expensive better quality products, they will take a step towards “slow fashion” and encourage their customers to buy more conscientiously. On the fashion side of things, I can’t wait for trends such as the washed out and the tie dye effects to come back this spring / summer 2020, these trends will be everywhere!

8. Is there something else you would like to share with us?

I would like to encourage people to shop more locally. There are lots of Quebec companies that offer beautiful, unique and different products. There is something for everyone. It’s a good way to counter fast fashion and overconsumption. By buying local, we encourage local entrepreneurs and creators and our own economy.

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Montreal Grand Prix: Fashion Frequencies

June 6, 2019
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F1 Dress To Kill Fashion Night At The Mansion Party

For its third edition, Dress To Kill magazine hosted a fashionable Pre-Grand Prix party at Mount Stephen Hotel’s refined George Bar with a guest list of creatives that would make your Instagram feed blush. With sponsors such as Johnnie Walker and Aston Martin, counting brands such as  Bentley, Jaguar et Land Rover under its wings, picture the herd of luxury cars parked in front of the hotel’s red carpet covering the architectural stairs surrounded with photographers taking pictures of celebrities and guests.

Dress To Kill Magazine’s mission is to highlight and promote voices of avant-garde and visionary artists from the Canadian fashion and cultural worlds. And with its “Neo Rennaissance” theme, DTK wanted to reunite contemporary artists who are redefining the standards and, by extension, the future through fashion, art, literacy and culture. DTK is printed 4 times per year with a focus on special themes per season.

In the Victorian building where Mount Stephen operates, there was a sea of beautiful people dressed to impressed (maybe even to kill it, this one was too easy sorry!). Cari Tauben was animating the Night At The Mansion party with fashion editor Randy Smith styling the scene. Among the attendees: Philippe Dubuc, Stephane Leduc, Markantoine, the mmode crew, Jean-Claude Poitras, Scarlett Saint-James, Oscar Mendoza and Azamit.

Louboutin x Grand Prix

Christian Louboutin released on June 6th 2 very limited edition Louboutin styles. One for women (Flash Kate: 14 pairs) and one for men (Flash Kate: 15 pairs) inspired by Canadian race car drivers.

Races in Fashion History

Let’s rewind to the nineteen hundreds when Jeanne Paquin, the first woman designer in Paris, started sending young models and actresses wearing her designs (with many of them wearing the same design) to races, the opera and other see and be seen happenings to promote her new collections. It is said that the Paris Longchamp race course (the brand we know was named after this hippodrome by its founder Jean Cassegrain) was comparable to a catwalk with different designers sending their models to show off their latest collections. Some extra information: Paquin was also the first woman to be accepted in Haute Couture, she was also the first Parisian couturier to expand internationally. Her savoir faire and marketing techniques grabbed the attention of queens, actresses and ladies from prominent American families such as the Astors, Rockfellers and Vanderbilts.

F1 Boutique in Old Montreal

Located on 28 Saint-Paul East, the F1 Boutique gathers a large selection of men, women and kids clothing and accessories by car brands and Formula 1 teams. It’s a must see and shop if you want to wear the colors of your favorite team during Grand Prix, find some pretty cool specialty clothing items or for souvenir purchases.

Want to indulge on more Grand Prix Shopping & more Fashion History, shop with us here!

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Fall Winter 2019 Fashion Preview

April 1, 2019
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The last edition of Fashion Preview took place at Société des Arts Technologiques last Wednesday March 20th.

This coming fall/winter get ready to step up your bright colors game with chocolate browns, rose and fire reds, forest greens, plum purples. More summery hues like fire oranges and cool yellows are also getting an invite to cold seasons. And of course the emblematic winter neutrals black, grey and creams are present front and center.

The body is celebrated with long majestical coats and blazers as well as long bell like sleeves, fluid silhouette defining cuts, fabric movement and sculptural drapyness at the silhouette and at the sleeve levels. Comfort is key and garments adjust to the body and not the other way around! Markantoine and Jessie Colucci add leather chains and silk belts to stylishly draw line movement at strategic body places and to add more structure and statement to the most fluid fabrics or cuts. Another crucial aspect of fall/winter 2019 fashion is creative layering mixed to winter color blocking and we strongly invite you to pull some outfits out of Denis Gagnon’s book and watch the swirl of compliments happen.

