Posts from ‘Katrin Leblond’
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.
Relaxing by the water ? My dear friend, those butterflies look fabulous on you.
Hiking barefoot ? Look at us twirling together in the wind !
Dancing the night away ? Babe, let me show you my moves.
Find your summertime partner in crime. FIESTA dress, you are my numero uno.
Introducing the FIESTA dress, a work of love and dedication on the part of the whole team here at Katrin Leblond design. Not too tight, not too loose, beach, wedding, music festival. A one of a kind dress that will take you everywhere.
The dress has adjustable spaghetti straps crossing at the back. The decolté is trimmed with a playful burst of color, a signature Katrin Leblond double-ruffle; in-house we fondly refer to it as a ‘frou’. The dress is slimming under the bust, flaring out loosely over the hips. The hem is trimmed with a combination ruffle.
In total, there are seven colors. The butterfly, florentina and tapestry prints are limited edition fabrics of a high quality and pill-free polyester. Katrin illustrates with acrylic inks, pastels and digital tools and is inspired by the unfolding of nature. All of her prints are produced locally in Montreal, Canada.
Here is the gang of girls. They are all wearing their favorite fiesta dress. Well, almost. One is wearing our “Robe Estivale”. Can you guess who that may be ?
All the dresses are available online or in store.
Larger chests, curvy bodies and floating through the flower market. Here at Katrin Leblond Design we have many dresses that will do the trick. We’ve tried on six of them for you. They are a splashy blend of our in house production as well as designs from Ivko and Christine Lelievre that will make flaunting your favorite colors easy. They are all available in-store and online.
1. Floral Heart Dress
Floral heart dress is a vintage inspired dress that will bring out your voluptuous curves. Christiane Lelievre designs are particularly suited for larger busts; the straps are wide and the sweetheart neckline is delightfully suggestive.
Photo: Floral Heart dress, Katrin Leblond Design
2. Apple Blossoms
Katrin Leblond’s most recent collaboration with Christiane Lelievre is the result of a chance encounter while shopping for flowers…well, the kind you might find in a textile warehouse, that is. For this dress, Apple Blossoms, the pair chose an eye-catching and stretchy bright blue fabric with flamboyant orange, white and pink blossoms.
Photo: Apple Blossom dress (Christin Lelievre), Katrin Leblond Design
3. Ivko Peace dress
Can larger busts be at peace with a higher neckline? While most generic fashion articles would say no, this Peace dress says “why not ” ? In any case, its hard to resist a dress with such colorful and expressive embroidery.
Photo: Peace dress (Ivko), Katrin Leblond Design
3. Fairy dress (Katrin Leblond)
And here is the fairy dress. Imagine yourself, a warm Sunday afternoon fluttering among the hanging flower baskets, being beautiful.
Photo: Red Fairy dress, Katrin Leblond Design
5. Navy blue tile dress (Ivko)
This Navy blue tile dress is a comfortable and elegant choice for market day. It is 100% cotton knit with celtic knots and climbing vines on each side of the bodice. It suites large and small bust sizes alike and as with many other Ivko dresses, it is knit with jacquard motifs on both the front and the back.
Photo: Navy Tile dress (Ivko), Katrin Leblond Design
6. Bird on a wire T and Cosmic skirt (Katrin Leblond)
We have a lot of great outfits to sing about. And yes, just like these birds, we are tooting our own horn. This T-shirt is in honor of Montreal’s own Leonard Cohen. Also picture is the high waisted Cosmic skirt, made with 100% Dutch cotton, a very high quality fabric. 
Photo: Bird on a wire t-shirt and Cosmic skirt, Katrin Leblond Design
Bird on a wire T-shirt is available in-store only.
Models: Claire Gérin-Lajoie and Emma Bootman
We love. We love. We love
We choose love instead of fear. We choose to be brave. We choose to make art. We choose to make change. We choose to connect. We choose to lift each other up. We choose to learn more. We choose to do new things. We choose to play. We choose to laugh. We choose to manifest awesomeness. We choose to try new things. We are the artists, the makers, the revolutionaries, the healers, the witches, the feminists.
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.
Katrin is renowned for her artfully embellished dresses and jackets, as well as for her brilliant twists on standard cuts. Katrin’s collections combine discipline and detail with whimsy and vitality. Her works are inspired by trends yet outside them, and don’t go out of fashion.
Katrin is committed to ethical practice in fashion design and manufacturing. Each of Katrin’s original pieces is cut and sewn in her Montreal studio. All her materials are locally sourced, from fabrics down to thread and zipper—all produced by local workers in Montreal’s vibrant fashion sector, and requiring less fossil fuel for transport. Katrin’s works prove just how dazzling ethical fashion can be.
Show here the back of the Faces Optical Illusion Dress
Shown here the Garden Zip Up Jacket
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.
First let me say thank you!
Thank you for the life I live as a creative entrepreneur. Thank you to the artists and designers I have collaborated with to illustrate these prints, manifest these classic-cut patterns and sew this high quality swimwear. I am grateful that I get to make and print my designs on locally made textiles in a city that still supports all levels of the textile industry. This creative, yet industrial production circle all takes place within a 10k radius of my store.
