Posted at 9:00
Featured: bags to flatter
When Loris Kecaj isn’t doing his very serious job as an archivist, he enjoys creating very playful bags. Carrying a Çanta on the shoulder, in the hand or in the crook of the elbow is not to go unnoticed and perhaps also to provoke this question: “Can I flatter? ”
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PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
This chenille knit with loops produces very soft and voluminous bags.
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PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Each Çanta bag is unique.
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PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Loris Kecaj hasn’t finished having fun with his creations.
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PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Çanta bags cost between $200 and $300.
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It all started with knitting. What if this beginning of a scarf is folded and finished with a strap? Then the experimental handbag of the first Instagram posts, at the beginning of 2020, became big. Loris started looking for ever thicker yarns, also knitting with twisted chenille wool to develop even more plump, original, “flattable” patterns. Perhaps her most dramatic creation is the bag she calls the “droopy,” with its long tentacles almost trailing along the ground.
PHOTO DENIS GERMAIN, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Loris Kecaj is the designer of the Çanta bags.
It was the meeting with Françoise Élie, owner of the boutique of emerging designers Effe, in avenue Laurier, that gave impetus to the nascent brand. “She reached out to me on Instagram and then she came to see the bags at my house. To my amazement, she chose the ones I liked least, the most experimental! I was surprised, but she sold well and the orders continued. ”
Some publications in journals followed (including Harper’s Bazaar Italy) and requests to shops in Australia, Japan and England. In Montreal, the second shop, on boulevard Saint-Laurent, also has some unique copies.
Çanta is a solo. There is only self-taught Loris in his living room, in the evenings and on weekends, with his wool and his thick needles. He dreams of a small shop in the Albanian village where his parents lived. Knitting and crocheting are naturally part of the customs of this country where he still has a family. It is his inspiration. “Çanta” means “bag” in Albanian.
Effect of the globalization of ideas, perhaps, the Italian brand Bottega Veneta has produced handbags with chenille knitting exactly like the one used by Loris. The pink, yellow, and blue-green clutches retailed for $2,500. By shopping local, you may not get a leather cover, but you will get a bargain, at $200-300!
Winter fashion: cute local coats
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PHOTO JULIEN PAYETTE-TESSIER, PROVIDED BY VALLIER
This long Sangene de Vallier parka, padded with goose down, has been designed to promote freedom of movement with its side zips and articulated sleeves. Available in green and black. $879.99
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PHOTOS FROM CANADA GOOSE WEBSITE
The Marlow parka, designed by Canada Goose, combines class and comfort thanks to its full-length straight cut, hood and removable belt. She is available in green, grey, black, white and navy and also in a short version. Made in Canada. $1395
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PHOTOS FROM ELISA C-ROSSOW WEBSITE
The timelessness, simplicity and quality craftsmanship of designer Elisa C-Rossow are embodied in this modern and versatile pea coat. Crafted from 100% wool and fully lined, the Griffin is made in Montreal. $1495
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY DESLOUPS
Designer Isabelle Deslauriers de Desloups offers a very long version of her semi-fitted parka this season. The brand also continues to offer various models in wool for which it has obtained RWS certification (RWS responsible wool). Made in Quebec. $875
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PHOTOS FROM THE AUDVIK WEBSITE
For milder winter days, Audvik offers the Alta, a lightweight waterproof and breathable jacket. Available in Black, Navy, Sage and Caramel. Made in Canada. $700
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PHOTO SUPPLIED BY MOOSE KNUCKLES
The Montreal brand Moose Knuckles continues its collaboration with the New York house Eckhaus Latta. This collection features 12 neutral-toned, mostly classic Moose Knuckles revamped pieces, including this comforter. $1395
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PHOTOS FROM THE NORDEN SITE
Norden makes jackets from recycled polyester, both in the shell and in the insulation. The Ari Oxford Parka is functional and stylish with its numerous internal and external pockets. Available in black, green and caramel. $545
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PHOTOS FROM QUARTZ CO. WEBSITE
Known for its resistant parkas with a minimalist style, Quartz Co. offers the Lennox 2.0, a short coat made partly of recycled polyester and padded with duck down. Available in grey, green, brown and black. Made in Canada. $900
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PHOTOS FROM KANUK SITE
At Kanuk, this mid-length hooded Jonas coat promises great resistance to cold and wind, with its nylon exterior and duck down insulation. Available in Black, Navy, White and Green. Made in Montreal. $1500
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Last week’s warm weather may have overshadowed the approach of winter, but it will surely be only temporary. To enjoy the cold season without shivering, here is our selection of winter coats, offered by Canadian and Quebec companies.
Luxury: Simons launches a first high-end collection
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PHOTO SUPPLIED BY MAISON SIMONS
Twill pant and jacket ensemble, sold separately, $425 and $795
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PHOTO SUPPLIED BY MAISON SIMONS
Pleated shirtdress in cotton poplin, $450
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PHOTO SUPPLIED BY MAISON SIMONS
Micromodal Cashmere Tee ($195) and Twill Skirt ($425)
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PHOTO SUPPLIED BY MAISON SIMONS
Reversible Alpaca Wool Sweater, $595
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For years Quebec’s showcase for international luxury brands, La Maison Simons plunges into high-end fashion with the launch of an exclusive first collection. Designed in his studios, the Edito par Simons collection becomes part of the retailer’s Edito department, which brings together the creations of some forty renowned brands. Called to select the most beautiful pieces by these designers each season, the Simons creative team wanted to put their knowledge, vision and intuition to good use by proposing chic, durable pieces with studied minimalism, on the edge of current and fleeting trends. This first collection includes eight basic pieces (full suit, turtleneck, skirt, shirt dress, cashmere t-shirt and poplin shirt), made in Portugal, Canada and Peru. The collection is available online and in 10 branches across the country, including Place Ste-Foy in Quebec City, downtown Montreal, Galeries d’Anjou, CF Carrefour Laval and CF Fairview Pointe-Claire.
New collection: Yoga Jeans Essentials
PHOTO PROVIDED BY YOGA JEANS
Yoga Jeans offers timeless, stretchy jeans with its Essentials collection.
Quebec quality denim brand Yoga Jeans launches Essentials collection. It is therefore a return to origins with timeless and elastic cuts of jeans, absolute comfort and unfailing elegance. We are promised that we will find jeans, regardless of our style and silhouette. Straight, tight, more fitted or flared cuts, the secret is knowing how to measure well to find the size that’s right for you. Éric Wazana, co-founder of Yoga Jeans, reveals all his secrets on video to make the right choice and thus avoid returns, which is very useful!
