Fashion Blog Archives - Page 6 of 10 - The Montreal Fashion Society by The Fashion Tourism Society

Tights Shopping Made Easy With Rachel's Box

November 22, 2015

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Lilac, red, blue, with polka dots or flowers, we love our tights!
Autumn arrived, winter is coming and I am thinking of these beautiful fall/winter dresses, shorts, pleats, flared skirts I will be wearing and combining with my tights. I am in a constant hunt for originality, freshness, trendy colors and the last fashion trends.

I was, therefore, thrilled to discover Rachel’s box, quality tights and stockings made in Italy and Quebec, directly delivered to our doors. I can say, it has changed my life and I’m very happy and satisfied to have found a way to get cool and classy tights easily, quickly and when I want. I recently received a box at home and it has been a fun and easy experience for me as it was stress free, based on my personal tastes, delivered to my home, included style tips and fit perfectly. I was also happy to feel warm while wearing them outside as the weather can get crazy here in Montreal. And the fact that they come in different colors, prints with different details, they give your outfit that extra oomph. I received a lot of compliments when I wore them. If you take a look at their look book, you may want the whole inventory, be warned.

How it works? It’s simple! Choose your tights in the shop section and receive them at home within three to four days. And for those who love good surprises, get a subscription to receive a box containing 2 pairs of tights periodically, complete a form and a stylist will choose your tights based on your style. You have the choice to receive a box once a month, every 2 months or every three months. Prices start at $27.50 for a box every 3 months. Rachel’s Box also offers gift cards ranging from $33 to $82.50.

Sorel Is Upping The Winter Boots Game

October 27, 2015

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Halloween is like the unofficial kickoff for first snow falls in Montreal I feel like and I, therefore, started looking for winter boots. I have to confess… I hate shopping for winter boots. It’s hard to find the perfect pair with the right amount of heels and killer style which is also non slippery, waterproof and warm. It’s like finding the perfect man that has everything on your must have list. Not sure which one is the hardest to find…

This fall/winter, Sorel really stepped up there games and are starting to consider and bring together all the elements of the perfect winter boot in their collection. They even incorporated the hidden wedge in some items as it was originally initiated by Isabelle Marant. Check out my favorites of their current collection to survive Montreal’s winter weather.

1. Sorel,Joan of Arctic Wedge Boot, $270

2. Sorel, Out N About Boot, $130

3. Sorel, Newbie Blanket Boot, $130.

4. Sorel, Major Lace Boot, $150.

5. Sorel, Toronto Lace Boot, $180.

6. Sorel, Toronto Mid Boot, $200

7. Sorel, Medina III Rain Heel Boot, $150.

Fashion Preview: SS16 Trends

October 18, 2015

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Fashion Preview is going strong with its 4th edition and the addition of new designers and exhibitors extending the event to 3 days compared to previous editions. This time, some designers such as Naïké and V-FRANZ even included kids in their collections.

ByKilani.CM

Last week, Maison Ogilvy welcomed, for the occasion, exhibitors such as Annick Lévesque, Holdur, Tshu, Maison Bourdon, Jérôme Bocchio, PURPLE LUXE, Ella Dugré, LLY Atelier, Effet Papillon Créations, Miss Cocotte, Quality Native Crafts and ByKilani.

WRKDEPT. The intriguing brand opened Fashion Preview and was the the energizer to our eyes and souls. The Spring Summer collection will bring color and vitamin to any under colored wardrobe with some Indian and Asian influences. I am totally adding the plastified baby face dress on my wish list.

MB Alphawear‘s men collection was stamped with urbanity and slightly hipsterish references. There were also small little signature details on each piece reminding us of nature like the use of neutral colors such as beige, sweat pants fabric, the red plaid shirt and the strong use of brownish beige pieces and details.

HUTCHISON‘s light cotton fabric pieces looked perfect for minimalist style lovers. It was the perfect representation of comfort and feminine girl next door. I was plunged in the memories of a warm summer day at the old port or on a boat while contemplating the collection.

