interviews Archives - The Montreal Fashion Society by The Fashion Tourism Society

2 Questions To Lakuachimoto's Designer - Spring Summer 2020 Fashion Preview

October 7, 2019

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Fashion Preview is this Wednesday and as we are eager for Montreal’s fashionable rendez-vous to start at Société des arts technologiques on October 9th as of 5:30 pm, we went on a mini exploratory starter taste to contain our eagerness. We asked Lakuachimoto‘s designer, Vincent La Kuach, two questions to better understand the message he tries to communicate through his gorgeous designs and kind of to get a preview of fashion preview…

1) How would you describe the style of your creations?

The style of Lakuachimoto is defined as a symbiosis between streetwear and couture clothing, through a combination of avant-garde and comfort. It is imperative for us that the garment is gender neutral, wearable and innovative. Customers are invited to put forward their boldness, promote their creativity and challenge standards. An inclusive and unambiguous style.

2) What can we expect on the runway of Fashion Preview?

For the Lakuachimoto fashion show, we want guests to witness an entertaining and immersive experience, both sensory and introspective. The purpose of this runway show, called BullyProof, is to question our limits, the ones we impose on ourselves and those imposed on us, but also to insufflate a new invigorating and optimistic energy.

Interview With Michel Grondines, Vincent D'Amérique CEO x FMD19 Runway Shows

August 22, 2019

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Just in time for tonight’s Vincent d’Amérique runway show “Taillé Pour Le Mouvement” during Festival Mode & Design, here is a mini interview with Michel Grondines, CEO of the company with a little surprise during the show. Head to Quartier des Spectacles at 8pm for the free outdoor show unveiling this collection in association with Georges Saint-Pierre, followed by the after party at Furco at 9:30 p.m.

1) Which piece in the “Made for Movement” collection is your favourite piece?

A black jersey jacket and trouser set with a white tiled pattern, it’s a set that combines character and comfort.

2) And the one we are most likely to see worn by Georges St-Pierre?

All the pieces will be worn by Georges, but one of the pieces that best represents him is a jersey jacket printed tone on tone with a black contrasting hood. This item represents the urban side of the collection…

3) What are the characteristics of the collection in terms of fit and cuts?

All jackets, pants and shirts have fitted cuts, but the stretchy materials allow each garment to have an unrivalled fluidity of movement.

4) What is the essence of the message behind the themes chosen for the new collection?

The prestence for anyone who wants to dress well all by being very comfortable.

5) What Fall/Winter 2019 trends for men would you like to see on the streets?

I would like to see more men dare to mix patterns.

6) There is a trend of women customers shopping in some men’s shops. Have you seen this trend as well? Do you think this will affect the men’s apparel market in general, in addition to unisex lines?

It’s not uncommon to see women shopping through our shirts or pants in stretchy materials in store. I believe that there may be a market to develop. There will be women wearing men’s outfits during our fashion show on August 22nd at the Fashion and Design Festival.

Photo Credit 1: Eric Lamothe, Styling: Andrew McNally, Makeup: Brigitte Lacoste, Photo Retouching: Jessika Chiasson, Concept and Production: Agence Fabriq.

Photo Credit 2: Eric Lamothe, Styling: Nancy Richard, Makeup: Martine L’heureux, Photo Retouching: Jessika Chiasson, Concept and Production: Agence Fabriq.

FMD19 Conferences - Interview With Marie Wikinson Eyewear Designer

August 7, 2019

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As part of Montreal’s Fashion & Design Festival’s FMD Talks, Marie Wilkinson, the design lead for Cutler & Gross will sit down with Stephane Leduc to share her inspiring experiences on August 20th. This conference is presented by Antoine Laoun to celebrate their 10th anniversary of collaboration with the festival, and will be held in their downtown location. Marie has had the chance to design Elton John’s glasses and has collaborated with power brands such as Paul Smith and Stella McCartney. I had the chance to ask her a few questions ahead of this promising upcoming conference.

