Posts from ‘Fall Collection’
Coats, coats, coats; three new IVKO arrivals
We have received three new Ivko Jackets.
Introducing to you the stunning IVKO geometric hoodie coat. The front is spellbinding, a mesmerizing mosaic of blues inlayed within a dark red. There is a taupe and orange motif on the hoodie, zip, sleeves and shoulder blades giving the coat a joyful touch. On the back there is a mandala.
This cardigan is a mysterious layered tapestry. At the shoulders, bust and hems are subtle and interweaving geometric and floral motifs. The cardigan is slightly fitted at the back. Have you notice the flower on the yolk ? Its pure IVKO goodness.
Whimsical and warm, the IVKO BOHO long coat is perfect for drinking hot cider with friends or singing your favorite carols at work. Multicolour, geometric trim graces the front opening, hood and hems.
Some jackets are truly works of art. It’s particularly the case for IVKO. As you read on, the invitation is to take a new look at all the details of these three unique coats. We’ve featured their backside and have offered haikus inspired by the jackets to nurture this moment of contemplation. Enjoy !
Walking through forest
All the trees have their story
Woven together
Supported by soil
Proud sculptures of living shapes
Dancing with the wind
Preparing for spring
An orchestra of colour
In snowy stillness
In this lush valley
Where children play as we work
We make space for dreams
Its starting to feel cool. Well, its been a couple weeks already in Montréal. Its time to reinvent the fall wardrobe. How about some soft fabrics and stylish collars ? Or tops embellished with Katrin Leblond’s unique and crafty appliquées ? Lets not forget this season’s limited edition prints. Read on, Katrin Leblond has some great new sweaters for your wardrobe.
Soft fabrics and Stylish collars
The red prima pullover in the center is made with brushed polyester and has a soft and fleece-like feel on the inside. The floral textured jacquard collar gives an elegant touch and can be worn many ways. It can be a bateau style (leaving the shoulders more exposed) as well as cover one or both shoulders. It has a dart at the bust, making the sweater slightly fitted.
On either side is the oh so pleasantly soft turtleneck. Its a loose yet fitted sweater, giving it a feminine touch. The sleeves are long and slim. The collar ruffles nicely with a little tug of the drawstrings. There is a colour combination between the inside of the collar and the draw string.
Unique and crafty appliquées.
The black crop cardigan has a selection of botanical embellishments. There is a butterfly hovering over the left shoulder. The buttons are little metal flowers with a pearl in the center.
What is the appliquée about on this lavender grey pullover ? One could imagine its a pagan Botticelli Venus. There is also zodiac symbols and Swarovki crystals. It was digitally printed, for those who might be curious.
And third, here is the Poet blouse. The yoke is a mesh fabric with embroidered feathers that are shades of red, green and coral. The fabric is an amazing rust colour and its a high quality, pill-free rayon.
Limited edition prints
On the left, the Laurentien Flower print showcases art deco floral arrangement on a black background from the forests north of Montréal : trilliums, trout lily, dogtooth violet, bleeding hearts and rose hips.
The whimsical bubble leaf print has olive-green, light orange, ochre, dark violet and red-orange leaves. The stems are black and on the leaves are white “bubbles”, allowing you to wear this top with black and white. The background colour is a warm cinnamon.
The Enchanted Forest print showcases magical trees with branches that reach into the night sky where the full moon shines bright. Small fairy-like dancing ladies are scattered throughout.
Written by Claire Gérin-Lajoie
Whatever it is. Fall ? Elections ? One too many plastic straws ? Whatever. All of it. Well, whatever it is, I took a moment to step back as I chose my outfit this morning. What emerging solutions am I taking part in ? What conversations am I having with myself right now ? What am I saying to others as I wear this dress ? It’s dark blue with three different floral motifs that come together. Yes, this feels ‘just right’. I’m taking a moment to tie things together.
What is so magic about an outfit that feels ‘just right’ ?
Meet Katrin Leblond, Montréal designer on 4647 Boul. Saint-Laurent. She has some insight about this. As I enter the boutique, I am greeted by an array of cinnamons, greens and dusty pinks. A client comes in looking for a 40th anniversary gift for herself. Let’s call her Linda. A black wool IVKO coat with colourful floral motifs catches her eye. She tries it on and her faces glows with delight at the sight of herself. It feels ‘just right’.
