Paris may be the fashion capital of the world, but this French-Canadian city’s style is turning heads.
By Diane Bair and Pamela Wright
Original. Edgy. Glamorous. Avant-garde. Au courant. Fashion is flourishing in Montréal. Today, the world’s largest francophone city outside Paris has one of the world’s hottest fashion scenes. Of course, fashion has always been part of Montréal’s DNA — the city is home to three top fashion schools and the country’s most successful fashion companies. But an influx of young, diverse designers is bringing new energy and buzz to the city’s already sophisticated and free-spirited fashion scene. “It’s very exciting, what’s happening in the city right now,” says Carrie MacPherson, a Montréal fashion and luxury blogger and certified guide. “There’s a remarkable amount of fashion and design talent here, with fresh, innovative ideas. It’s bringing international attention to the city.” You’ll find a slew of high-end luxury shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques lining the city streets. Here are 10 of our favorites.
Ssense Montréal
418, Saint-Sulpice St.
sense.com/en-us/locations/Montréal
When this massively successful luxury e-commerce company opened its flagship store in Montréal, it was a game changer. The store, a five-story brutalist concrete structure encased in a historic façade, showcases edgy, esoteric fashions by top designers. There are small pop-up boutiques within the store — say a Louis Vuitton or Craig Green display — but most shoppers order items online and meet with a stylist at the store to try them on and select what they want to purchase. Every few months, the store hosts an exclusive collaboration with a well-known designer, complete with theatrical sets, special lighting and music. “It’s changed the way we do fashion, and has put Montréal on the map,” says MacPherson. After shopping, head up to the top-floor Ssense Café, a minimalistic space with grey concrete tables and glass ceiling, and dishes that are garnering good reviews from local diners.
Holt Renfrew Ogilvy
1307, Saint-Catherine St. W
holtrenfrew.com
When this luxury-fashion superstore (a merger of Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy) is finished (slated for March 2020), it will be the largest of its kind in Canada. The 250,000-square-foot store, located next to the recently opened Four Seasons Hotel, will offer one-stop shopping for luxury brand lovers, featuring most of the top designer labels. This neighborhood, known as the Golden Square Mile, is fast becoming a luxury-fashion enclave, anchored by the new Holt Renfrew Ogilvy and surrounded by independent boutiques.
Denis Gagnon
170, Saint-Paul St. W
denisgagnon.ca
“He’s quite a character,” says MacPherson of Denis Gagnon, one of Canada’s most recognized designers. “You’ll see him with his man-bun and big, blackframe glasses riding his bike down the streets of the city.” Known for his buttersoft black leather pieces, you’ll also find flowy, avant-garde, haute couture fashions on the upper level of his sleek, two-floor shop in Old Montréal. Browse the ground floor for affordable, everyday wear.
Harricana par Mariouche
416, McGill St.
harricana.qc.ca
When fashion designer Mariouche Gagne was a poor student in Milan, Italy, she designed a coat trimmed with pieces from her mother’s old fur coat. It won awards; people loved it, and an idea was born. Today, her fashion line, using recycled fur apparel, is a tribute to Canadian traditions and a commitment to sustainability. “Bring us your grandma’s fur coat and we’ll buy it, or remodel it into something new for you,” says Andrea Fitzpatrick, director of production and operations. “We save the lives of animals by recycling, and in turn you get something unique with sentimental value.” It doesn’t mean you have to come with fur; the bright store has gorgeous, recycled fur pillows, slippers, blankets, sweaters, jackets and hats adorned with fur accents. They also have a nice selection of hats from longstanding, Montréal-based Canadian Hat.
Maison Pepin
378, Saint-Paul St. W
hepepinshop.com
Is there anything Lysanne Pepin can’t do? She’s a painter and photographer; and a fashion, furniture and houseware designer. She makes handbags and chef aprons, and hosts pop-up brunches and workshops in her cozy, Moroccan-style courtyard. Everything is for sale at her expansive, bright shop in Old Montréal, jam-packed with things you don’t need, but really, really want: a stylish couch pouch to hold the remote controls, a pepper mill made from wood logs, a lambswool throw. Duck into L’Amour du Pain, a small café tucked in the back of the shop, to buy a baguette (voted the best in Québec by the Association des Boulangers Artisans of Québec). A few doors away is Espace Pepin (350 Saint-Paul St., W), with a melting pot of fashion pieces from designers around the world.
Nathon Kong
372, Saint-Catherine St. W
ww.nathonkong.com
Besides an impeccable fit and a high-quality design, you’ll get a story behind the suit that Nathon Kong designs for you. Kong uses the works of local artists promoting social impact to design the lining of each suit, numbering each to give credit to the artist. You’ll look good, and feel good, too.
Montagne Boutique
2125 Rue de la Montagne
www.montagne2125.com
Black on black is the theme of this small, she-cave boutique, with locally designed women’s fashions. It’s a well-curated selection, focusing on slightly edgy, sexy designs. There’s also a small selection of jewelry and shoes, and an in-the-know, friendly staff.
Maison Marie Saint Pierre
2081 Rue de la Montagne
www.mariesaintpierre.com
One of Montréal’s most successful designers, Marie Saint Pierre combines art and function in her extensive collections. On a recent visit to her flagship store, we were intrigued by her dresses and tops in double-knit scuba fabric (think: neoprene for fashionistas), drapey vegan-leather tunics, and jersey and scuba dresses.
Judith & Charles
2090 Rue de la Montagne
www.judithandcharles.com
“There was a line out the door and down the street,” says Sinath Yip, store manager. That was the day after Meghan Markle wore a Judith & Charles black tuxedo dress to a showing of Hamilton in London. The publicity helps, of course, but this dynamic duo has been a favorite with Montréalers for some time. This is the place for classy and feminine career wear, including streamlined suits and dresses.
Maison Cloakroom
2175 Rue de la Montagne
www.thecloakroom.com.au/montreal
Need a new custom-tailored suit or shirt, a haircut and a drink? You’ve come to the right place. The designers at this custom menswear shop use their own patterns and digital technology to get the right fit and look. Fittings are not only based on measurements, but angular adjustments that can be manipulated 61 ways. In the back, you’ll find a cool little barbershop, and in front, a “hidden door” leading to a speakeasy-style bar. (Overhead video cameras alert the doorman, who will come out to greet you.) There’s no cocktail menu; instead bartenders craft artisan drinks based on your personal taste preferences.
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