In the Water [Tower]

Discover why Montreal holds a special place in my heart—from its vibrant culture and rich history to the creative energy of its neighborhoods. A personal journey through the city I love.

Within 3km of the Montreal’s Mile-End water tower you are guaranteed to see fashionable locals. There’s most definitely, somethings in their Water…

Passion Explained

I want to emphasis the unique and independent style. It’s hard to miss. The best way I can give a visual (without literal pictures), is to take you back to where I grew up, Toronto, Ontario.

Picture this: 2015, Ugg boots, MEC backpack, Roots sweatpants, scrunchy on wrist and possibly Ombre hair. The definition of a basic. Basic Babe. Since I can remember, Toronto has always had a dresscode. It was easy to spot, and easy to conform, because who doesn’t want to be cool? Especially impressional teenagers.

The moment I knew Montreal was special, was observing the fashion of my family friend, Knox. (For context, my Dad grew up in Montreal, moved to Toronto after University, but his family and friends never left.) Our family made it a habit to visit my Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt, Uncle, cousins, and of course all of my Dad’s childhood friends.

Back to Knox. I would see her throughout the years and notice that her personal style was nothing like the girls from back home. She was unique, had her independent personal style, somethings I was still looking for.

I believe Montreal is the fashion hub of Canada, where trends are born and showcased before they reach mass production and mainstream acceptance. The city’s style is deeply influenced by trailblazers who push boundaries and experiment before the rest of the world catches on. The “Baggu” trend started here in MTL, and COS debuted its oversized pouch bag in Montreal. Folded bootcut jeans, which became mainstream in 2024, were already seen on the streets in 2022. Montreal locals were sporting balaclavas and oversized blanket scarves as early as Winter 2021.