It’s been decades that Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy’s have been known as the top destinations for all things high fashion in Montreal. Since the beginning of time, if anyone in the city wanted a luxury item, those were always the only names on their lips: Holts. Recently they underwent a merging that resulted in a name change of two of Montreal’s empires, and thus was born Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. Before Fashion Week last September, I hit up the shop and represented MTL in NYC.

Dressed in one of my favourite looks, I attended the Rag & Bone fashion show wearing what I believe will be the hottest trend of the season: the kimono. Everywhere I looked, people were in kimonos or version of it. Long and drapey, tribal patterns, bold colours, you name it, and you’d find it. I saw a few smock-looking dresses inspired by the kimono, and of course, the swimwear top layer, transparent and sexy, has truly taken over beaches all along the coastline.

I hit up the Rag & Bone fashion show with @cristinamonti and @lai_tiffany. It had been three years since Rag & Bone has shown at Fashion Week, so it was a highly anticipated show. (WOW- really wishing I could be transported back there right now!) But, they came back with experimental music, arts, and of course, the contemporary dance that warmed its way into my heart. A fusion of technology and art, they definitely took a sharp left from traditional runway shows.

The collection saw a lot of purple, red stripes, and a now pervasive androgynous silhouette. Evoking that gender-neutral way of dressing, the kimono evokes more than just “good fortune and longevity,” it also acts as a garment that, in my case, covered me head-to-toe, hiding away the body beneath it. There were three-piece suits with pinstripes, which again was a testament to the versatility of the brands gender play. I’ve always had a strong affection for their jeans, but some of their preppier looks (think cricket) kind of stole my heart that season.I’m actually still loving a bunch of the trends they put the spotlight on back in Sept of 2019.

I paired the sumptuous Etro jacket with my sparkly Balenciaga bag. I love the complement of metallic against bold colours. Like salt, the silver acted as a way to bring out all of the colours from the jacket. I wore all black underneath and accented with the stunning Rene Caovilla pump, found exclusively at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy.

I spent some time perusing online to find alternate kimonos that can be easily blended into your wardrobe. Whether it acts as an overcoat to a denim look, or as an integral part of the ensemble, you can use the kimono to add colour, texture, a cinched waist, character, or simply to keep warm. I’m looking forward to our fall days wearing my kimono. Always new fun ways to style such an eclectic piece.

Have any great kimono suggestions? Comment below and let me know where I can find my next favourite kimono- even if I’ll be rocking it here in Montreal and not at NYFW!

Missing that special, indescribable feeling of New York- getting inspired by all the fashion, artwork and creativity that lights up the streets is unlike anything else.

NYFW- I miss you! Hope to be back soon.

All Mademoiselle Jules photos are original artwork of Patricia Brochu