Clothing shopping in Montréal
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Chabanel Warehouses
Bargain-sniffers from far and wide flock to the Chabanel, an eight-block expanse of old factory buildings in northern Montréal west of Blvd St-Laurent. Inside are hundreds of ‘suites’ or warehouse storage rooms stuffed with locally made and imported items. From Buffalo jeans to Monte Calvo coats to Indian skirts, the choice is so huge it’s almost paralyzing. Just start on a top floor (the buildings have up to nine floors) and work your way down. Bring cash and be prepared to bargain. The shops open their doors on Saturday morning only, when something of a funfair atmosphere prevails. A few buildings are open normal hours during the week.
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Kanuk
When people in Québec say ‘Kanuk’ they mean the winter coats that last a lifetime, and although they’re available throughout the province, this flagship store has the best selection, and seasonal sales. Most jackets stay toasty in temperatures dipping to -30ºC. Kanuk also carries raincoats, swimsuits, backpacks and hiking gear.
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Roots
Its reputation is now soooo big worldwide that customers may forget Canada’s own Roots started off as a humble shoemaker in the ’70s. Now its range includes Roots for kids, Roots athletics, leather and home accessories. Tastes are easily accessible and geared to teens and 20-somethings, fashionable and at times even innovative.
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Duo
If you’re a suave fellow looking to dress sharp, head directly to this well-stocked little shop, staffed (it would appear) by models with a penchant for men’s fashion. Duo carries hot brands like Swedish suitmaker J.Lindeberg, and Canada’s own DSquared, as well as designer sneakers and accessories. Fedora, anyone?
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Harricana
Milan-trained fashion designer Mariouche uses top-grade materials to create fur and woven garments of unparalled style and beauty; soft, comfortable and for the most part affordable. Her creations are regular features in the fashion magazines. This airy corner boutique occupies an old bank and uses its safe as a changing room.
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Lili-Les-Bains
Montréal’s larger-than-life swimsuit maker started out making cruise-ship gear. Her philosophy is: every woman should have the dress of her dreams – size makes no difference. Cuts can reveal or conceal. Lili uses gorgeous fabrics flown in from Europe and has clients from all over the world.
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Coffre aux Trésors du Chainon
There are several friperies (used clothing stores) in this area, where Chainon takes the cake for its vintage hipster accoutrements. Browse through endless racks for five-dollar gold pumps and monogrammed bowling shirts, tea sets, horn-rimmed glasses, houndstooth ties and other treasures.
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Kamkyl
Kamkyl has a fine Italian-made collection of men’s suits with understated lines that beam self-confidence. Son of a German master tailor, designer Douglas Mandel (formerly of Hugo Boss and DKNY) also snagged a design award for this stylish post-industrial atelier of parquet, light and space.
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Boutique Eva B
In a space reminiscent of a theater’s backstage, this boutique is a riot of recycled women’s clothing, retro gear and new streetwear. It’s the kind of place where 1950s bowling shoes are proudly arranged beneath a flock of floaty feather boas and yet it all seems very normal.
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Local 23
This tart little friperie stocks recycled clothing and heaps of interesting vintage finds. Even if you are not a secondhand clothing freak, this is an interesting place to stop by. There’s nothing junky about it and pieces have been carefully chosen and arranged.
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Diffusion Griff ‘3000
French fashion diva Anne de Shalla studied fashion in Paris and came to Montréal in the 1970s. She now selects from up to 30 Québec designers every year for her exclusive shop collection – stretchy leathers, semi-sheer dresses, blouses and wrap-around casuals.
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Le Château
This trendy concept store is where to go for one-season fashion and cheaper versions of designer trends. Very popular for buying cheap, trendy club wear. There’s also a shop in the Centre Eaton, as well as others around town.
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Fourrures Dubarry
This place carries off-the-rack fur jackets, hats, fur-trim capes and coats, plus a selection of sheepskin coats and leather jackets. There are no middlemen, which keeps prices low, and you can trade in your old garment toward your purchase.
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Underworld
Underworld is a first-class punk refuge and supply house on an appropriately grungy stretch of Rue Ste-Catherine. It’s got jeans, a big CD and record store in the basement and a killer selection of skates and snowboards.
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Friperie St-Laurent333
This is another favorite friperie because of its small but extremely well-chosen selection. Famous 1940s ties, cowboy and motorcycle boots and Gothic-flavored blouses adorn fresh and colorful window displays.
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Felix Brown
Black pumps with 10cm heels, ego-stroking staff and suits that mean business are the hallmarks of a shopping trip to this place. All items are imported from Italy and styles are sharp as a tack.
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Blue Marine Cie
Blue Marine Cie sports designer jeans and stylish imported sportswear and jewelry. It’s lovely, expensive, and very Greene Avenue!
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Boutique Eva B
In a space reminiscent of a theater’s backstage, this boutique is a riot of recycled women’s clothing, retro gear and new streetwear. It’s the kind of place where 1950s bowling shoes are proudly arranged beneath a flock of floaty feather boas and yet it all seems very normal.
reviewed