The only issue Linda says is that the coat isn’t adjusted to her hips. And that is where the wonders of an in-store alterations service comes in (for clothing bought at the store only, mind you). There is more to it than simply shortening pants or taking in the waist. In this particular case, the coat was completely re-adjusted adding patchwork panels to the side and black trimming at the bottom. Upon receiving her coat, Linda was enchanted; her shoulders, heart and hips all aligned to greet the world with style.
Delighted by her new IVKO Jacket.
“There is no real medium or large” Katrin says. “As woman, our body take on different shapes and curves throughout our lives. An older woman shouldn’t feel like the only option she has is to wear loose clothing, for example. Tailoring her clothes will add to her sense of dignity and well-being.” Sometimes the changes can be very subtle. In any case, it is a matter of working with the designer to find the right adjustments. For example, another customer wanted her jacket to be fitting just so at the bust and scooping in the back. A solution was found. It felt easy. “After all, this is what we do” Katrin chimed in.
Miu Me Jacket. Katrin Leblond design.
Finding solutions together feels ‘just right’. Especially in these moments that feel chaotic. Let’s figure this out, we say. Let’s lend our vulnerability to the process. Let’s open up and let their ideas pollinate ours.
On that note, lately I’ve been very inspired by Montreal author Michelle Holliday and her book The age of Thrivability: Vital perspectives and practices for a better world. She writes about what makes living organisms thrive, be it a person, a team or a cell. As stewards, we cultivate a space where thriving unfolds. Drawing from her work, I think about how we are stewards of our own body and how our clothes are part of the conversation we have with ourselves. Through the outfits we choose we tell our story to the world.
Whatever the story may be. Fall ? Elections ? A new kind of straw ? All of it.
The first of the IVKO fall collection is here !
All garments have a story. Many stories. We chose one for each garment. Read on.
They unload you of your burdens and they open up your heart, letting you feel the wonders of the world around you. A field of flowers, a beautiful day out in the garden, a moment of taking in summer’s bounty. We brought that back to the workplace, the kitchen table and bedside.
I feel like a queen, she said. I feel powerful and confident as I dance to the music around me. Lets me tell you how powerful your body is. Let us make a way for reconciliation to happen with ease. Let us have the courage to radically accept who we are. Let us find the tools to feel satisfied with ourselves. I am a Queen, she said.
Today I am celebrating a moment with you all. My first child turned one and my husband and I have worked closely as a team to build a new house for our new family. On the table is a plate full of sliced red tomatoes from the garden with mozzarella cheese, fresh basil and olive oil. My husband is calling ! He says he has a gift for me ! A colorful and elegant gift, that I will love. I wonder what it will be ! 
Do you remember that time we went for a swim, on that early fall morning? The ground was really cold, yet you insisted on going barefoot. We climbed up the hill. I watched you for awhile, admiring how tall and graceful you had become. We walked together silently. We took off our clothes and jumped into the icy water. We remain courageous.
My daughter has cancer. We are waiting for the doctor to come back with some test results. Here comes our friend the clown. He exchanges a knowing smile with my daughter. They start laughing. I start laughing. And then I feel a tear in the corner of my eye. I am ready.
Can you tell me what you are reading ? I am looking for a book to take with me on the next train ride. I’ll be visiting my brother. Do you like what I am wearing ? I feel nervous. Its my first time traveling alone.
Welcome to the Purple Valley. A gentle and generous place where the most beautiful peonies are lovingly grown. It is here that I come for rest and inspiration. Last time I was there, a new idea came to me. It was that I imagined a new way to understand the mechanism allowing the regenerative process in cells.
Super proud of this new print, designed in collaboration with artist/graphic designer Iris Glaser. The result is a grey mix heather brushed winter knit with a touch of modern art whimsey.
Iris Glaser with the watercolour we did together in April 2017. She’s wearing the classic crop jacket from my collection.
