Naked & Famous jeans, WANT Les Essentiels luggage, Mackage parkas—you’ve probably seen these labels all over the world, but they’re all based right here in Montreal. Add to that the constant new stream of designers popping up, and you’ve got quite the style-rich city! Here’s a beginner’s shop-hop, from us to you.
This brand rules the area of work-clothes hip professionals actually like to wear. The Montreal flagship store on Mile End’s St-Viateur Street is a great place to grab a coffee and browse the signature check shirts in both long- and short-sleeve, the narrow pantsuits, just-so blouses and the beautiful range of house-designed bags, whose rugged canvas texture have made a local favourite.
Created by the owners of internationally known luxury brand WANT Les Essentiels, Montreal-based purveyors of fine travel accessories, WANT Apothecary is a jewel of a store in Westmount that houses their own designs and more, including clothing by Acne, Maison Kitsuné and Filippa K, as well as a wide range of cosmetics by the likes of Astier de Villatte and Ursa Major.
Known for his way with his play with textures and details such as zippers and chains, Gagnon designs women’s wear in a muted palette of black, blues, browns and white. His unique style has a distinct modernist edge that’s amazing in some of his more outlandish statement pieces (perfect for your next gala), but that’s also adaptable to a comfortable, edgy everyday look. Find his sleek boutique on Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montreal.
Born in Jordan, Hourani is a self-defined citizen of the world who grew up in Montreal and now also calls Paris and New York home. We like to appropriate him as a homeboy though, and he did choose Rue Saint-Paul in Old Montreal as the location for his first worldwide eponymous boutique. His sculptural, monochromatic line of clothing is unisex, and characterized by bold, simple lines that transition as seamlessly from man to woman as they do from day to night.
This fun and friendly women’s clothing store in Mile End specializes in eminently wearable independent designer clothing at a very affordable price range. Alongside the fun Swedish and American brands, you’ll find a focus on local goods, especially pieces by the likes of Eve Graveland Valérie Dumaine, makers of beautiful little dresses and effortlessly chic two-piece sets. The range of Montreal-made jewellery is really original here and great for easy gifts; or for something a bit more luxurious, check out the selection of stylish backpacks by Montreal brand Woolfell.
This unisex boutique covers your bases for international goodies like Cydwoq shoes, Vivienne Westwood dresses, Stella McCartney tees and a nice array of fragrances by Comme des Garçons, but it’s also your spot for Mackage and Soia & Kyo jackets, both designed right here in Montreal. Find something stylish for any season, even Montreal’s deadly winter, and word to the wise: the sales rack is worth the visit every time.
This store nestled in the Phi Centre arts complex is a go-to place for local-fashion hunters, as it unites exclusive pieces by young designers who may not have their own storefront. From Le Cartel to WRKDEPT, Field of Ponies and Pedram Karimi, you’ll find fly street wear or all sorts here, as well as silly phone cases, blingy jewellery and art-printed scarves that make fantastic gifts.