We can easily observe a laidback chic or effortless chic style with Denis Gagnon and Janie McLaughlin and a rebel chic style with Markantoine. We also love the trench and coat game mainly played by the SDC, Jessie Colucci and Denis Gagnon. SDC, who styled the runway outfits? We want to know who’s behind the beautiful styles that were served at the SAT during Fashion Preview.

 

Photos courtesy of Fashion Preview

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Montreal Fashion Exposition | Michel Robidas' Costume Design For Celine Dion, Cirque du Soleil & More

December 2, 2018
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From December 5th 2018 through February 17th 2019, you can learn more about Quebec’s artists, TV, theater and Movie costume design through Michel Robidas’ exposition “Processus: passé, présent, à venir” at Centre d’art Diane-Dufresne in Repentigny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Who is Michel Robidas?

Michel Robidas is a costume designer who has worked with artists in the likes of Celine Dion, Diane Dufresne, Julie Snyder, Cirque du Soleil and film directors like Denys Arcand. He also cumulated more than 22 years as a Costume Designer at Radio Canada fpr their shows and dressed Julie Snyder on the show Le Banquier aired on TVA. Earlier, he jas also created clothing for women and kids.

He is known for his extravagant costumes like the curtain dress he made for Diane Dufresne with marionetts she could move in her dress. He also made an 85 foot dress for a Cirque Du Soleil in hight show. Today Michel still creates costumes and paints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What to expect?

Expect to see costumes, sketches to take you through 45 years of Michel’s creations.

Celine’s costumes were graciously loaned by the diva for the exposition.

 

** Want to step up your shopping and/or style game while learning more about Montreal’s fashion history? Book a shopping tour with us today here.

** Want to collaborate with us in relation to our shopping tours? Tell us about your brand or boutique here.

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8 Things You Didn't Know About Anne-Marie Chagnon | Montreal Fashion Maker Crush

November 27, 2018
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Recently the Anne-Marie Chagnon boutique atelier organized a series of activities and guided tours of the atelier open to the public for the Journées de la Culture (Culture Days) and here’s what we learned:

1. AMC pieces are handmade in the sense they have a specific process to produce and assemble each mold and piece in their atelier. This makes the brand even more special and the pieces even more precious.

2. When you purchase AMC accessories, they have your back! If a piece wears out, you can replace it. Some items are guaranteed for life, per example the bracelet elastics, earring claps, jump rings. There’s also a yearlong warranty for new purchases on the manufacturing and small fees apply for other repairs.

3. AMC opened a boutique atelier in Shibuya,Japan in March of this year and the launch party happened this last September, how exciting!!

4. The staff at AMC is very passionate, proud and loyal to the brand. How do I know that? The way they present the brand, interact with the clientele and tell you about their own personal stories with AMC with big bright smiles and sparkling eyes.

5. AMC is the daughter of a movie set make-up artist and engineer, which translates a lot in her creations where you can see her artistic side mixed with structured and geometric lines.

6. AMC is launching a focus group to get her clientele’s feedback on products, so this is your chance to  add your input into her creative process, how cool! You might want to get on their newsletter to get notified.

7. One of AMC’s projects as a student was tongue accessories and the pictures are simply amazing. These same pictures made her noticed by Cirque du Soleil for which she produced an exclusive collection sold to the public at Cirque du Soleil’s boutiques, all over the world.

8. Anne Marie also paints and her paintings definitely have a special something, check some of them out here.

 

** Want to step up your shopping and/or style game while learning more about Montreal’s fashion history? Book a shopping tour with us today here.

** Want to collaborate with us in relation to our shopping tours? Tell us about your brand or boutique here.

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Montreal In Fashion History - Wonderbra

October 16, 2018
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Did you know Wonderbra was founded in Montreal under the Canadian Lady Corset Company as a trademarked label?? It grew to become what we know today because, among other things, but especially because it was developed using women’s insights and their interaction with the product, which ultimately made the brand one of the biggest innovators in global Women lingerie history. Here are a few highlights of them making or changing lingerie history.