JONCAS‘ light flowy fabrics screamed comfort and style. It was like seeing elegant feminine ghosts. The way the cuts and details were put together combined to the subtle superposition of pastel toned over pure white fabrics gave a high end feel to the pieces. The brilliant marriage of fluidity, lines accentuation and incorporated belts was an enhancement to that feel.

Naïké. I loved the chic family dinner theme with the kids. A brilliant mix of professional and weekend from the sheer top to the short shorts suit and the long sleeveless vest. Naïké, I love your long vests, you’re officially my go to designer for long vests amongst other pieces. What I like about Naïké is their ability to deliver stylish quality timeless modern sober pieces.

Denis Gagnon, our very own enfant terrible de la mode, did it again. The black and white spring summer collection was an exploration of both sexy and conservative poles. The whole presentation had a spiritual feel to it with the inspiring music, the projection of mountains and nature images, which is a little different from his previous shows where we usually feel his inner child in every aspect of the fashion show. If I compare to his last spring/summer collection, the pieces were this time a little more sober with longer and ampler cuts, but still included some sheerness, sexy necklines and shorts.

Leinad Beaudet, brought elegant long dresses and some professional attire that I would totally wear at the office. I was also happy to see the use of different age models, which has now become a signature runway move for the brand.

Dominique Ouzilleau. Did you know Ouzilleau previously collaborated with big names such as Lagerfeld, Chanel, Givenchy and Fendi? Well now you do. The recycled fur label included more sober designs such as wool coats with subtle fur touches and other all fur made coats with different art work techniques. My favorite pieces are the wool/fur combinations and I am in love with the red lined cut sleeve coat.

Les Incompétents. Large fits, nurse looking outfits (in a cool way) and effortless vibes. I would totally wear the over sized white and blue dress with dark blue pumps and a tie as a belt. I feel like I don’t necessarily see people sporting that style on the street, but I would definitely love to. I find it brings a zen ambiance (I mean, who could yell at or punch someone looking that effortlessly zen?!) and an interesting trend to explore, as we should never become prisoners of one style only.

Brit Wacher. I loved the usage of a large variety of fabrics such as sheer, leatherish, suit pants fabric and overlapped colors and textures. This offers variety in wearables that can be used for 9 to 5 and 5 to 9. Who has time to go change before happy hour?

Les Enfants Sauvages. The only designer who made a strong use of prints through some retro references and Indian sari inspired colors for the office wardrobe.

V-FRANZ.CM.10

V-FRANZ. I was so in love with the sexy original brilliantly cut dresses. The curved lines and lacing and the strategic fabric cropping accentuates the female body curves, which is great for the most memorable nights of summer 2016 to come.

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Photo credit: Chris M & Mode Montreal ( for Naïké)

COS Store Opening - What To Expect

September 30, 2015

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As you may have heard or seen, COS will be opening a store in Montreal this October 9th, on St-Catherine West (1310) between De La Montagne and Crescent. The brand, which is a higher end version of its sister brand H&M, is the acronym for Collection Of Style, first opened in Stockholm in 2007 and is now operating in 26 countries retailing women, men and children clothing, shoes, bags, accessories and underwear.

The first time I entered a COS store was in Florence, Italy, last September, while I was lost in the small streets of the city and you know what happens when you’re a tourist and you’re lost, you’re happy you just discovered a new street, new statues which means more shopping and more exploration and pictures, you’ll worry about the lost part after… It was in the same area as Chanel and other luxury stores, which reinforces their higher end image.

First glance inside the store: quality fabrics, interesting and original designs, but sober colors and classic pretty geometrical cuts. The decor inside the store was pretty minimalist. It screamed sober, original and professional. I tried on many pieces (like more than what my hands could actually carry, which is a sign of the beginning of a great shopping adventure).

What I like about the fashion brand is how they combine comfort, femininity and professional chic in a very European way. This selection of our favorites of COS’ current collection illustrates it perfectly. And their accessories are to die for, it’s like wearing art mostly made using worked metal and fabric, like the one I am wearing here.