Finally Ivko made a collection with black as a base colour! It is luminous, classic, playful and we just love it! You can shop this collection in our online store here.
There is a distinct style that underpins all of Katrin Leblond’s designs, but now with custom illustrated prints, the collection comes full circle. Whimsical prints, contemporary knitwear and a distinctive colour palette come together to form a collection that blurs the line between art and clothing. With all her folkloric and botanical influences, Katrin Leblond’s limited edition prints are thoroughly modern and inspired by the everyday. Katrin illustrates with acrylic inks, pastels and digital tools. She loves collaborations, particularly in her local circle of artists and friends. All of her prints are produced locally in Montreal, Canada.
Here’s the scene at my dining room table as I painted the trees with my dear artist friend Iris Glaser. You can see the shapes watercolour that we did in the background.
Winter Days are long and cold, but with woolies like these your spirits will be lifted and your tushie will be warm. With beautiful motifs on the front and back, these two styles are versatile and wearable in the day to day. Paired with Jeans or navy tights, these two pieces will never go outta style. Click on images to shop.
Artist? Artsy? Patron of the Arts?
Lover of all things Frida?
Welcome to the Fall collection, inspired by Leonard Cohen, embellished back details, fabulous sleeves, mesh trim and polka dot details.
Available in store at 4647 St-Laurent, Montreal, Canada or online at store.katrinleblond.com
All made ethically in a studio where everyone on the team like to show up for work on Mondays. Made with love and inspired by art. Click on images for links to store.
When a sweater is not enough and really you never want to get out of bed; that’s when it’s time for a sweater coat. You can wear leggings and a thin long sleeved top (basically pijamas) and throw on an Ivko knit wool coat, and VOILA! You look glamorous and feel cozy. Add a pair of knee high fall boots and you will feel like a superhero. Now take on the world. You are beautiful and powerful (and cozy and warm)! Shop Here
These sweaters are for you: Forest Fairies, Fall Hikers, Cross-country Skiers, Dog-walkers, Leaf Rakers, Mothers, Lovers of fresh air! Brave the changing temperatures with warmth and JOY! I say “joy” because it truly is possible for a beautiful cozy sweater to make you happy every time you put it on. I call objects like that “Happiness Triggers”, and I try to surround myself with functional Beauty for that reason. #IVKO
Every sweater is linked to the IVKO STORE. If you want to shop, just click on the pictures. Or go to shop
When the second delivery of Ivko showed up, it became clear that we had some winning outfits on our hands. We have tried all these sweaters with both skirts and they all match beautifully. I must admit, that I really love this first long Jacket paired with the wool skirt the best. It makes a stunning combination, but the short Jacket with the notched collar is a close runner up for fabulousness! We haven’t even added all the accessories that are possible. You’ll have to shop around the site and have a look HERE.
Welcome to cooler days and wooly sweaters. To enjoying your tea a little bit more deeply and adding layers to your body.
The cocooning phase has arrived and covering up your hands and head and neck are starting to feel like good ideas.
I always notice the first real cold days arrive and everyone is so desperate for a hat, that they will put any old knit tuque from the bottom of their glove compartment on their heads. Why not be ahead of the game this year and get yourself a hat that will make you want to embrace Fall with open arms.
Shop Fall Accessories here
Delightful color combinations and beautiful motifs. The Royalty collection is this year’s pinnacle of jacquard design. It is pure perfection of detail and confection. Inspired by stone carving on castles and Renaissance motifs, its is sumptuous and divine. The high quality merino wool yarns feel amazing against the skin.
Click on any image to shop the item.
Ivko style 52729 Black
This coat is made from Ivko’s hand made boiled wool and is lined with beautiful turquoise satin. It is long and has pockets. The collar is cozy and slightly padded. The embroidery of multi colored flowers also includes sections with gold thread.
This is the extra thick wool collection from Ivko. They are divinely beautiful and ohh soo warm. This coat is made from Ivko’s thickest wool and is double knit for a very thick effect. It is long and has pockets. The collar can be worn open or buttoned up.
Attention American customers: All prices are in Canadian Dollars.
Never be cold again!
$520 CND
This year Ivko went in a new design direction: Geometric, dots, circles, stripes.
