lfFE ana SCYIE

Fr ench Flair: Exploring Montreal’s fashion scene

By Stephanie Trembath,
Life and Style Editor

Il year round Vancouver
Ase displays women

wearing light jackets and ankle
boots; baring skin with low necklines
and delicately painted nails. Thanks to
our moist air and somewhat snow-less
winters, we are able to transition from fall
into spring seamlessly; with the exception
of an umbrella. Other provinces are not
so fortunate with biting cold winters that
force heavy scarves, mitts, long parkas,
and high rubber soled boots to keep
out the snow that steadily increases on
sidewalks as January progresses. For this
very reason, I always applaud the women
who put together fashionable outfits

despite the necessary bulky items and
snow repellent wear.

Montreal; otherwise known as
Canada’s fashion capital, with clothes that
mimic European style and blend North
American designs with classic French
minimalism. Notorious for simple designs
fused with vibrant colors, Montreal
designs take advantage of cold winters in
their city by utilizing all sorts of materials
such as fur, leather, wool, and silk to
create pieces that show off the beauty and
culture of the unique French speaking
province. As a city that is surrounded with
historical architecture, massive cathedrals
and the multi-cultural blend of European
culture and traditions, Montreal’s fashion
is reflective of many different styles that
are showcased around the world.

Fur is a featured trend this season;
full length jackets in deep brown or
caramel sporting fur lapels and high
necks, or large fuzzy hats worn with dark
sunglasses and red lipstick; knee high
boots with fur trimming at the top and
furry purses with long leather straps, and
I am sure all of the French fashionistas
aren’t all wearing faux fur trimmings on
their ornately designed outfits. While
Vancouverites are less likely to go all in
finding furry outfits, Montrealer’s look
warm and fabulous decked out in their
seasonal attire.

Once you get out of the snow and
away from the wind, long sleeve shirts
bejewelled and elaborately decorated at
the shoulder with ruffles, beads, feathers,
and sequins are showcased; paired with

skinny jeans or patterned tights tucked
into fitted boots. Similarly, these French
fashionista’s have a passion for fringe as
purses, shoes, and even shirts are layered
and fringed. Leather side bags with
fringed zippers, silk shirts with fringed
edges, and even shoes with fringed heels;
like the fur fad, Montrealer’s are sporting
fringed detailing on all their pieces this
winter.

While rain and milder temperatures
allows us B.C. born fashion followers to
wear fewer layers and show more skin all
year round, Montreal women bulk up in
style. It almost makes me a bit envious
to see layers of fringe, fur and decorative
designs on outerwear that would appear
overdone and a little too warm in
Vancouver.

 

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