What do you usually try to communicate through your collections?

We want to communicate that Cutler and Gross glasses are the epitome of the finest Italian craftsmanship and have irrefutably cool style. Before we start designing a new collection, we like to ‘ground’ ourselves by immersing ourselves in the Archive and asking how would Mr Cutler and Mr Gross respond to the fashion’s obsession with the 90’s, for instance, and then we proceed with our response.

With each collection we show glasses that using the latest technology from our eponymous factory, as well as using the latest lens technologies with each collection creating frames that are stronger and more lightweight and of course designed to be as comfortable as possible.

Like an architect considering the use of a building, we need to consider the optician fitting the lenses as well as the final wearer of the frames.

2. You mention in another interview that, for you, British style represents a certain wit, a lightness of touch and a refined elegance, which Manolo Blahnik, who happens to wear Cutler and Gross, embodies. Would you say that this description could also be extended to the Cutler and Gross style?

A lightness of touch was in fact a maxim of Tony Gross; he felt that the decision to edit was as important as what to add, when applied to eyewear design. When Cutler and Gross started in 1969, there were many frame factories in the UK mostly making no-frills frames for the Government’s National Health Service, but alongside this was an appetite for bespoke and more daring designs. In fact, the tradition for hand drilled and rivetted hinges came from the need to be able to repair these precious hand made frames, whilst providing an elegant decoration to the frame.

Subtle humour emerges in the form of the eccentric frames, as worn by Sting in 1989, where the opposing shape lenses play with the concept of symmetry. It has always been important to have a light-hearted and fun aspect in Cutler and Gross designs.

3. In your opinion, what is the place of eyewear in a person’s style and how many pairs should be in one’s accessory closet?

I think eyewear is as important as anything else in a wardrobe. Some people will have one frame that they wear every day and it becomes an important part of their identity, whilst others have a wider selection and pick a pair each day to suit their mood, their outfit or even their makeup look. I myself fall into the latter category but at Cutler and Gross we cater for every eyewear need!

4. What is one fact most people don’t know about eyewear, but should?

Fashion progresses at the same rate for eyewear as it does for clothing. It never used to be the case, but more recently we’ve seen a trend for an ‘eyewear wardrobe’ in the same way people would have a collection of jackets, shoes, bags and so on. A thoughtfully put together outfit always needs the addition of an amazing pair of glasses!

Interview With Zoe Boivin, Inspiring Artist Producing Refreshing Art

October 22, 2017

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1) Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into painting?

I am a multidisciplinary artist that lives & works in Montreal. I love simple things, and I’m inspired by beauty in all its forms. Painting is the easiest way for me to share who I am. I can’t say that I “fell” into it, it’s more something that has just always been there. It comes naturally to me, and painting is how I reconnect with my true self. I’ve made it my purpose; to create visual images that I share with the world. If I spend several days without painting I feel lost.

JAKE par ZoéBoivin

2) How would you describe your painting style? (the overall feel of your pieces, the signature style, the message it delivers, etc.)

I paint emotions. I let my energy and inspirations guide my choice of colors, movements, textures and lines, creating unique pieces each time. I work with bright colors, I never have enough of white! The overall sentiment is a mix of liberty, expression, identity, and affirmation. I don’t think of it as a signature or a style, but even when I try to paint something different, the overall feel always guides my hand. I paint circles of energy that sometimes turns out into various forms & shapes, that I associated with persons or animals. My work is also about the aura of femininity, personality, leadership and strength to conquer the world, and I want my viewers to understand that all of this comes from inside.

3) What inspires you as an artist and for your collections?

Inspiration comes from the world that I live in; the beauty is literally everywhere. Nature, architecture, persons, music, animals, life in all its forms. I really love the fashion industry which inspires me a lot. I consider fashion as a type of art; designers are artists for me. It’s only the medium that changes. I love when things are feminine & a little bit weird at the same time.

