GUCCI : BIRKS Sep 09 2011

Birks launch for the Gucci timepieces & jewellery partnership with the Recording Academy

Gucci Timepieces & jewellery marketing director Joseph Facchinei & Birks PR Eva Hartling

Josh Silver, Dax Giunta & Rachelle Segal laughing out loud….clearly

Carrie MacPherson from zurbaines.com in Costume National Booties!

Denis Gagnon in his trademark glasses…

Reds and polka dots

The Gucci/Grammy’s collaboration showcase

Man Gossip…..

Really enjoyed her take on a cocktail dress with paired down army boots

The Recording Academy’s brief history of music

Daniel Azoulay

Duc C. Nguyen’s ideal “Little Snake Book”

Liked her easy no frills style, that’s all

Can’t ever go wrong in all black…ever

Lauren Ashley and her crew of fashionable men leaving the event….

This past Thursday, Birks and Gucci hosted the launch of a special collaboration featuring timepieces & jewellery by Gucci for the Recording Academy (think Grammy’s!). I was quite impressed with a dedicated section in this beautiful space showcasing the history of the academy and some classic guitars assuming that they were once held by some legendary music figure.The collection features fun, younger modern pieces including a color variety of dog-tags and a special edition I-Gucci armed with a Grammy encrusted strap and 2-time zone dial. Spotted on the premise was Gucci’s timepieces & jewellery marketing director Joseph Facchinei (yes he has a dream-job) and Montreal Birk’s own PR leading lady Eva. Of course where there’s champagne, fancy macaroons and a one of a kind launch you’ll find great outfits, accessories and my favorite: shoes galore!

I’m getting camera ready for Montreal Fashion Week coming up shortly, meaning starting tonight….posts and updates coming very soon! Goodnight…


Tagged , , , , / 1 Comment / Birks, Birks Cafe Montreal, Gucci, Montreal Events, Montreal Shopping, Montreal Style
Mercedes Start Up MTL Aug 08 2011

Mercedes-Benz partnered up with IMG and Fashion Magazine to introduce the Start Up which is a mentorship and competition program for talented new Canadian designers (finally!) to have a chance at showcasing their collection at the LG Fashion Week in Toronto in October.

The showcase was headlined by opening words from the notable Robin Kay, FDCC president. The panel of judges included designer Marie Saint Pierre, Patricia Gajo Fashion Magazine’s Montreal editor, Hans Koechling a king of the fashion show production circuit, Joanne Caza the Mercedes-Benz Canada Communications and PR Director to name a few. Each designer had around 10 minutes to present their best designs to gain the panel’s votes. The top five finalists included Anastasia Lomonova, Faren by Faren Tami, Travis Taddeo, Martin Lim by Danielle Martin and Pao Lim, and UNTTLD by Simon Belanger and Jose-Manuel St-Jacques.

On one hand it’s unfortunate that Canadian designers don’t get the exposure they deserve considering how much talent brews here. On the other, it’s thanks to showcases like this and outlets like the Fashion Design Council of Canada that these up and comers have a chance to promote themselves and gain opportunities.

In the end the two winners were Martin Lim and UNTTLD, good luck to both!

For more information on Canadian designers and resources please visit http://lgfashionweek.ca/blog/ and on the competition itself http://www.mercedes-benzstartup.com/


Tagged , , / 2 Comments / FDCC, Fashion Magazine, IMG, Mercedes-Benz Start Up, Montreal, Montreal Fashion, Montreal Style, Runway
FDMD 2011: Runway Aug 08 2011