Photos via COS

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Interview With Tailor2go Founder Nathon Kong

September 23, 2015

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Have you ever had a hard time finding the perfect suit for work or for a special occasion? Tailor2go was thought by Nathon Kong to make it easier for us to get a quality tailored suit. I sat down with him to better understand the concept.

1. Can you tell us little bit about yourself?

After graduating from McGill college, It took me 6 months to find a decent suit. It was a 1.6k Harry Rosen suit, which I had to alter a lot to make it fit me. I spent time shopping online and in store and I was frustrated, so I started thinking about the idea of customized suits. I also always loved fashion and in fact, as a student I was awarded most fashionable during my MBA in uOttawa.

2. Can you tell us more about Tailor2go?

Tailor2go started in June 2014. It’s for men and women. We now offer suits only for women at the moment, but we offer shirts for both. That all happens in our mobile tailor truck, where there’s a scan room that 3D scans your body and 50 of its measurements and translates them into a patron which are later sent to our factory where they are hand made. Our customers can also personalize the collar, the buttons, the length, the colors, the contrast, the fit, whether the shirt is fitted or not. The whole ordering process takes 30 minutes for a suit and 15 minutes for a shirt and we also ask about your budget, the purpose of the purchase to see if it’s for a special occasion and the style you are researching versus what you already own. We go to your office or house door with Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a running gag in the company. It’s the truck’s name. I call her my mistress, because she took all my money. So the whole process is designed to be effective and personalized to get our customers exactly what they want in less time. We are also working on an eCommerce platform that will make it even easier to order as you’ll be able to choose all the options and since we have your body measurements from your scan, you just have to wait for it to be produced and delivered within 3 to 4 weeks. We also focus on relationships with customers, we keep track of our exchanges with them, so we can follow-up with them. We take appointments with one customer at a time to focus and offer our 100%. Elizabeth is heated, displays an epurated interior with hard wood floor and a coffee machine to make you feel comfortable in a chic tailoring space.

tailors 2 go 4

3. What’s the price range?

Since we don’t pay rent we can offer affordable prices for higher fabric quality and finishes. Our prices range from $650 to $1250 for suits and $55 to $125 for shirts. Basically, we are selling a Ferrari at a Lexus price. We also offer corporate discounts for employees of corporate partners. I was pitching in front of potential investors one day and one of them asked about the quality, so we compared the Tailor2go Jacket I was wearing with his Prada Jacket and after 15 minutes, the investor saw it was comparable and handed me his business card and said call me.

3. Who are your target customers?

Busy corporate individuals of all ages, but mostly between 25 and 45 years old.

4. I saw that you won many prizes. Can you tell us a little more?

I was awarded the Winner of Media Award at the International Startup Festival, First place at the McGill Dobson Cup, First place- Montreal Region at Concours Quebecois en Entrepreneuriat.

6. What advice would you give other young entrepreneurs?

Know your customer, what they want and give it to them. Study them and how they think. Also do your homework and do some market research and study groups. It could be on the street and with your close friends and family. You should always stay close to your customers and understand their needs, so it’s a non stop process. If you don’t have what they need, listen and find out how you can give it to them to improve your service or product. Also, as my mother taught me success is how much you give, not how much you can get, which pretty much illustrates that.

New Pieces Of The #HMBalmaination Collab Unveiled

September 8, 2015

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Remember back in May, when Kendall Jenner et Jourdan Dunn wore 2 creations of the HMxBalmain collab next to the designer Olivier Rousteing at the Billboard Music Awards. New pieces of the collection were recently shared with the public on ELLE UK’s and, its editor in chief, Lorraine Candy’s instagram to revive our eagerness to discover the whole collection instore this November 5th.

Olivier Roustaign on this collaboration: “H&M m’a donné l’opportunité unique d’ouvrir l’univers de la maison Balmain au plus grand nombre, d’offrir une part de rêve et de créer #HMBalmaination : un mouvement convivial à l’échelle mondiale, porté par un hashtag. Cette collaboration m’a parue tout à fait évidente : H&M est une marque qui s’adresse à tout le monde. L’objectif est d’appeler à plus d’unité, ce que je soutiens pleinement.”

