Dualité

While there was much fanfare of another high end store establishing itself in Montreal, Toronto-based TNT was sort of lackluster in presentation when I finally made my way to their store last weekend.

I was anticipating a stylized interior with blue lit frosted walls, gray slated tables, and open spacing like the pictures I saw of Toronto’s stores. Unfortunately, even at 5000 sq.ft, the presentation was little more than bland and cozy. Montreal’s TNT had low ceilings and dark wooden walls with a white floor tiling. Clothes were hung up on one single rack that lined the walls in no particular order, finding brands mixed together. There were a few tables containing accessories, and on the main floor there were shelves displaying the shoe collection.

Looks cool right? Montreal’s TNT isn’t as snazzy.

Brand-wise there’s a lot to choose from, and for those who enjoy the hunt of finding something particular and special will perhaps enjoy the non-orderly mix. All of them are of pretty high quality and you can find some gems in here, so I have no complaints of the choices offered.

I myself settled on a Mackage woven wool coat with some leather details. I had to have the sleeves taken in even as an XS, but fortunately TNT offers free tailoring service (and the seamstress did a good job btw).

The problem with TNT is the shopping experience, had it not been for the good choice of clothing, I wouldn’t really return to this store. A store of this size should maximize the spacing and probably would’ve benefitted from multiple frontal (vertical?) racks rather than horizontal since the clothes aren’t properly presented. I like stores who make you want to fend for those looks on a mannequin, or arranges coats so that I can clearly see them when I pass by. These high end clothes deserve to be given some emphasis, they are too beautiful to be buried amongst others. Lackluster presentation can drive shoppers away especially in these difficult economic times, retail stores will really have to step it up if they want to survive here.

Image credit: TNTBlu

Hello everybody,

I apologize if there were any lack of updates as of late, my personal life has been kinda taking over my free time as I’m in the midst of moving, I have a performance to prepare for and a trip to plan for.

Concerning Montreal fashion, I haven’t had much time to consume and divulge much on that front, for that I apologize.

However I am going on a trip to Japan in a couple of weeks, so be rest assured that I’ll be reporting on Japanese fashion from abroad I’ve also read much about the glittering glass flagship stores sparkling in the Ginza district like pretty jewels, so loads of photos to come.

Afterwards I’m going to Sin City aka Las Vegas for kicks and maybe if there’s time to rent a car, make a trip to Desert Hills Outlet designer discount store (as per mentioned in Dana Thomas’ “Deluxe”).

It’ll be a bit difficult to keep things Montreal-centric as I’ll be traveling around quite a bit this year. But here’s a recap on what will be happening in terms of store openings:

• H&M flagship store on St-Catherine, the construction tarp is drapped across the building already right across the HMV store. Opens Fall 2008
• 
  TNT (The New Trend) on Westmount Square – Toronto-based trendy designer store. NOW OPEN! Check out their official site blog to see pictures galore of the new site.
• Agent Provocateur - Location TBD. UK import’s sexy lingerie line arrives in Montreal in late 2008.

The biggest upcoming fashion event will be happening during the Grand Prix celebration, for the Montreal Fashion & Design Festival from June 4th to the 8th, 2008. Showcasing at least 50 labels in a free, open-air catwalk fiesta with free goodies, bar terrasses, music, and street entertainments.

Shopping Events

Of course, Montreal is famous for it’s St-Laurent sidewalk sales which happens twice (or maybe more? I always think that there’s always a sale somewhere) a year. This year’s first sidewalk sale will coincide with the St-Ambroise Fringe Festival (don’t worry, it’s still in Montreal) pulling along another bazaar-like opportunity to shop for locally made goods at Fringe Art Marts. The sale and festival happens June 21rst and 22nd, 2008.

Summer is right around the corner which means BIG upcoming festivals: beer, jazz, just for laughs, francopholie, grand prix, fantasia, you name it, it’s going to happen. Enjoy your summer everyone! I will be back soon hopefully to write a little more before my trip and will give you updates on my journey to the Land of the Rising Sun.

Amusez-vous bien

After years of flocking to Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy’s, high end shoppers looking for a new retailer will have to search no more as Toronto’s TNT will be settling into Westmount this spring.

An acronym for “The New Trend,” the store encompasses some of the hottest designer lines from Pink Tartan to Vivienne Westwood, and caters to the nouveau riche young bloods of the city. The planned 8,500 square foot store will include men’s and women’s clothing as well as kids, shoes & accessories. Hopefully its interiors will match those found in their Toronto-based stores as an open concept with sleek designs.

I personally have never heard of this store, but considering the lines that they carry it will surely entice trend seekers to the Westmount area. It’s also ideally located since it’ll be accessible by metro and in the near shopping vicinity of downtown.

There’s already a listing on Craiglist looking for sales reps, managers, and cashiers, so you know this deal is done. I’m looking forward in browsing through this store!

Image credits: TheNewTrend.com