The latest local fashion news

Olivia Levy
The Press

The Spring Spree is in full swing

The Spring Spree runs until May 29. This is an opportunity to meet the craftsmen and fashion designers of rue Parthenais who open the doors of their workshops for exhibitions and sales, for a weekend. More than a hundred creators thus give access to their place of work, in three buildings – the Usine Grover, the Chat des artistes and the artists’ housing cooperative Lezarts. We find, for example, the Annie 50 brand, the jeweler Véronique Roy, or the ceramists Valérie Pelletier and Roxane Charest.

“Having the chance to meet the designers and craftsmen, after two years of pandemic, is great, because each object has a story that deserves to be told. It’s a world of discoveries that opens up to us and I’ll be there to let you know some well-kept secrets! says fashion designer Jean-Claude Poitras, spokesperson for the event.

For the designer, the decompartmentalization of artistic and cultural disciplines is of paramount importance. “The idea of ​​co-creation has enchanted me for a long time, it’s an extraordinary enrichment to be able to collaborate with other artists,” he explains in an interview. I like this idea of ​​creating bridges between different artistic disciplines, cinema, architecture, fashion, crafts. This new spirit of collaboration did not exist in my time, we were all individualists. Above all, we didn’t want to share our references, whereas today, there is this desire to share. »

“I am celebrating my 50th anniversary of creation this year and this need to share and transmit is stronger than ever,” he continues. I want to give back to young people and promote Quebec’s creativity around the world. There is a pride in showcasing our creativity and wearing the typical style of Quebec. That’s what sets us apart, in fashion anyway. »

A resale platform for Souris Mini

The Quebec children’s clothing company Souris Mini is launching its second-hand clothing resale platform. This platform, intended for parent sellers and buyers, is a way to give a second life to the clothes of Souris Mini, founded in 1989. “We have always relied on creativity and quality for more than 30 years. Our clothes are timeless. We offer complete collections for children from 0 to 12 years old, there are swimsuits, dresses, pants, sweaters, coats, snowsuits. We dress children from head to toe,” says the founder, owner and designer of Souris Mini, Annie Bellavance. The latter has always had the desire to place the environment at the forefront. “The clothes are durable, hence the interest in resale. A beautiful community has been created over the years and our customers are loyal. The whole team is proud of this new platform, and I’m still as passionate about my job as if it were the first day! »

The Bagages de France store celebrates its 15^e anniversary

The Bagages de France store is celebrating its 15^e anniversary. Located on rue Saint-Louis, in the historic district of Old Quebec, the boutique sells handbags, accessories and soft luggage from the French brand Longchamp. Owner Sheila Morgan fell in love with the brand. “I went to Paris to meet the Cassegrain family, who founded Longchamp in 1948 and who still own the brand. The fourth generation is in charge. This family is wonderful, I see them every year for the presentation of new collections,” she explains. “Longchamp, for me, is affordable luxury. »

The brand’s emblematic bag, also the one that sells the most, is the Pliage created in 1993 by Philippe Cassegrain. More than 30 million Pliage bags have been sold worldwide since then. Inspired by the Japanese art of origami, the bag, as its name suggests, can be folded and unfolded at will. The original model was made of nylon, but it now comes in all kinds of materials, sizes and colors. “There are leather Pliage bags, there is also the Pliage Filet which is a great success, because it was worn in lemon color by Emily in the Netflix series Emily in Paris ! “, emphasizes Sheila Morgan. She adds that the brand has evolved “and also presents other models, such as the Paris Saint-Tropez basket inspired by the south of France, or even more chic backpacks and models”.