Shirine Saad reveals this month’s shopping obsessions.
By Shirine Saad
Dark humour
After Amy Arnott got bored of studying psychology, working at a law firm and styling hair for photo shoots, she figured the coolest thing to do next was to open her own gallery-boutique: Black Sheep Betty (4816B Parc Ave., 514-303-5767, blacksheepbetty.com). All black with colourful paintings, chairs shaped like sheep, and whimsical jewellery hanging from mirrors, the store appeals to the rebel in me. And I love the music—old-school jazz, funk, reggae! So I’ll be checking in regularly for Janet Miller’s silver necklaces (cast in unusual moulds like nuts and roots), Christina Ledang’s hair-sewn blouses, and Mir’s embroidered silk handbags. And I’ll make sure to be there for the funky fashion shows, art events and jewellery bazaars Arnott hosts.
Photography by Will Lew
Global chic
Whether you’re the exploring kind or just a fashion addict, check out young designer julie bessette’s new Samsara line of luxe accessories, available at Espace Pepin (350 St-Paul St. W., 514-844-0114, pepinart.com). Perfect for this summer’s boho trend, the purses and travel bags (from $150) come in raw leather skins, finished with refined touches like wood prints and fringes. The designer shares her tips for jetting around—and living—in style.
How did you start designing Samsara? “I was travelling a lot, especially to India and Bali, and as a mother of two I needed practical luggage that still looked chic. So I created leather travel bags and little pouches that you can attach to your belt to keep your essentials.”
What trends are you looking at for summer? “I like to think my collection is classic with a twist. It’s the perfect balance of practical design and refinement. For summer, the bags and belts would look great with the globetrotter look. You can try a linen dress with a cow-skin belt, gladiators and a safari jacket. The whole collection’s got a very earthy feel, which is really trendy right now. And I do have bags with a red tint for those brighter outfits.”
What are your favourite pieces for the season? “I love the foldable leather shopping bag, adaptable belts for fuller shapes and, of course, pouches that you can attach anywhere you want.”
Photography by Will Lew
The coveted name: Limi Feu
I’ve always been obsessed with Yohji Yamamoto. So when I heard that his daughter Limi Feu’s line had finally come to Montreal’s Les Créateurs boutique (1444 Sherbrooke St. W., Suite 100, 514-284-2102), I started saving up. Soon you might spot me wearing the up-and-coming designer’s wide-leg, pinstriped satin pants, her crisp, flowing white shirts, and maybe a sheer black number for a sultry summer night—rock ’n’ roll–style.
Shown: LIMI FEU Spring 2008. Photography by Peter Stigter.