I read and look at a lot of magazines, articles & books about fashion, design and architecture. For example, Aesthetica is a must for me. I also love to walk in the streets of Mile End where I live in Montreal. There is a great artistic energy, so when you walk outside with a camera it’s crazy what you can stumble on and discover. Even the simplest thing can be a source of inspiration. I also love Instagram as another source of inspiration ; it’s great to see other fellow artists working all over the world !

Zoe Boivin Painting

4) What’s the price range for your art pieces and where can people find them?

Depending on the size and medium, my pieces range between $380 and $1 800. My work is available for sale on my website www.zoeboivin.com.

5) What would be your craziest dream accomplishment as an artist?

I would like to build a large-scale installation in New York where people could get an immersive experience in my universe. I would love it to be a long lasting outdoor installation, that would eventually evolve with its surroundings.

6) Do you think creativity is a super power? What does it bring to a person in your opinion? Should everyone try to develop it?

I think everyone is creative, that does not mean everyone should make art for a living, but I definitely think it should be a part of everyone’s life, no matter how exactly it ends up materializing itself. Creativity is the freedom of the mind, and no matter what you do, it can help you approach a problem differently. It brings freedom, inspiration, new directions and opportunities. As a visual artist, I am creative in a very traditional way, but I think it it’s definitely something that can, and should transcend the classic mediums. We all have that super-power inside!

Photos courtesy of Zoe Boivin.

AZAMIT: An Interview with a Montreal Icon

February 15, 2016

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LaSalle College one of Montreal’s renowned institutions and the launching pad of many fashion leaders holds its place as a seat of learning for upcoming fashion trend setters and business drivers in Canada and on the world stage. MFS recently got an opportunity to attend the industry Icon series held at LaSalle which featured none other than Azamit. Azamit is quite simply nothing short of a Montreal fashion wonder. She was kind enough to share some of her insights with us in a brief interview.

MFS: As a designer, stylist and now business woman what do you think is the future of the industry here in Montreal?

Azamit: Not that I’m hoping, but I think the old gamers, you know the companies that are established right now either are one by one going to die and the young, I don’t want to say the young, but the ones that have a new way of doing things are going to take more and more. When you look into all these big companies that are crumbling like I was saying earlier it’s because they found their formula and then they just sat there. They were making millions and they were just sitting there. Whereas there’s a whole new generation, [and people say] “oh but the Zara’s and the H&Ms [are doing fine]”. Yes because the Zara’s and the H&Ms stay fresh, they always deliver something, they make you dream and they make you want to be part of the dream! Whereas, here you are selling me an old dream, I’m not there anymore. I think there’s a whole new generation coming up with new ways of doing things. People that are more active on social media more active with their awareness. It’s not the most amazing design but [the brands] that know how to communicate.

MFS: Do you think technology will make it easier for aspiring designers to enter the market or are they coming up against a wall?

Azamit: I think both [technology and traditional ways]. When you look at eCommerce it’s barely 10% of how we shop but the experience, and by experience I don’t mean the store, it’s how you interact with people. You can shop anywhere in the world and you can click anywhere in the world so shopping is more accessible than during my generation but what makes a difference is the experience… And that’s what the companies in Montreal are lacking, they don’t know how to communicate the experience. It’s not necessarily the product.. yes the product has evolved and has more quality but the experience they get is what makes them shop more.

MFS: On a personal note you have this story of origins where you came from Eritrea, and this is the story of Canada and Montreal how do you think the future of fashion will be influenced by new faces that are coming into the industry?

Azamit: I think people are more open-minded than when I first started, I would have never thought I would be here at Lasalle College doing a conference… I think your origins can speak a lot, I grew up here but I grew up mostly [in Eritrea]. My childhood was all back at home so there’s a lot of that in what I bring into the community. When I talk with people I can be funny but I’m not crazy you know, it’s how you interact with people also and you know people just embrace you.

