Montreal?

[pipvh]

I have a last-minute question for the style authorities: does anyone have any recommendations for stores selling Japanese/vintage denim, cool vintage or interesting leather jackets in Montreal? I'm going up in a couple of days and I'd like, if possible, to do a bit of shopping...

 

[Dinerman]

Anybody know any good vintage stores there? I'm leaving tomorrow, should be there in a couple of days.

 

[LizzieMaine]

Montreal is my favorite city on earth! I used to go up there every fall when I could afford to, and I still haven't seen everything there is to see. But I can tell you there's always a lot of interesting and unusual shops around the Square St. Louis neighborhood -- it's been a couple years since I've been up there, and things tend to turn over fast, but the character of the neighborhood is likely to be the same . It's also a swell area to just walk around and explore.

And don't forget to stop into Lafleuer for poutine!

 

[Fletch]

I've been to Montreal 3 times and enjoyed it more each time. That notwithstanding the fact that I visited in February, December, and November. (November wasn't bad, honest...as for the much vaunted winter, it's nothing an Iowan isn't used to. We used to get the Alberta Clippers before Quebec did.)

 

[pipvh]

I've been there quite a few times - really great city, and not too far away. I always feel, though, that I've never quite cracked it, that the really cool shops are somewhere that I'm not. It seems that a city of that size and style would have some unusual and rare stuff for sale... Lunch at L'Express on St Denis, btw: not to be missed.

 

[Amelie]

argh so sad I've lost that list a lady gave me once! A whole page of wonderful addresses of japanese related shops :eusa_doh: (in montreal)

I've never been to l'Express though, I should do it one day, I've only heard amazing comments on that restaurant

If there is anything else you guys need to know about my little city feel free to ask, I'll be happy to answer *love my city*

 

[Amelie]

Dinnerman, if by any chance you are reading this there is a new vintage store on St-Denis betwen Sherbrooke and Roy, It's a bit pricey though
If you were a girl I would also suggest some trhift stores on Mont-Royal avenue, but I don't know what they are worth for men clothing

If you want to look for hats, the classic address is Henri Henri on Ste-Catherine, its not really far from St-Laurent and Hotel-de-Ville streets (can't figure exactly where it is, but those streets are 3 minutes walk from the other)

I really hope I am not too late :eusa_doh:

 

[LizzieMaine]

Yes! Henri-Henri is one of the most amazing shops I've ever been in -- I stopped in there a couple years ago to get a present for my brother-in-law, and it was like stepping into a time capsule: a real old-school hat store, with classic wooden fixtures, full-service sales folk, and a real sense that the place hasn't changed at all since about 1935. Any Fedorafolk who visit Montreal *have to* visit this shop.

It's at 289 Ste. Catherine -- once you're on the street, just keep walking and you'll find it. Just don't get distracted by the other -- um-- attractions along the way.

http://www.henrihenri.ca/en/historique.htm

And they've got a nifty website too!

 

[Amelie]

Thats amazing! I didn't event know they had a website!

I only wish I could find a similar adress for more women hats
They have some great ones at Ogilvy and Holt Renfrew, but they are often pricey for what they are and unfortunately only one size

 

[pipvh]

Well, I'm back - it's always fantastic to visit Montreal, even for just a day. Had a marvelous time as always. Didn't have any luck with the Japanese jeans, though people I asked said that the denim stores in the Eaton Center were probably my best bet, and someone else said Chinatown. Next time, then. Amelie, that thrift store on St Denis - a block up from the Square St Louis - is very good indeed, and really strong on hats. Also an amazing pair of 1940s (I'm guessing) motorcycle boots with zips and laces, alas too small for me. No decent leathers though. Such a brilliant city: can't wait to go back.

 

[Amelie]

I am so glad you enjoy Montreal that much, you should try it in late july one day, with the jazz fest, the city becomes magic :cheers1:

 

[dhermann1]

Quebec!!!

I spent the month of November 1969 in Montreal. Saw The Doors at the Forum. What a magnificent city! The whole Province of Quebec is wonderful. Quebec, la Belle Provence! Ile D'Orleans, in the St Lawrence; all the little churches in all the little villages; going uppppp uppp uppp and doownnnnn dowwnnn doooowwnnnn in the Lawrentians! I've never been back, but I want to!

 

[KittyT]

I took a trip to Montreal this weekend to manage a roller derby bout up there and took the opportunity to seek out a few vintage stores. Everything I had found recommendations for online was a complete and total dud. Lots of 70s and 80s stuff. I did go the the Friperie on St. Laurent, based on recommendations here and elsewhere online and was totally unimpressed. Very limited selection, all 60s and at outrageous prices!

There is another store called Maskarad on Mont Royal Ouest (I saw it listed in a rockabilly magazine). It had almost exclusively new clothing. The meager vintage they had was very expensive ($120 for a crinoline, $60 for plain 50s slips, etc).

I found another store on St. Denis (I can't remember the name but it's near Avenue Des Pins and Square St. Louis) that had some 50s and 60s items, with a few 40s items, but there was nothing extraordinary there and the prices again were outrageous, such as $20 for a simple half slip or $70 for a simple purse with no interesting details or features. $160 for a plain, satin 1940s dress that needed some mending.

I did find one store that was extraordinary. I cannot remember the name, but it is on St. Laurent right next door the the Friperie (at Avenue Duluth) - wonderful selection of mid-century housewares of very high quality and interesting design. Still way overpriced, in my opinion, but the only place I found that had any sort of interesting selection.

As recommended here, Henri-Henri is a fantastic store with wonderful antique store fixtures and friendly and helpful customer service. While I would not recommend wasting time in Montreal looking for vintage clothes that just aren't there, Henri-Henri is sure not to disappoint.

 

[old yazoo]

I'm going to Montreal in July fort the first time and I can hardly wait! Especially since everyone has such wonderful things to say about it. I still could use some advice on what to do, where to wander, where to dance (swing!) Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Merci beaucoup!

 

[KittyT]

I'm going to Montreal in July fort the first time and I can hardly wait! Especially since everyone has such wonderful things to say about it. I still could use some advice on what to do, where to wander, where to dance (swing!) Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated. Merci beaucoup!

Just be careful and educate yourself about the city before you go. Montreal is a lovely city, but it's also a really tough town. There are more bums, drunks and druggies in Montreal than I've ever seen anywhere else. It's a very visible problem there and they WILL pester you.

EDIT: I just noticed you're from Portland, OR. You're probably used to it lol