Posted at 1:00 p.m.
Featured: Quebec creators enter downtown La Baie
Quebec fashion designers now rub shoulders with major international brands on the second floor of La Baie on Sainte-Catherine Street in Montreal. An evolving boutique called La Vitrine québécoise presents, in rotation, creations from here.
Offering styling services to La Baie customers since last fall, the founder of Les Effrontés, Marie-Claude Pelletier, wanted to shake up the tradition of department stores, which generally turn to safe bets, namely established international brands. In collaboration with #mtlstyle, an initiative of Grappe mmode, she set up the Vitrine québécoise project, which was well received by store management.
“We work together to ensure that local fashion shines,” summarizes Marie-Claude Pelletier. “What’s important to me is that customers are seduced by just one piece. Then they will come back. We want to give the sting and make discover all the diversity of the creators. »
Designers featured in the store are expected to change every six weeks. Until May 30, the theme of returning to work guided the choice of pieces by the nine designers put forward, namely Oscar Mendoza, Marc Alexandrin, Nadya Toto, Jennifer Glasgow, Cokluch, Véronique Miljkovich, Iris Setlawke, Mylène B. and Marigold.
“Since winter, we have been besieged by clients returning to work,” observes Marie-Claude Pelletier. Most of them having done little or no shopping for two years, they want to swap their old suit for more comfortable professional outfits. “People don’t want to compromise on comfort anymore. We want things that are soft, comfortable, in which we feel good. And for teleworking, tops with interesting details. It doesn’t have to be exuberant. Just picking up one or two key pieces to punch up. Dresses for weddings as well as plus sizes (12 to 16) are also in high demand, she observes.
Buying local has never been so popular. “Since the pandemic, it has been a string that vibrates a lot. The questioning that came from the customers is: we don’t know where to go. Clients who visit the Vitrine québécoise will also be able to benefit from advice from stylists since all the staff are trained by Les Effrontés. The agency also offers free personalized shopping sessions at La Baie downtown. Just make an appointment on their website.
Accessories: Solios unveils a solar-powered watch with a curved case
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SOLIOS
The new Curve watch from Solios, which hugs the shape of the wrist, took two years to develop.
Three years after the launch of its first model, the Quebec eco-responsible watch brand Solios recently unveiled a new version of its product: the Curve watch. Having required two years of development, it is, according to the company, the first solar watch with a curved case to see the light of day. “This technical feat makes it possible to follow the ergonomics of the wrist by following its curve, while having a slim and elegant case”, emphasizes Samuel Leroux, co-founder of Solios.
Wishing to increase the durability of its product, the company opted for a sapphire crystal glass that had to be bent twice to fit the case. At the request of customers, a seconds hand and the current date have also been added. Like the original model, the minimalist case is made of recycled stainless steel, the solar technology is not visible and the battery offers six months of autonomy with only two hours of exposure to the sun.
The Curve is available for pre-order for $390. Delivery is scheduled for July.
Event: the Mode+Design Festival is back from August 25 to 28
PHOTO PHILIPPE NGUYEN, PROVIDED BY THE FESTIVAL
Canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic, the outdoor component of the Fashion+Design Festival was back in 2021, with a slightly modified formula.
The Mode+Design Festival will be back at the Place des Festivals from August 25 to 28 for its 22and editing. The event, which is free to enter, will feature outdoor fashion shows by local designers, artistic performances and a space bringing together pop-up shops. The public will be able to discover the creations of some forty Quebec brands, including Hoaka Swimwear, FJ Watches, Tamelo, BKIND, Bertrand LaLigne, Daily Story, Little Yogi, Lachapelle Atelier, Mamé and Another Land Nearby. The details of the program will be revealed starting in June.
Sustainable fashion: Sunday every day
-
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GOOD FOR SUNDAY
The Toronto brand Good for Sunday offers matching sets for sport or relaxation.
-
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GOOD FOR SUNDAY
Clothes designed for Sundays, but comfortable any day of the week.
-
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GOOD FOR SUNDAY
Lyocell (Tencel) sets are one of the centerpieces of the spring-summer collection.
-
PHOTO PROVIDED BY GOOD FOR SUNDAY
The blouse is sold for $110 and the shorts for $78.
1/4
Even if the return to the office began gradually for many, the pleasure of slipping into soft laundry, after a day at work or teleworking, remains. Good for Sunday, a company created in Toronto, precisely during the pandemic, offers loungewear entirely made in Canada from materials that have a lesser effect on the environment such as bamboo, hemp, lyocell as well as linen and organic cotton. The brand recently launched its spring-summer collection composed of timeless pieces: blouses, t-shirts, sweaters, shorts, leggings, jogging pants and matching sets. Sizes range from XS to 3XL. A variety of accessories such as hats, socks, bags and scrunchies are also available. Note that the company uses compostable packaging and offsets the emissions generated by sending orders by making a donation to reforestation projects such as those of the Pachama organization.
Artisans: the time of the spring markets
PHOTO FROM SOPHIE LINH TRAN’S WEBSITE
Jeweler Sophie Linh Tran is one of the artisans who will be present at Puces Pop this weekend.
Spring brings with it its share of artisan markets, starting with the Puces Pop which begin this Friday, just in time for Mother’s Day. The event returns to its usual location, in the basement of the Saint-Denis church, opposite the Laurier metro station. Until Sunday, nearly 75 artisans, including 30 recruits, present their creations there, ranging from fashion accessories and clothing to body products, delicacies and decorative items. Not far from there, on the boulevard Saint-Laurent, will be held the first Souk Bohème (Mother’s Day edition), where a dozen exhibitors will meet. The following weekend, May 14 and 15, a hundred artisans will meet at the Spring Market. Organized by the Collectif Créatif Montréal, in collaboration with the Technopôle Angus, the event will be held at the Locoshop Angus, in the borough of Rosemont–La Petite-Patrie.