MFS: Finally what can we do, we in the fashion media to help your project [Project Azamit], what message do you want us to get out there?

Azamit: [Laughs] Encourage locals! The more you encourage them, the more they are going to keep on producing beautiful stuff, cause if not, if no one is encouraging them, then they’re just going to end up being something boring! [Laughs]

Narcissa tells us all about Rebounding in her Rebound Fit Studio

January 17, 2015

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First let’s set things straight, I’m not the most athletic person. I get out of breath when I have to take the stairs somewhere, but I’m trying to get in shape and I want to have fun while doing it, so when I met Narcissa and I first heard about her Rebound Fit Studio, I instantly wanted to try working out on a trampoline!

Honestly before entering the room, I thought it was going to be as easy as sipping pina coladas on the beach… I was wrong. The workout was fun, jumping on the trampoline made me extatic, but I was definately overwhelmed as I took an intermediate class which was maybe a little ambitious as I felt like my heart was going to pop out of my ear at some points, which made me question my current workout routine. This workout made me feel racked in some places I didn’t even think I had muscles in, so my new perspective on workouts changed and I think it’s totally worth it to come out of your comfort zone and try somthing that’s going to shake every part of your body instead of keeping the same routine forever… If I’m not sored, it means I wasted my time. I liked the atmosphere, the big Windows allowing light to come in, the Young crowd and the energy of the trainer Narcissa, which I had a quite interesting interview with, read below.

1) Where did Rebound Fit start?

About two years ago I started a detox program where I heard about it and started doing research and reading about rebound and I did not find any place in Montreal that was offering Rebound classes. That’s how the idea of opening the studio a year ago came to my mind after experiencing its benefits first hand.

The idea was developped by NASA to help recondition astronauts’ bones and muscles as they came back from space with failed bones and less muscular dansity caused by the lack of gravity in space. Then rebounding became very popular in the 80’s as it is proven to be 68% more effective than a workout on a normal surface.

2) What is it exactly?

It’s basically aerobics on a mini trampoline combined to strenght exercises in a fun ambiance and music.

3) What muscles does it target?

We have 638 muscles in our bodies and it targets every single one of them and because we defy gravity, it adds 3 to 4 times your weight and you get stronger and the jumping part improves your cardio. It’s good for the lymphatic system and decreases risks of cancer. It also works out all the cells in your body. It is a recommanded exercise in the cancer and homeopathy community for its benefits on the immune system. You can also increase the intensity of your workout based on the trampoline you use. The softer ones will make your balance, bouncing and movements more challenging versus a harder one that will compare to a regular workout surface. We use the best brand of Trampolines at the studio. Their elastic is made with bunjee rings which are pretty resistant and it ensures a smooth bounce versus metal strings.

4) How do you compare it to other types of exercising in terms of benefits?

It is proven to be 68% more effective than a workout on a normal surface and it’s great for cardio as you do half of the workout and gravity does the other half.

At the top of your bounce, you feel weightless and destressed which creates a high and your body will crave that high which is the same as the principle behind floating therapy that relaxes you.

5) Who can take Rebound classes?

Almost everybody. It can be adapted to all levels. Seniors can jut bounce and they will feel the benefits on their lymphatic system. Sometimes people in their 60’s 70’s come and bounce with us and if they do it for only 5-10 minutes a day they still get great benefits from rebounding.

6) Are there any celebrities or fitness gurus who endorse it?

Ashley Gordon, nutritionist and fitness expert, tracey Anderson and Tony Robins mentions rebounding in his conferences.

7) What types of classes/levels do you offer?

We offer beginner and intermediate classes. Beginners work in basic moves, focus on bouncing and keeping their balance and they can hold the bar to stay in balance. Intermediates add weights and different moves.

8) Are there any new classes coming?

We recently added a toning class that combines warmups, bouncing and focus 80% on body bars which is great for toning. We also debuted yoga classes on rebounders which add an extra challenge to your blance.

