Local fashion news

Eve Dumas
Press

Bohemian luxury

The motto of the Montreal brand Kemmi, “bohemian luxury”, is embodied particularly well in its brand new boutique. If the first, boulevard Saint-Laurent, transports us to Bali or to the fallen kingdom of boho-chic, Tulum, that of the avenue du Mont-Royal has a particularly elegant allure, with its chandeliers, its palette of white and gold and its tapestries.

There are two main components to the young label: jewelry and lingerie. This makes it a perfect destination for holiday shopping, especially since this offer is added to pretty bags and other accessories.

It was after winning the Pop Up competition at the Fashion & Design Festival of Montreal in the summer of 2018 that the couple formed by Kevin and Mimi (make the contraction of the two names and you will see!) Decided to open a first trade. At the time, the brand mainly focused on jewelry.

“We won the competition by vote of the jury and as the public’s choice! still rejoices Kevin Roussel, more than three years after the fact. The prize was a tour of four pop-up shops in different cities of Quebec. Six months later, in the spring of 2019, we had a store. ”

Although they are imagined here in Quebec, Kemmi products are made elsewhere. It was while traveling in Indonesia and the Caribbean that the couple fell under the spell of the unique know-how of the artisans there. They work with goldsmiths mastering ancestral techniques and try to promote the transmission of knowledge from generation to generation. All jewelry is in sterling silver or vermeil (gold plated over silver).

“We want to offer the highest quality, while remaining affordable,” explains Kevin. That said, a solid gold collection should see the light of day soon, for those who tend more towards luxury than bohemianism!

On the lingerie side, Kemmi also practices reasonable prices (when compared to the big European underwear houses). The models are refined and romantic. Better to travel to try on the spot, as sizes vary from cut to cut. But beware of the sparkling temptations that will await you in the displays.

HIV, that scary animal

Dear Vicky is a diary in the form of a virtual fashion show. It is a collection that tells the story of the young designer Gabriel Drolet-Maguire towards accepting his HIV status. “I started working on this collection about three years after being diagnosed with HIV in 2016, which had really moved me. I am still lucky, me, to live well with this thanks to the treatments. In the past, there are so many people who died of AIDS. I wanted to pay tribute to them, and also to the activists who fought for the cause.

“With this collection,” he continues, “I want to draw attention to people who are less fortunate than me today, whether here or elsewhere in the world, because they live in shame or because they live in shame. they do not have access to treatment. It still exists too much. And the stigma is still strong. When I contracted HIV, I was not as educated about it as I should have been. We should continue to talk about it, the conversation resumes on the subject. ”

Incredibly impactful, the video Dear Vicky presents styles inspired by the 1980s, with its shock of very sporty outfits and underwear worn over with more opulent, performative pieces. The final look evokes the dismal ceremony, with her blood-red “wedding dress” worn by a model with antlers. “It’s Vicky, the misunderstood villain who is HIV, this frightening animal that can nevertheless be domesticated”, concludes Gabriel Drolet-Maguire.

Holiday lingerie

As the holiday season and her chic outfits are upon us, Emma Dunn, owner of the Emma Lingerie boutique in Repentigny, reminds us that underwear remains the foundation, the backbone of a look.

“The base must be impeccable for a garment to fall well. The bra must be well adjusted, yes, but we often forget the panties, which must be chosen according to what will go over, ”recalls the corsetière.

For those who would like to spoil themselves and be as impeccable underneath as above, the most recent collection by Simone Pérèle is right on target. “It’s a return to basics and timelessness, with black, gray, navy,” she says. You know that bra as comfortable as it is snug and smooth to wear under the winter tight dress? For once, we have unearthed several who have the mouth. It might not be the sexy outfit your loved one has been waiting for as a gift, but it is quite a treat to make yourself! ”

Remember that the underwear has taken over recently, with the fashion for conspicuous combinations and bustiers worn with high-waisted pants and a jacket.

The SOUK between fair and experience

The SOUK is often the occasion to discover emerging Quebec designers or to see the most recent creations of brands of jewelry, clothing and darling accessories. For his 2^e year at Place Ville Marie, on the 18th^e SOUK takes place in a new space, the Southeast Mezzanine located on level 2 of 1 PVM. But the SOUK HABITAT, at 20^e PVM floor, is also accessible, for those looking for a more cozy atmosphere. The always eagerly awaited strolling and shopping event presents the work of some sixty designers from all walks of life. Fashion is well represented there. We love the “sculptural jewelry” of Nina Janvier, who works in silver, plated brass and pearls. Marianne Harvey’s colorful silk squares are delightfully original. LLY Atelier’s rings, necklaces and earrings in organic shapes are more refined than ever. Lovers of “slack” and committed fashion, you will like the simplicity of the label loungewear Closed, launched in spring 2020 to raise funds to fight food insecurity. And why shouldn’t children be stylish like their parents? Blass and Couscous come to the rescue. SOUK is held until December 5. Free entry.