Ann-Sofie Johansson, creative advisor at H&M: “Cette combinaison entre l’héritage Haute Couture et l’inspiration urbaine fait de Balmain une marque au style unique, à la fois somptueux et moderne, mais aussi sensuel et dynamique.”

The design of these pieces reminds of the Balmain signature style as we saw a couple of time on Kim Kardashian and her famous sisters, especially the embroided dress and the delicately striped top worn by Jourdan. Based on the pictures, we can expect quality, modern elegance and attention to details. The dress is expected to retail for 499 €, to give you an idea of the price range.

Art Tattoo Montreal - The Fashion Angle

September 7, 2015

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To celebrate the 13th edition of the famous Art Tattoo Show. I had the pleasure to interview Valerie Emond, co founder of studio tattoo mania. We talked tattoos, fashion and tattoo show! The Art Tattoo Show will take place in Place Bonaventure from the 11th to the 13th of September. It will reunite more than 250 artists, local as well as international. Tattoos, performances, live music, and much more on the site of the event.

1. Why do people become tattoo artists?
It’s different for everyone, but most of the time, it speaks volumes to people who want to differentiate themselves, have their own lifestyle. In general, it’s for people who truly value their autonomy, people who would rather work for themselves and have the freedom to explore artistically.

2. Is there a typical path to become a tattoo artist?
Usually, the most respectable way to start is to find a mentor. To show respect for the other tattoo artists, you have to start at the bottom. This way, you also minimize risks of potential mistakes by learning from someone who has a lot more experience.

3. What are some qualities of a good tattoo artist?
It’s really important to be comfortable around people. The job requires you to be with the same client for several hours so you have to know how to make them feel at ease, in order to offer him the best possible experience. You also have to know how to reassure a client. A lot of people come in and they’re afraid the tattoo is really going to hurt; you have to show some empathy.

4. What is the place of tattoos in the fashion industry?
Since tattoos have always existed, I think it’s hard to see them as a trend. You could say that some trends do exist when it comes to the style or the location of the tattoo. For example, it’s safe to say that Rihanna’s under-boob tattoo has a certain influence, it is trending right now. Although, some classics, just like a chanel bag, never fall out of trend. You also have to know that a lot of well known designers have collaborated with tattoo artists. It has a strong influence as a part of popular culture; it’s something the fashion industry can’t ignore.

5. What are the classics that never fall out of trend?
Usually, it’s the small tattoos people don’t regret. I would say roses and butterflies are always coming back, but their meaning is different from one person to another.

6. Who should attend the Art Tattoo Show?
Everyone! Whether they’re passionate about the lifestyle or simply art enthusiasts who are intrigued by the industry, everyone is welcome. People usually come for many different reasons. They come to get inspiration for their new tattoos, to discover artists from all over the globe and even to purchase prints from well known tattoo artists. Everyone there, is really open minded and welcoming, they love to share their passion. It’s a really good way to demystify the scene, to know everything there is to know.

7. What are you hoping to bring to the Montreal tattoo scene with the Art Tattoo Show?
Since it’s going to be our 13th edition, we can already see the evolution regarding the quality of the work. Receiving all these people from all over the world allows everyone to compare their work and refine their style. It’s really important to us that Montreal keeps its good reputation in the tattoo world. Other than that, our main goal is to showcase talents, whether they’re local or international.

Photos via Art Tattoo Show

Reitmans Group - Rain Of Exciting Announcements

September 6, 2015

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Reitmans made a bunch of announcements a few days ago and we love what’s coming.

First, the brand announced that Meghan Markle, who plays Rachel Zayne in the tv series Suits, is their new leading lady and she will represent the brand in their new “Reitmans.Really” campaign. Reitmans on Meghan: ” Curious, multitalented and overachieving, she is the founder and curator of a fashion, lifestyle and food website called The Tig. Meghan has considerable reach on social media and very engaged followers, many of whom are Canadians.” Also, Meghan kind of is the young professional impersonation in suits, which is a good fit for Reitmans.

