Gentlemen, fall is upon us. And with fall comes great fashion.
Autumn clothing has been hitting the racks since mid-June as shopkeepers and the style-literate await the season of light trenchcoats, dress shirts (without those dreaded pit stains), leather boots, and cardigans. Fall 2011 looks promising, designers are adopting an explosive colour pallete that focuses on vibrant colour. This September, crimson, neon orange, purple and sky blue take the place of the usual fall colour scheme of beige, black, brown, navy and cream. As the fashion capital of Canada, Montreal’s men’s boutiques make getting in style easy. A quick visit to any of these shops will have you out losing the khaki shorts and looking good, just in time for the changing of the seasons.
Boutique Duo
For top-designer labels, Boutique Duo cannot be beat. Carrying many leading European lines like Marc by Marc Jacobs, Y3 and Bailman, this large downtown men’s boutique is a one-stop-shop to get your closet ready for fall. Items of the hour include classic Dior loafers, a sophisticated Marc Jacobs leather backpack, and casual Bailman ripped jeans. The store also offers an array of casual wear from the likes of Lacoste and Rock & Republic. Let’s call it urban upscale with (somewhat) reasonable prices. 30 Prince Arthur West, 514-848-0880.
Dubuc
Since the unveiling of his first line in 1993, Philippe Dubuc has gained recognition beyond his home province of Quebec. “I am in a constant evolution with modernism and urban contrasts”, says Dubuc. Known for his low-crotch dress pants, ¾ rugged trench coats and leather dress boots, Dubuc’s Saint-Denis boutique attracts Montreal scenesters and fashion-forward tourists alike. His fall line uses mineral tones and textures and modern textiles with tiny splashes of colour in the finishings. 4451 Saint Denis, 514-282-1465.
Boutique Mens
Michel Bensoussan, founder of Boutique Mens, is constantly searching the globe for the next upcoming and original designers. Bensoussan has turned his back on the more high-priced mainstream brands and Boutique Mens focuses on quality fabrics, sophisticated cuts and classic looks. In addition to their enormous selection of jackets, suits, shoes, jeans, sweaters and bags from original international designers like Bikkemburgs, Bmore, Sand, Gene, Elvis Jesus and Fred Perry, the store also provides delivery and altering services. According to Bensoussan “good clothes open all doors,” the perfect mantra to start the fall in style. 1150 DeMaisonneuve West, 514-843-8877.
Rooney
This boutique is worth checking out simply for its Garbstore line that has already made headlines in the UK. Garbstore’s designer Ian Paley has put together a collection of classic yet unfamiliar vintage items and accessories, for example jeans and trousers tailored with fifties grip tape, tri-hole buttons, as well as vintage sweats and tees. His designs are deeply inspired by the history of clothing created after the Second World War. In addition, his line includes a selection of casual and reproduction clothing from international labels such as Monitaly, Mountain Research, Post Overalls and Bedwin & the Heartbreakers. Rooney is one of the only boutiques in the city carrying this sought-after brand. While you’re there, it may be worth picking up a pair of Mark McNairy cap toe pebble grain leather boots… so hot for fall. 395 Notre-Dame West, 514-543-6234.
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Image courtesy of conorwithonen.