 

  • It was founded in 1939 by Moses Nadler in Montreal.
  • It launched the first strapless bra, and the diagonal shoulder strap in the 40’s.
  • They also launched the first push up bra in Canada called Dream Lift in the 60’s. This very same bra made it to the Guinness Book of World Records after selling more than 1.6 million units internationally. They later introduced the first front hook version in 1973.

  • In 1968, The Canadian Lady Corset Company changed its name to Canadian Lady-Canadelle Inc. was sold to Consolidated Foods (now Sara Lee Corporation), and later became Canadelle Inc.
  • WonderBra airs the first tv commercial with a women wearing a bra in North America in 1972, commercials only featured bras on mannequins before that time.
  • WB also gave birth to the first seamless bra in 1974 called Dici, at the same time women were burning their bras and to meet the needs of young women looking for more lightness.
  • The brand launches its all time top seller, even today, style 2620 in 1982.

  • WB’s Hello Boys ad is declared the most eye-catching advertisement in decades, causing accidents on the road. The Outdoor Media Centre also gave it the favorite iconic advertising image recognition through a poll in 1994.
  • Also in 1994, the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America) honours WB “for creating a phenomenon never before experienced in the industry” in the sense that it has become a reference sort of like Kleenex.
  • In 2007,  a CBC poll ranks WB as the 5th out of the top 50 Greatest Canadian Inventions.
  • In 2009, WB launched their innovative spring tipped wire to prevent wire poking called No Poke Wire.

 

** Want to step up your shopping and/or style game while learning more about Montreal’s fashion history? Book a shopping tour with us today here.

** Want to collaborate with us in relation to our shopping tours? Tell us about your brand or boutique here.

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The Best Of Spring/Summer 2019 Montreal Fashion Week Trends

October 14, 2018
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The latest edition of Fashion Preview added even more art and beauty last week to Place des Arts’ Wilder Building, fashion week’s new venue. We selected our runway favorites and here’s what we’d love to see you wearing this spring/summer 2019 Montreal!

In a nutshell, denim will be making triumphant guest appearances mixed with other fabrics like we’ve seen on Markantoine‘s runway.

Suits are getting a makeover, they’re getting serious boosts of rebel chic vibes, we’re talking Matrix or Vigilante style with KQK. They’re also getting pretty sexy cuts and curvy highlights with Les Poupounes de Luxe, imagine an episode of Suits transitioning into a sexy James Bond office situation.

Fabrics sheerness, fluidity and comfort was another recurring element with AHH MEN and Robert Atelier along with velvety and metallic pieces with Velvet Couture.

An unexpected material turned heads on the runway, bringing festiveness and fashion fun to greater levels: sequences and tulle were brought to us by Lucas Stowe, make sure you check out his master pieces if you’re planning to glam out this summer and want some show stopper pieces.

Oh, and for your more sophisticated soirées, Leinad has the perfect combination of drapyness, flowiness, plissé and plungeant Vs for the perfect effortless flowy chic look.

Funkiness and popping colors also made a noticeable and energizing appearance on the runway with WRKDEPT,  in the form of vibrant reds, electric blues, deep coral on a mix of different fun fabrics such as tulle, mesh, denim and more rigid and structured frocks, dressed up with just as fun and funky accessories. And Le Valet Cireur complemented those vibes (If you don’t know their concept by the way, they basically pimp up your shoes and give them a whole new soul and fashion purpose)

We also had the pleasure of discovering new accessory brands in the accessory village like  Guillotine, HYP Socks, Kris Warren, Louve Montréal, Nina.Nanas Jewelry, Partoem, J3L Lingerie.

** Want to step up your shopping and/or style game while learning more about Montreal’s fashion designers and history? Book a shopping tour with us today here.

** Want to collaborate with us in relation to our shopping tours? Tell us about your brand or boutique here.

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