Montreal shop notes: What’s new in Old Montreal

Ssense
Ssense. Photography by Jane Heller.
Ssense
Ssense. Photography by Jane Heller.

Old Montreal is sizzling these days. Whether  it’s for cinq-à-sept cocktails, gallery-hopping  or moonlit dinners, I often find myself there and invariably my credit card gets a workout.

TopShop fans might find me at SSense (90 St-Paul St. W., 514-289-1906, ssense.com);  the first floor is devoted to the trendy Brit brand, and upstairs you’ll find other designer labels including Opening Ceremony and  Alexander McQueen.

Denis Gagnon
Denis Gagnon, $550.

Next door neighbour to the chic Le Petit Hôtel (168 St-Paul St. W., 514-940-0360, petithotelmontreal.com) and just steps away from the see-and-be-seen supper club Garde Manger (408 St-François-Xavier St., 514-678-5044) is none other than Denis Gagnon (170B St-Paul St. W., 514-935-6360, denisgagnon.ca), whose semi-subterranean space is two parts atelier and one part boutique. “This is my new lab. The window is right on the street, so I’ll be in direct contact with my customers,” says Gagnon. The boutique offers made-to-measure garments, a new prêt-à-porter collection in mostly jersey fabrics, and all the fringe,  lace and chains you’ve seen on the runway.

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