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The latest local fashion news.

Featured: Symbols of Hope

Eve Dumas
The Press

Born in the midst of Covid’s gloom, the new LEONORA IM label stands out, with its bold colors and unique prints, tinged with symbolism. We wasted no time in meeting the designer, of Italian-Chilean origin, who has been living in Montreal for seven years.

Leonora Iodice Mujica grew up in Rome, lived in Chile, studied in Madrid and worked in Paris. Upon her arrival in Montreal, the new mother worked as a stylist at Ssense.

“This experience allowed me to understand the North American mentality and codes. The fashion here is more utilitarian, more practical, more comfortable. At first, I was fascinated by Montrealers, who were much more relaxed and at ease with their bodies than Europeans,” the designer wrote to us after the meeting.

Several pieces from the first collection, baptized IRIS, are form-fitting. There are leotards, mini dresses, crop tops, thigh highs. These can be paired with kimono dresses or jackets bomber jackets ample. Then the pieces are worn together for a maximalist effect or separately for a more subtly eccentric look, in sport, lounge or chic mode, depending on the desire and the occasion.

The collection was cut in four materials: a very soft “peachskin” jersey, for the pieces closer to the body, a silk for the kimonos, the pants and the skirt, a fabric reminiscent of neoprene for the coats and an eco-polyester for the shorts. There will soon be swimsuits in this last material, moreover.

But what makes the strong personality of LEONORA IM, its difference, is without a doubt the presence of unique and very inspired prints. From a distance, we perceive geometric patterns that can evoke the 1970s. Approaching, we recognize here a small face in black and white, there rainbow lips. Iris — remember that’s the name of the collection — is the goddess of the rainbow, on which she glides to bring good news.

The pieces on a red or blue background are also an evocation of Iris. “The bust of this print is the illustration of the Victory of Samothracea monument that represents the goddess Niké ending her flight to land on the bow of a ship, hence the maritime idea and the feet that end in an anchor,” explains the artist.

“Iris is a goddess who comes from the sky. She is a bridge between heaven and earth. His mission is to bring the upper world back to the lower world. The whole collection is based on the idea of ​​connecting with the invisible world.

“Perhaps it was the rainbow illustrations you saw in the windows of townspeople with the phrase ‘It’s going to be fine’ that showed me the way to meet Iris! It is the symbol of a new opportunity for all of us, as a society, but also for me, to believe in myself and embark on this new creative adventure. »

Admittedly, Leonora may have taken some time to find her place in the world of fashion, but, on the strength of her experience for independent Spanish designers, at Saint Laurent, at Ssense, inspired by her mixed origins and her many travels , she landed on the Montreal scene with a strong voice and a particularly successful product.

The entire LEONORA IM collection can be found on the brand’s website, but you can also find (and try on!) certain pieces at the Les Étoffes boutique, at 5253, boulevard Saint-Laurent

Winter mode: give and receive

Eve Dumas
The Press

It’s the return of the Don de coat de Chlorophylle campaign, from November 5 to December 19. Consumers are encouraged to return their old coat, regardless of brand, in exchange for a $75 discount on a new one. Twelve Quebec community organizations will benefit from these donations. There are also two new Chlorophylle stores in Montreal where you can drop off your coats and then shop. The first is at the Galeries d’Anjou. The second was inaugurated this week, rue Sainte-Catherine, with, among other things, a conference by Mario Cyr on the impact of climate change on the behavior of marine animals. A new model has also been developed to measure for the explorer in order to keep him warm in the most extreme temperatures. Le Banquise, inspired by the latter, will soon be available in limited quantities in Chlorophylle stores.

Good cause: it’s the season for hats Different like you

Olivia Levy
The Press

The Véro & Louis Foundation launches the toques fundraising campaign with their slogan Different like you. Three models of toques are offered in three colors: black, blue and sand. Their price, $25 and $30. The toques can be purchased on the foundation’s online store. The black tuque is also available at Jean Coutu. Remember that the Véro & Louis Foundation, founded in 2016, has the mission of creating living environments for people with autism aged 21 and over.

Awards ceremony: Lecavalier, Maguire and SSENSE honored at the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards

Valerie Simard
The Press

The Montreal creators and entrepreneurs behind Lecavalier, Maguire and SSENSE were honored at the 8^e edition of the Canadian Arts & Fashion Awards, presented in Toronto last Saturday. Hosted by Karine Vanasse and Canadian activist, sommelier and model Grace Mahary, the ceremony was an opportunity to highlight the work of some twenty canadian fashion players in as many categories.

Designer Marie-Ève ​​Lecavalier, who took part in Paris Fashion Week last year, won the womenswear designer of the year award. Footwear brand Maguire, founded by sisters Romy and Myriam Maguire, has got its hands on the Emerging talent award — accessories category. Established in Montreal since 2016, Maguire also has boutiques in Toronto and New York.

The 2022 Award of Excellence, the gala’s highest honor, was presented to SSENSE co-founders Rami Firas and Bassel Atallah for their international success, particularly in the e-commerce sector and in the production of cultural content. A platform dedicated to luxury brands, SSENSE was born on the web before opening a store in Old Montreal.

Another Quebec presence on the board: that of Kevin Quang Thái Nguyễn, graduate of LaSalle College, who won the Fashion Design Student Prize, awarded to an exceptional student recently graduated from a fashion design program in a Canadian school. .