It’s a refreshing alternative for those of us that already have many Ivko sweaters with florals and wallpaper motifs.
Priced from $179-$239
Sizes XS/S, M, L/XL
Free Delivery in Canada and the US
The Fall Collection is filling up the store. This year I have focused on completing the needs of my boutique, by creating pieces that will be truly practical for a Northern climate and still feel feminine. Her is a combo I am feeling particularly cute in.
The pants also come in black with a B+W polka dot cuff, a crazy colourful quilted floral print with black cuff, and a B+W herringbone all over.
The Off-the-shoulder ballerina top comes in red lace, grey floral, hot orang/red, B+W stripes. It’s a nice piece for transitioning to Fall. It has long sleeves, but because it is off-the-shoulder it feels like it has a Summer vibe.
The New collection for 2015 is a vision of mixed motifs and contemporary styling.
The inspirations for their collections are “James Dean”, Urban landscapes, and of course flowers, flowers, flowers! This year stripes play a big role in multicolor layering combined with painterly roses and traditional arabesque lines. There are items styled for the dramatic woman; bright colors on a black base, and there are softer more nature-inspired palettes of brown, beige and taupe with a touch of coral.
The magic of Ivko, is that there is something for everyone. There are cozy coats for the cottage, elegant boiled wool coats for the finest occasion, but best of all, there are practical sweaters for the schoolteacher, the artist and the yoga instructor.
Here is my new zip-up available in black, grey, blue and fuchsia. It is a blend of sporty and dressy. The zipper piping is made by sewing strips of silk and knits onto printed cotton and then cutting this material into strips crosswise in the other direction. The result is a nice splash of colour. Textile jewelry in a way. This jacket has a two way zipper, thumb holes on the sleeve and pockets. Yes, pockets. No garment should be without them.
Hoodies used to be for jogging and weekends. Those days are no more!
Now hoods are appearing on dresses, tunics and I even made one in silk chiffon for a bride last summer. Below are two designs from my Fall 2014-15 collection. The jacket is slim cut with large pockets and a fairytale hood. The tunic is based on one of my all time best selling cuts (the sexy dress). It has 3/4 sleeves and a lined hood. Each style comes in 5 colours.
shop Pocket hoodie coat
I just couldn’t do it anymore. It was starting to feel repetitive. Formulaic even. Flowers, ruffles, frills, lace, appliqué, embellishments. I just wasn’t feeling inspired to wear my own clothes. But I also feared that change would spell the death of my company, and I had a new baby to keep me up at night, so innovation was not on my mind. Banging out a sellable collection of pretty clothes was my goal and I kept the old flavor going way past it’s expiration date.
The I turned 39. The nine years are always trouble for me. I went through two weeks of “What am I doing?”, “How can I change this?”, “I don’t like what I am making.” It was a very moody period. Talking it through, walking it off, thinking, thinking, thinking. I decided I wanted to shake it up. I took all my flowery, ruffle and lace fabrics and dropped them off with one of my suppliers. I exchanged $2000 of fabric for $200 in credit. I felt like I was opening up some space.
Then I thought deeply about what I do best and what we (including me) want to wear. I came to the conclusion that I cannot escape the cozy shirts and stretchy jeans world of today. It’s what I want. It’s what I will offer.
I designed a collection based on high-tech athletic lines, classic sporty tops and new non-figurative details that still evoke the “Katrin Leblond” signature. Below you will find one of 4 tops for this Fall: The baseball top (with thumb-hole cuffs). It has a sleeve line that is raglan at the back and S-curve at the front shoulder all top stitched in ton-on-tone thread. The back panel is a soft double layer of viscose. It comes in 7 colours and retails for $88
The jeans are by yoga jeans and they are fantastic for layering under tops and tunics this Fall because of their zipper-less pull-0up waist line. They come in blue only and retail for $94
The sweater coat is by IVKO. It is 100% lambswool and has a two way zipper. I love the box pleat at the back. You can buy it online here. It retails for $397.
I do have an online store specially devoted to Ivko. You can find the biggest selection of Ivko in North-America in my store (or so my sales-rep says.)