You know what I like? Solid quality runway shows produced in Canada and that’s what I experienced at my first ever visit to Sensation Mode’s Festival du Mode and Design. The staging, the lighting, the scenery and the atmosphere was nothing short of exciting. My two top standouts of the festivals were the widely acclaimed and reviewed Jean-Paul Gaultier showcase and the Opera & Fashion runway show. JPG’s extravaganza was composed of corsets, puff-skirts, sailor madness, tattoos, tweed, sequins, Bardot-hair, a James Bond theme entry…. basically a plethora of the freaky, the outlandish and the couture, exactly what you would expect from a Gaultier show. Amongst the backstage talent was Tanel Bedrossiant who has walked around 80 Parisian catwalks for JPG and was part of the prep crew that organized this fabolous production. The other highlight was the addition of Opera singers covering world famous arias from Madame Butterfly, Carmen and Tosca serenading the audience in-between models showcasing redesigned creations from the Opéra de Montréal.  This unique production will also have its official premiere at the “Quebec Hollywood” event in Los Angeles, California. Local favorites include Barila’s groove-infested funked-out show that featured bicycles, fros’, giddy models and very wearable, cool pieces, props Canada!


Tagged , , , , , / Comments Off / Barila, Festival Mode and Design, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Montreal, Montreal Fashion, Sensation Mode
FDMD 2011: Snapshots Aug 08 2011

The fun and action at fashion shows always lies behind the scenes and on the streets with the guests, the models, passers-by and audience. I find that’s where my personal inspiration comes from, seeing what’s around and infront of me, the colors, personal style and character. This year’s Festival Mode & Design presented by Sensation Mode was a visual inspiration in every way. Filled with a crowd that would take up a dozen pages on my blog, it was a real pleasure for my little Canon Rebel to click away.

I will let the images speak for themselves…

For information on the festival check out the website at: www.festivalmodedesign.com


Tagged , , , , / 1 Comment / Barila, Festival Mode and Design, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Montreal, Montreal Fashion, Montreal Style, Sensation Mode
SOHO in the CITY Jul 07 2011

The SOHO glass door tells all….

www.jessgo.com check it out, she’s more than just that beautiful hair

Insert glutenous comment here:

Jessie D’Aigle & Corrine Doche from RSVP Magazine

The sparkle and neutral somehow connect….

Daniel Stanford with one of his pieces

Represent little furry friend!

Islove Francis cool, casual, composed, I like this style

One of the crowd’s favorites

www.noanmajor.com the artist, the musician, the character

Carrie Bradshaw circa…..

This band really brought the happy, who are you?

Jeska and her piece

Last night (July 6th) was a really special event. Not only because there was money raised through a silent auction for the Jewish General Hospital with a portion of the proceeds supporting the fight against Cancer, but because the vibe was just there. The people, the music, the ambiance and an uberly amazing cupcake & candy bar! This was my first time at the gallery even though its a short 3 minute cobblestone walk from my place. The artists that occupied the space that night really made an impression. The art displayed was really worth checking out. Some of the nights favorites included artists Jeska, Daniel Stanford, Noan Major and Jessica Gorlicky. DJ Dakeo Daliva played the right array of music and a fantastic funk/jazz band performed, I wish I knew their name. A  lovely girl lent her vocals later on to really dazzle the crowd (someone sign her!).  Cupcakes,candy, art, live music, fashion……great night.

The gallery is open daily until 12 am, highly highly recommended! For info check out www.galeriesoho.com or visit them at 170 St.Paul West in the Old Port.


Tagged , , , , , , / 2 Comments / Art Gallery Montreal, Charity Montreal, Montreal Fundraiser, Old Montreal
Ralph Lauren F1 Jun 06 2011

When I learn Polo it better be in these boots!

Guests shopped it up in style

The classics and must have’s!

Our city does not lack in the well-dressed department….

The History….

Jean-Francois Gervais

The store has a beautiful open concept space

Ninar, Corrine, Karine and Kassie….prints-a-lot

I’m plotting on somehow legally stealing this lamp

Liana Artinian & Karine Ettedgui

Josue David Nehme from ATTIK….fab or what?

Late late post! My excuses, I’m visiting my homeland of Poland, specifically Warsaw right now and really enjoying being away from my phone, computer and so on and just soaking it all in…..however I really wanted to share some images from the F1 Ralph Lauren and Porsche Lauzon event that was organized by The Maya Star Group.
The night was centered around the Ralph Lauren’s Womenswear launch. Guests were treated to an evening of private shopping, cocktails and makeup touch up stations. The space itself is gorgeous. Open concept, high ceilings, and perfectly merchandised. I finally found the polo shirts I’ve been looking for since my last visit to Europe and alas….here they were!
The store is located in Les Cours Mont Royal on 1445 Peel street amongst other designer brands like Givenchy, Prada, Michael Kors etc.