Also, not too long ago, RW&Co, owned by the same brand, announced a collaboration with non other than, hockey player, P.K. Subban and his father and brothers Malcolm (Boston Bruins) and Jordan (Vancouver Canucks). Stay tuned for the campaign’s launch this September 14th at New-York fashion week’s opening (yes, not a typo) with Ashley Graham for Addition Elle.

Last, but not least Reitmans announced the opening of a new sportswear banner called Hyba in 17 former Smartset stores across Canada. Hyba is said to be “‘move wear’ rather than active wear.” says Walter Lamothe, president of retail and chief operating officer. It was conceived for women who do not necessarily look for high performance activewear.

Photos via Reitmans and RW&Co.

Xavier Dolan New Face Of Louis Vuitton

September 6, 2015

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Don’t freak out, but Xavier Dolan, writer, director, actor, french voice of Ron Weasley in Harry Potter, Jacob in the Twilight Saga, and now, just became the new ambassador of Louis Vuitton. How crazy is this?!

How it happened – Xavier wore a lot of Louis Vuitton outfits on the red carpet during the last Cannes festival while he was a member of the jury, which captured LV’s attention. He was even featured on the brand’s instagram a couple of times as he was wearing the brand in style. The announcement was maed back in June and the first pictures of the collaboration just surfaced.

What it is – The black and white, James Dean inspired, photos showcase the new handbag collection.

Xavier & Fashion – Xavier reportedly said he dreamed of being the face of a prestigeous brand as a kid, just like others would have dreamed of becoming astronauts or doctors. This proves that dreaming is the first step to accomplishing great things! Xavier previously was featured on Interview Magazine and attended Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2015 ready-to-wear collection fashion show in Paris in Sept 2014.

Photos via Louis Vuitton

OUR 5 FMD15 Highlights

August 25, 2015

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From the opening night last Monday in Jardins du MAC with Stephen Jones, covered here by Chris, to the inspiring, entertaining and very educative conferences with notable speakers, the different pop up shops, fashion shows, here are the highlights of #FMD15.

1. The opening night with models wearing Stephen Jones hats, stylish guests, exquisite ambiance in the garden of Montreal’s Museum of Contemporary art, followed by Jones’ conference.

2. The conferences and especially: Stephen Jones the international millinery who makes arts we call hats, Patricia Fields the stylist behind Sex & The City’s memorable outfits, Adam Katz Sinding the urban international photographer for VOGUE, Scooter Laforge the talented and notable designer who has worked with celebs such as Madonna and Beyonce, Jacques Nantel HEC’s marketing expert and Feriel Karoui the style trends analyst.

3. The fashion shows: Collectif, The Montreal Fashion society (ours, pics here) and Lasalle College’s Z GENERATION designers, dancers and musicians, each had different vibes from urban to young professional and futuristic.

4. The shopping at the fashion trucks and booths. We have to admit we had a major crush for My Addikt‘s jewels.We wanted to purchase the whole store basically, i.e. the definition of a store crush.

5. Nota Bene: The mentoring session in round tables with Chantal Durivage, Denis Gagnon, Britta Kroger in the form of Q&A round tables between beginners and those established fashion personas. Chantal Durivage hinted at a possible F&D festival in europe and put the emphasis on the importance of having a partner with complementary skills in business to share the highs and lows and build a strong team together as she does with her husband, the cofounder of FMD. Britta spoke about the importance of passion, that secret ingredient that drives you and makes you move mountains and the importance of not burning steps in your quest to the top of the mountain. Denis Gagnon reinforced Chantal’s point of having a complementary, skills and knowledge wise, partner, focusing on your primary activities and avoiding to spread yourself and risk confusing your customers and the importance of not being affraid to be more hands on at the beggining to gain experience through volunteering and learning the basics of sewing. He also spoke about the rarity of seemstresses on the market, observed by many designers in the industry.

Nota Bene

Photo credit: Chris M. My Addikt and Nota Bene (Benoît Vermette).