Posts from ‘Katrin Leblond’
Beach Party at the Boutique Today!
It’s the launch of the KL swimwear line today in the store.
We will officially be hosting a ladies only swimwear party at the store today from 4:00 to 8:00 today.
Come drink cocktails and try on the summer swim wear and dream of the sand and water and sun.
Come check out the new styles.
Katrin’s designs are hands down the most original fashion statements in pret a porter swimwear I have seen yet. I am soooo excited to try these all on.
Howl the call of the cottage in confidence.
Get ready for a high summer of pool side enjoyment and trips to the beach in style.
Yes to feeling good in a bathing suit! Yes to your body just the way it is! Yes to hot days!
Check out this two page colourful spread!
This is a new mag about Montreal and the creative people that fill this city.
Thank you M!
PS: Some of these styles are still available in the boutique.
Top left bending back (Bibi with red tulle $120, Red Pop Cardigan wool $74)
Bottom Left page (Poppy sexy dress XS only $99)
Top Right page (Katharina Dress XS, S, L, XL $149)
Right Page middle with butterfly hair clip (Goddess Dress $220)
Right Page bottom right (Party skirt cotton print $220, Silk Bustier $158)
There are SO many different elements to great style… confidence, comfort, and practicality to name only a few… makeup holding a huge part of how you can finish off an outfit and bring your personality/beauty together.
Now although the weather has been extremely hot (as of yesterday and what looks like today again), color is always welcome in the summer (and paired with KL ensembles… I mean, you gotta keep up with the vivid colors Kat constantly dreams up!).
From a full-blown multicolored eye look to a juicy lip tint in a bright hue, makeup can really add that third dimension to any given outfit!
So don’t be afraid to play with makeup, at the end of the day everything is eraseable and cosmetics are merely another art form…
Enjoy another scorcher!
Slap on some waterproof mascara, peach blush and bright pink gloss for an easy summer look on a day like today 
xox
YEAR 3 as Smirkus costume designer!
This years’ theme was Nature, the seasons, the elements. It was almost to broad a theme to start with. We tried different angles to approach Nature with a narrower filter. We settled on a Nature Rock-opera with a touch of Burning-man and a lot of KL style.
The Winters were purple, like when you see shadows on the snow. We added fun fur and icicle shapes. We put the emphasis on the feet because they are tight-rope walkers.
Here we have one of the Fire girls. This year’s goal was to make as many headpieces as possible. I find a head piece really frames and completes a costume. The fire girls are the contortionists.
Spring and summer expressed in flowers. One day I would love to do a whole show based on the birds and the bees…flowers, insects and foliage.
Autumn-Man, the superhero of leaves. This set of Fall foliage costumes required some hunting for sewable orange leaves. Green fake leaves are easy to come by, but yellows and oranges and reds required some searching. I finally found a supplier specialized in Retail decor. They also sold oversized fake ice cream cones.
Great work Katharina on the embellishments!
Our very Canadian looking lumberjacks. We just couldn’t help ourselves.
And here we have our rock-star unicyclists sporting some very extreme gear. I can’t wait to see these helmets light up under a spotlight. They were made with gem stone studs and a dis-assembled disco ball. Hanna made the power-ranger inspired gear.
These are the costumes for the Water girls. The wavy textures make these my favorite costumes. The girls also had headpieces made with blue hair extensions and purple hand-dyed yarn.
We did it again! This year my costume team consisted of:
Katharina Pitczuk and Hanna Broer (the two blue costumes above)
and Siobhan Martel (who is currently on tour with Smirkus).
Thank you Smirkus!
WE LOVE THESE BECAUSE THEY ARE fabulously embellished and brightly colored fun for your sunny beach times.
This summer is the first ever debut for swimwear in the store. WE have lots of different styles to soak up the sun in.
We love these because they are SKIMPY! Some times, when you are deep in vacation land, and you have had enough time to shed your northern inspired body issues and fears, and the sun keeps calling, and the sand is delicious and warm, - you want to wear a little less. You could, do like some of the locals in your paradise spot probably do – GO Naked! Or, you could slip into one of these playful little numbers. These beachwear pieces are high on style and small on coverage. Tee heee hee ! Have fun! Enjoy the sun!
Miss Sara M discovered these gems for us, in her home land of Columbia, where the swim pieces are lovingly made and embellished by hand. WE love the color combos and three dimensional elements. The bikinis with the leaves have a particular KL flare that fits into the boutique so nicely beside Kat’s own swimwear designs. Wear these mini pieces with some great cover ups like Kat’s flying vest $64 or Patricia Woods Beach Wrap Cardigans $ 115 (available in sheer black and Ivory and Gray). Then add on a fun Pupina beach bag for good measure(available in store for $24 to $36 in variety of bright colors with floral ascents).
Katrin has equally playful options available in store that she designed herself that offer all the fun with more coverage. Katrin Leblond offers her own designs in bikini and very covering tankini versions.