Tagged , , , / 1 Comment / Maya Star events, Montreal Shopping, Porsche Lauzon, Ralph Lauren, Store Launch
Barroco Jun 06 2011

Amongst the trees and old cobblestone roads….

Lies one of my favorite restaurants….

And Barroco is its name…..

With antique pieces giving it a cozy but very cool feel….

Beef Short-Ribs braised in veal stock that literally melt on your fork

There’s something about Oysters….

One of my favorites of the night, The Paella Barroco!

These were just too good to begin describing, two words: desert menu

Roberto,one of 3 owners and an excellent host

The Wild Boar guards the guests

The regular patrons, Josh Silver & Olivier Akian

Bonne Nuit……

You know those places that just give you a warm fuzzy feeling every time you go? Those places where you just love being a tad bit too much? Barroco is one of those places for me and I will bravely assume alot of other people judging by the crowds. Situated in Old Montreal on St. Paul Street, the scenery of historic buildings, old roads and designer stilettos, makes this area one of the hottest if not the best for dining out. Barroco and its sister Bocata, a tapas/wine bar have become a staple on the scene due to their unmatched characteristic vibe. Did I mention both places have a music mix that truly rocks? Motown to the rolling stones to 1930′s jazz…yes sir! The menu isn’t large but that makes it much easier to navigate, besides I have my favorites and I usually stick to them (insert The Rabbit Saddle…go see the menu). The service is also exceptional, we were treated to champagne and the best seats in the house when we arrived (reserve the booth if you are with a group of 5 or more best place to people watch).

Check out www.barroco.ca for info, menus and so on. In the meanwhile here is a little ditty they play on their website that I’m really grooving to…


Tagged , , , / 17 Comments / Barroco, Bocata, Restaurants Old Montreal
McCord Fundraiser May 05 2011

And the couple of the evening award goes to……

The feathers and yellow are such a fresh pick to bring the summer in!

Why are red soles so sexy?

My name is Bond, “insert name here” Bond…

Maya Azzi & Christophe Fortier Guay from FGP-Partners

The accessories table for McCord’s photo booth puts the biggest smile on my face

Karl Remillard Fontaine from Profusion realty & date (ps her Chanel is an original Estee Lauder once owned)

Photographer-Designer Kevin Allwood & Social Columnist Jennifer Campbell.

Pascale Grignon Director of Marketing and Communications at McCord Museum.

Swing Dancers in Full effect.

Cummerbunds and matching bowties are for sure the new IT thing, at least he makes it look that way!

Easy, flowy and beautiful…..less is more

The classics!

Windsor Hall

Catering for the night by Dansereau Traiteur

Feathers were definitely the theme of the night

Goodnight McCord and thank you for the lovely umbrella’s – Alex Loslier.

The McCord Museum held its annual fundraising Ball on May 19th celebrating its 90th anniversary at the stunning Windsor Hall with proceeds of the evening enabling the McCord Museum to continue to fulfill its cultural mission of collecting, preserving and displaying the history of Montreal, Quebec and Canada. The theme was similar to the Sugar Ball but the guests in attendance really graced the party in style and embraced the 20s theme. In attendance were Gerald Tremblay, Montreal’s Mayor, the honorary chair Francois Cote president of Telus Quebec and regular museum patrons and supporters ready to swing dance the night away. The highlight of the evening were the hired swing dancers who brought in an authentic old school feel and encouraged alot of guests to join in the fun. There was no shortage of great prizes to be won either including a trip for two to Le Paris! A special thank you to Nadia Martineau of the McCord Museum for inviting us to be part of this great event.


Tagged , , , / 4 Comments / Charity Montreal, Fundraiser Montreal, McCord Museum, Montreal, Windsor Hall
RSVP Magazine:Launch May 05 2011

Loft Hotel…..the perfect venue for a cocktail launch…and a place to sleep after.