Photo Credit: H.B.

When your dreams take you to Hollywood and Cannes - Interview with Chloe Bellande

February 15, 2014

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[portfolio_slideshow]Chloe Bellande is a young film-maker, Producer and screen writer who decided to take control of her own destiny and shape it the way she envisions and wants it to be.

How did you discover your passion for film-making?

At the age of 12, I enjoyed writing short stories and at 16, while studying at Dawson College, I realized how my ideas could take form on screen and provoque emotions in people when I took video editing and script writing classes.

What kind of movies do you like creating?

Trailer and suspens to keep people on the edge of their seats. It is pretty much reflected in my productions “Battle of Souls” and “While the Village Sleeps”.

What motivated you through tough times and rejection?

I applied to Concordia University’s film production program four times in a row and was not accepted, but kept working on film making projects and produced “Battle of Souls” which was warmly applauded by the public. I took a chance and submitted it to the New York Independent International Film and Video Festival in 2008 and it was chosen as the best Feature Film, all categories. I also ended up graduating with a Spanish major baccalaureate and launched my own company Blue Infinity Films. I still have my full time job, invest in my projects and work hard to get where I want to get.

My first nomination increased my motivaion for my, now kind of ligitimized, passion. It also made me realize that if one person decides you do not fit in a program or in an industry, it’s not the end of the world. One person’s opinion certainly does not reflect the opinion of the public and should never kill your dreams.

What was your reaction when you heard about your first nomination?

I still remember when they called me to announce the nomination of “Battle of Souls” for Best Feature Film at the New York Independent Film & Video Festival in 2008. I couldn’t believe it, I thought it was a joke at first and got so distracted, I almost got hit by a car, but I was so proud, I ended up framing the letter and hanging it right next to Concordia’s refusal letter.

What do you think differenciates your work and makes your productions stand out?

My ability to choose the right actors for the right roles, my force with visual aspects and my determination had positive impacts which led to nominations, 1st place prizes and got me to Hollywood and Cannes.

How did you feel in Hollywood and Cannes?

It felt unreal. I was a couple of feets away from Steven Spielberg, Nicole Kidman, Emma Watson, Marion Cotillard and many other celebrities. All the glam made my eyes all sparkly at the beginning, but I quickly realized I shouldn’t get distracted and seize the opportunity to network and learn.

How would you compare Hollywood to Cannes?

Hollywood was very impressive, glamourous and intimidating. On the other hand, Cannes had more networking oportunities and contacts with investors.

Who do you go with to those festivals?

I attend those events alone or with actors or contributors of the nominated project.

How do you choose your actors?

I picture them as I write the scenario and pick the closest people to that image. Also, there has to be a certain harmony between friends and couples. I mean they have to look like they would get along in real life.

Who dressed the actors ? A dresser who studied in Fashion following a certain budget, personnalities of the characters and the established color palette. Clothes color is very important as it can cause hard to correct reflects or distorsions on camera.

What was the impact of your nominations and wins on your career?

It increased my credibility and brought more people to trust and collaborate with me to build their portfolios.

What are your upcoming projects?

15 min de fama, a 30 minutes interview series featuring people with outstanding accomplishements within the latin community. The show will be airing as of today Saturday February 15th, 2014, at 8:15PM on ICI , a new canadian channel (Videotron: 16 & 616 HD, Bell Fibe: 216 & 1216 HD).

I am also currently working on my next short film “Will of Fortune” that is being filmed in New York.

Lynch Series. I was approached by investors to develop a horror series based on my movie “While the Village Sleeps”.

How would you describe your style? Provocative and mysterious.

Who is your style icon? Blake Lively because she is sophisticated and chic while keeping it Young and vibrant.

Who is your favourite designer? Alexander McQueen and Francois Beauregard for their originality.

What is fashion for you? The ability to express ourselves and our personnalities through our outfits.

Link to Chloe’s awards and recognitions.