This is the goddess one-piece swimsuit. It is fully lined and available in XS-XXL
This is the goddess bikini, a classic cut with decent support, fully lined and available in XS-XL
This is the duffle bag made from fast-drying poly-canvas. Perfect for yoga/sport/beach/snorkeling gear.
This is the swim/sport set. Perfect for the life of an active person who needs one thing for everything. The sports bra combines well with the leggings as well. Fully lined and available in XS-XL
Credit due:
Artists who painted with me: Iris Glaser (black floral) and Emily Rose Michaud (space)
Graphic Design: Iris Glaser
Textile Printing: Beaufab/Emmis
Studio Team: Bernard, Patti, Annick
Production team: Patti, Annick, Caroline
Made from authentic Dutch wax prints by Vlisco Holland, this skirt is a piece of art. Planets and Space adorn the front and the back in white, purple and beige. It is meant to be worn high at the waist and there are two button options on the waistband. With deep pockets on either side, this skirt is both pretty and highly functional. It is trimmed in brown mesh.
Cosmic Skirt by Katrin Leblond
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 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.
Katrin Leblond’s new collection – Nouvelle Collection
VICTORIA
for girls 2-9 years old – pour fillette de 2 a 9 ans
Launch Party – Party de lancement
Saturday June 4 11am-5pm – Samedi 4 Juin de 11h-17h
4647 St-Laurent blvd.
Face painting all day – Painture sur visage toute la journee
Every now and then I let myself get carried away with some unreasonable project that will take far too long to execute and that is when we make art here in the studio. A few examples are here for you to see (and click on if you want to purchase). The cat skirt is a second edition and comes in a black or charcoal ground. The influence was a pop art. The mermaid skirt is the vision of our current intern Emma Bootman. She has a great artistic eye.
Enough of the boring, overpriced brunches. Order copies of Color Her for May 8, and treat your mom to hours of meditative fun. Enjoy a 20% discount with promo code “MOMLOVE”. Place your order by May 1st to ensure delivery by Mother’s Day.
Let her imagination fly as she creates strong female combinations – perhaps a farm girl with a mermaid tail. Or a multi-tasking goddess riding a skateboard. She doesn’t even have to stay within the lines.
You may have noticed yourself that coloring is akin to meditation. It has been shown to help with dementia, anxiety, depression and PTSD. And heck, it’s just fun. We moms can always use more of that.
Order yours today for the mom, daughter, sister, raging granny, aunt, wife, partner, girlfriend, baby mama, student, teacher, or special amiga you admire. And watch the relaxation set in.
also available on Amazon.com and Amazon.ca
Studio Sale – Vente dAtelier
Katrin Leblond Design
11-12-13-14 Mars, de 12-18h
4647 St-Laurent, Montreal
Studio Sale Day 1 is today.
Store only opens the front door at 12noon today. Open until 8pm.
Mega liquidation of old inventory up to -70%. Tops for $30. Also, take a peek at our newest creations from Spring Collection 2016!
Vente dAtelier
Il y a assez pour tout le monde. Nous avons beaucoup de marchandises et tout doit partir! Portez vos plus beaux sous-vêtements et venez essayer de jolis vêtements de marques à prix de liquidation fous. Amenez vos amies, vos mamans, vos filles! Soutenez les entreprises québécoises en magasinant local. Sentez-vous belle et recevez beaucoup de compliments!
Boutique Katrin Leblond 4647 St-Laurent, Montreal, 514-678-9616
So I looked around my store one day and realized I had nothing with my classic storybook embellishments on them. So I took the plunge into some ideas I had been dreaming of. Here is the resulting production.
It may be the deepest of winter outside, but in the studio, and therefor my mind, it is all about Spring.
Here is a peek at things to come and the process of making them in my studio.
Sale time. With new things on their way, I am feeling very motivated to clear out the old inventory. I have just posted many styles on sale in the online store at www.katrinleblond.com. I even put the Ivko on sale, though I usually don’t until much later in the sale season, but there wasn’t much, so I thought why not.
New headpieces made after returning from an inspiration trip to Mexico. The land of colour!
Here is a swatch of Ivko knits coming soon.
ethical, natural, local and beautiful. shop online now.
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.
Never stop being creative!
This is my newest art project; a collaboration with graphic designer Iris Glaser. We were inspired by a window display we painted in my store in December of fairies, Fridas and fashionistas. (see pictures here) A few months later we spent some time on the idea of a colouring book for girls and women that would reflect our current experience of art and feminism. Mix and match was the perfect way to express our varied selves, ever changing and all ages. Drawing from the comtemporary and the mythological, we created 12 plates that were fun and empowering images. We chose cardstock so that the book can be used with watercolours as well as markers. Making sure every head, torso and legs were equally fun and different, we made sure not to include stereotypical professions or princesses. No princesses at all! Believing we need to actively choose the images we surround ourselves with, our ladies show a diversity in their expression of femininity.
Here is my daughter Victoria working on her first mix. She calls this one the ladybug girl. She really loves the hair and the robot girl legs.
Iris painted this spectacular mermaid singer.
Today I feel like this spunky multi-tasking fairy mom. I would never wear those shoes, but in my imagination I do.
The book is available for purchase online and in my boutique.
