Simons

Review:

Designer wear
Simons is a spunky department store that mixes high-end labels and affordable brands. Chloé, Rick Owens, Hervé Léger by Max Azria and Junya Watanabe are only some of the lines newly introduced this year. Note Montreal designer Philippe Dubuc’s capsule collection for women, which debuted in September—it’s an edgy assortment of dresses, shirts and pants in his signature urban style.

Swimwear
The bandeau is the look of the season, be it bikini-style or one-piece. And Simons has it in a rainbow of summery colours, with a version to suit every budget. Popular brands with street cred here include Roxy, Billabong, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, L*Space, Raisin and Radio Fiji. If the triangle bikini is your go-to, you’ll find it in stripes, geometric prints and pretty florals. The one-piece is also making a big statement this summer—from styles with more coverage to risqué options that get flirty with side openings.

Lingerie
Quebec’s trendiest department store is known for its exclusive lingerie label, Miiyu, which is going for a preppy nautical theme this season. Alongside international brands like Princesse Tam-Tam and Chantal Thomass are homegrown offerings such as ultra-feminine Blush corsets and bustiers, and Montelle Intimates.

Bags, Boots and Shoes
Simons’ handbag department has a clear direction for fall: leather, leather and more leather. Witness the new Charlott Vasberg extra-large leather frame bags, Jerome Dreyfuss’s deep blue oversized leather totes, Moschino’s ruffled leather bags, and Francesco Biasia oversized braided-leather bags. Simons is also showcasing Friis & Co. python totes, plus Karen Wilson’s vintage bags.

Petite
Quebec-owned Simons is trend central for Montreal’s fashion-minded. The in-house Contemporaine Petite label is tailored for ladies five-foot-four and under, in sizes 2 to 14 (with a few styles in 16). Fine-tune your nautical look with red or navy stripes on white, and breezy chambray separates. Or go ’80s with graphic black and white electrified by hot pink, green and blue. But this summer’s winner is a beaded djellaba, or tunic, with orange accents, best worn with linen pants or leggings tailored for legs on the shorter side.

$$ No dining out for a week

Simons welcomes California-based Canadian Heather Heron, who makes eco-chic bags in hemp so fine it looks like linen. There’s also Kenzo, Moschino and Catherine Parra handbags.

514-282-1840

514-282-1840

514-282-1840