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New fashion and beauty from here and elsewhere.

Featured: a breath of fresh air at Dans un Jardin

His name has been in the Quebec landscape for 40 years now. So much so that we had almost forgotten it, there are so many newcomers in this vast beauty market. However, Dans un Jardin seems to have had a makeover and is coming back in force these days and with a host of new features to report.

In addition to a whole new range of facial products, with a turmeric mask, a red clay exfoliator, a saffron micellar water, not to mention a vitamin C serum (all tested and frankly approved), all packaged in recyclable, colorful yet sleek containers, Dans un Jardin has also just updated its favorite line for babies, Pois de senteur, just a few days ago. Let’s mention several new small jars (notably a changing cream for cloth diapers), but also new, even more natural formulas, modern packaging, and several very soft accessories (hats, gloves, socks).

That’s not all: last month, a new store opened in the heart of Old Quebec, and several branches are to be renovated soon (at Carrefour Laval and Saint-Bruno). Another branch will appear in the fall in Gatineau. Granby is also in the crosshairs of the leaders, just like downtown Montreal, moreover, as soon as an opportunity presents itself. In the meantime, Dans un Jardin will make a whirlwind appearance at the MAD festival (formerly Mode & Design) next fall. Stay tuned!

“There are still people who have the impression that we are bankrupt! laughs President Sylvain Lafrance, met this week at the new Mail Champlain store, opened last year, who does not hide his desire to regain the place of choice that Dans un Jardin has already occupied in the industry.

Remember that the flagship brand of natural beauty products in Quebec (imported from France by the former mayor of Montreal Gérald Tremblay, remember!) had its heyday in the 1990s and 2000s, before coming close to bankruptcy. in 2018, a misadventure that scared its followers, including lovers of the famous wild blackberry flavor, one of the most popular products to date.

This classic could however be dethroned, if it were up to Paule Lafrance, the daughter of President Sylvain Lafrance, in charge of marketing and artistic direction for three years, who is obviously no stranger to this breath of fresh air that the brand is experiencing these days.

It must be said that it is she who is behind this new collection for the face, among others, bringing Dans un Jardin into the league of Youth to the People, Drunk Elephant and other big names that sit enthroned at Sephora. Since his arrival, the products have diversified, the formulas have been redesigned and, now, the list (all natural) of ingredients is frankly put forward. Just like the absence of perfumes or other added colors, it should be noted. Ah yes, and, as we have said, the packaging has finally been refined. Gone are the overabundance of flowers and the shine, make way for pastel colors, a more neutral look and, above all, matte.

“Today, people pay attention to what they put on their skin, they are more informed, argues Paule Lafrance. People have evolved, and cosmetics have evolved. And Dans un Jardin obviously doesn’t want to be dumped anymore.

Notice to those interested: you can now find here and in addition candles, relaxing essential oils, even sensual products, including a lubricant. All vegan, natural and local, of course!

Ecova x Oshadi Collective: sweaters that pay tribute to artisans

Saraswathi, Panchannan, Ashok: these artisans who work on the farm and in the sewing workshop of Oshadi Collective in India are featured in a collection of sweaters unveiled Tuesday by Ecova. A Montreal brand launched at the start of the year, Ecova is working to push its eco-responsible approach as far as possible. For its founder Stéphanie Beaulieu, this sustainability is also embodied in the conditions of the workers. In collaboration with Oshadi Collective, a farm that practices regenerative agriculture, grows organic cotton and manufactures its own clothing, it launches the Badge of Honor Sweaters, to encourage consumers to consider the workers who constitute the various links of the production line. Thus, on the left sleeve of the sweaters are embroidered the first names of these three craftsmen who are also presented in a video that was filmed on site.

“Oshadi demonstrates radical transparency in [publiant] the salary paid to each of its employees, next to each of their names, on social media, indicates Stéphanie Beaulieu. Nishanth Chopra [le fondateur] confirmed to us that as of May 2023, 100% of its employees are receiving a living wage according to the Global Living Wage Coalition. Ecova also applies the principle of transparency for this collection by specifying the details of the costs incurred for manufacture, transport, customs fees and the label.

Tested: sun in bar

A cool addition to the vegan Summer Fridays collection, founded by influencer duo Marianna Hewitt and Lauren Gores Ireland, are these cream, cheek and lip balms. Made with hyaluronic acid and glycerin, they gently moisturize while giving a subtle yet natural hint of color, just enough to look like you’ve spent the day in the sun. We like that they fade naturally with the finger, without fluff. To slip into the beauty bag without delay, especially if, like us, you still spend too many days indoors! The balms come in four colors: heat wave (deep red), dusk (soft pink, our favorite), hot desert (terracotta), and dusty pink (a bit more lifted than dusk).

$36, online or at Sephora

A new perfume with African airs

Globe-trotting independent perfumer, the British (and perfectly French-speaking) Nick Steward was in Montreal for the launch of his latest creation, Accra, an invocation of the charm and colors of West Africa. The founder of the Gallivant brand, composing artisanal fragrances with original and exotic accents, has teamed up this time with Stéphanie Bakouche, with whom he has already worked at L’Artisan Parfumeur.

Accraan eau de parfum composed in Grasse, France, then finalized in London, offers a festival of tropical and spicy (mango, hot pepper, passion berry), saffron and cocoa, leather and cedar wood, but also a dozen sometimes surprising complementary shades (vinyl vintage). “Our perfumes are anchored in the past, there is a very nostalgic side. It also has to be fun, that we want to wear them every day, and that they make us vibrate like music does: when we feel them, we recognize them,” Mr. Steward told The Press during his visit to the Montreal specialty store Etiket.

The new eau de parfum, very typical and stamped unisex, is part of the Gallivant collection as 13^e creation. This series of niche perfumes pays homage to various international cities, from Tokyo to Istanbul, where you can wander around until you find your favorite (our own: Gdańsk, with accents of saffron and honey).

$130 for 30ml, at Etiket or on the Gallivant website