No, my screen is not edible, please don’t attempt to bite it!

Carolina Gallo Lafleche in her simple-stunning Lagerfeld dress.

The double C can do no wrong!

Olivier Collins…Hamptons anyone?

The first issue of RSVP Magazine on a poster board!

A man should always look this enamoured by his date.

If shoes could kill…..

Denis Gagnon dress part 1…

Vino-Heaven

Vanessa L. from On Power & Pierre-Benoit Duhamel, proprietaire of Clusier.

She must of attended the Royal Wedding….

Every party needs a makeup station.

Yasmin RSVP Yoga editor, Maya Sardouk RSVP chief editor, Mehrzad for Bombardier private jets division and Mose Persico CTV entertainment host/producer.

A man in a suit…enough said.

Enjoying reading their first copy….after some champagne.

A pocket square or a pocket triangle?

Models for Bijouterie Italienne.

Denis Gagnon dress pt. 2 as per Miss Ashley Joseph for FASHION magazine.

Bright Lights Bright Lights Action!

He exceeds the word cool…this is on a whole other level.

Maya, Karine and moi….POSE!

Style on the street….

So Hollywood…..

You guys know I love the gift bags….

This past Friday was the official launch party of RSVP Magazine, a new fresh concept based publication on society events, movers and shakers, style and whatever is hot and happening in Montreal. Of course, I was uber excited since I have joined this fabulous team of women, and am the “Style Ambassador” keeping my eye on style all over the city and reporting on it and YOU. The party took place at the Loft Hotel, a very modern but warm space and ideal cocktail hosting venue with its sleek space and gorgeous chandeliers. The place was packed with fashion savvy business owners, financiers, journalists, entertainment reporters, designers… a truly fun crowd full of prints, bow ties, wonderful suits and beautiful accessories.  A big thank you to Porsche Lauzon and Audi for making the front entrance even prettier with their luxury on wheels. And one of my personal favorites for their cigar lounge and kobe beef Queue de Cheval and Simplechic for the fine foods that evening. Stayed tuned for places where you can pick up our magazine…until then. Smile your on Karo’s camera!


Tagged , , , , , , , / 3 Comments / Loft Hotel, Montreal, Montreal Style, RSVP Magazine
Bota Bota May 05 2011

The Bota Bota Spa, seriously, how cool is this?

Front reception area. Minimalism is the new purple!

Who says food coupons can’t be chic?

Little touches of artsy installations get a thumbs up.

I got letter C to store all my belongings while I pranced around the space

View from the girls room, yes they have a girls only room (insert smile)

Polish Heaven

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh………too relaxed looking at this to come up with something good

Love the signage styles in the spa

Floating hammocks

Only me my friends and the owners…10 pm and still open, thanks guys!

Don’t recall what this was, but it was damn good

www.traiteurprimavera.com

The green lighting will distract you from the arctic water feel

A 10 million dollar project, open all year round located on a boat in Old Montreal with 360 views of the St Lawrence river and the city….it gets no better, well except the 2 huge outdoor heated jacuzzis on opposite ends of this architectural beauty. Bota Bota is a spa with a very unique vision and philosophy: Salus Per Aquam translated to health by water. Their key attraction is a water circuit with which you start in your choice of the sauna or steam bath following by a full body dip in a cold bath or shower and end by relaxing in one of their orange hanging hammocks (I tried one and almost fell asleep within a minute!). Aside from this, you have a satellite TV room, a fantastic restaurant catered by Primavera with a fine selection of wines and a variety of spa services including massages, facials and mani-pedis. Speaking of, I had a late night pedicure (best I’ve ever had, true story)when I so fashionably late arrived to the first edition of Urban Drift a sunset soirée featuring great cocktails, tapas and lounge sounds by DJ ZO. Really recommend for everyone to check this place out, its so different with a very modern but cozy feel. After my first time, I am becoming a regular for my Bota Chic treatments…curious what they are? Check out www.botabota.ca for info.


Tagged , , , , / 7 Comments / Bota Bota, Montreal, Old Montreal, Primavera Catering, Spa Montreal