I personally can’t wait for the tankini to hit the shelves. I’m looking forward to going with my daughter to Montreal’s outdoor pools and wading pools and not feeling too shy to get wet and have fun with her.
- this mom and daughter know how to keep cool on summer’s hot days
The Athena dress makes a great beach wear pairing to which ever swim pieces you choose as the dress is actually made of highest quality swim compatible fabric. Put on your dress and high heels, grab a martini and jump in the pool! The fabric is quick drying and light and stays great in water. Kat is THE true goddess of swim and poolside clothing. Many of her Art Skirts and Katrina tanks and mini skirts also make amazing beach or poll side cover ups for over your swimsuit. No doubt you can be the best dressed Pool side Party hostess in your KL ensembles.
I did this embroidery on a vintage $2 bill in my early twenties.
The Queen is very important in hat-wearing society. I learned how to make bibi hats from Pauline Duguay, and the studio has recently released a new batch of bibi creations. I personally love the turquoise butterfly terrarium and the leaf.
Kat
This is about Betsy. She said to me on the phone that she wanted a rainbow wedding dress. I was delighted. Just my kind of project. We talked and I got a sense of her personality and then I took the time to make my first three sketches.
Elements of all three dresses became her dress. We chose her favorite silhouette, neckline and mixed up the embellishments to create the boquet-butterfly-fiesta party dress. The butterflies that I used as sequins on her dress have also been used by Martha Stuart to make this fab rainbow butterfly cake.
I have always been attracted to the myth and meaning of animals. We are so far removed from them in our urban day to day, that when a fox runs across the road in front of me, it is a profound moment. For years now I have been documenting all the animals that I encounter. Surprisingly, this happens without having to drive to the country. In Native folklore the meaning of these chance encounters are called animal medicine.
The Deer is gentleness:
Stop pushing so hard to get others to change, and love them a they are.
Apply gentleness and become like the summer breeze; warm and caring.
The Rabbit is fear:
What you resist will persist. What you fear most will be called to you by worry.
(But today we see rabbits as sweet and cuddly and innocent and edible. )
The Giraffe is the ultimate fashion model animal.
The exoticism of this animal is essential in it’s public perception of today. Seeing a real live giraffe is as unattainable in real life as the perfect body.
Regularly I see a beautiful woman trying on a dress in my change-rooms who sees herself as defective. Her eyes fixate on one spot: her hips, her knees, her shoulders, her tummy, her whatever….and she cannot see the whole picture of who she is anymore. It’s too bad, because the whole picture is a beautiful woman.
The porcupine is innocence.
Don’t get caught in the world of fear, greed, suffering. Let go of seriousness and severity.
Remember fantasy, imagination and COLOR. This will lead you to JOY.
May it be beautiful before me.
May it be beautiful behind me.
May it be beautiful above me.
May it be beautiful below me.
May I walk in beauty.
view from the studio around 7pm
These are some of the sunsets I love. On the beach in Thailand, from the windows of my studio and playing with eyeshadow. I have attached a cheesy video that I love because it was my first introduction to make up as a playful artform using colors.
Kat
It has not even been three months since the KL teams involvement in the Bougez pour Haiti benefit, hosted by Montreal Gazette journalist Sue Montgomery, and already the proceeds have been applied to the Decamuss Business School in Port au Prince! Both the Katrin Leblond Boutique as well as Erin the store’s manager contributed via raffle prizes (a worth of over $500) to make this event a huge success!
New computers have been set up, teachers as well as rent have been paid, and the school’s damages from the horrible earthquake are all in the process of being repaired. The school is officially up-and-running teaching English, computer, and accounting classes. Although the aftershock of the earthquake still remains, students are increasingly enrolling in the schools programs with the dream of finding a suitable job when all is said and done.
Many students are studying there on either half or full scholarships, while few have the means to put themselves through the program themselves. Sues project for the future is student sponsorship – contributing individually to a students future (while they at the same time pay a portion to stay invested in what they are doing). Both Sue as well as Nickel Nicolas (the school’s director) have estimated the price of approximately $250 per person (every course and subject determines different tuition prices), so if you are interested in sponsoring a Haitian student’s studies don’t hesitate!
Contact Sue asap at montgomery.sue@gmail.com
In any case, another Bougez pour Haiti will be taking place this November to raise more funds for this cause. Sue has mentioned that the prizes as well as the event will both be larger scale and just as much dancing fun as the last!
Education is the most important thing we can give Haiti’s future, donate generously!
xox
Sylvie H wears the KL Jolly Dress in white ($139) and Wendy Thomas necklace ($30)
The KL Sylvies (yes – we are lucky enough to have TWO in ONE store) have been enjoying what seems to be an absolutely drop dead gorgeous retreat to the Santa Maria del Sol yoga center in the South of Italy, Puglia!
Of course they packed along their beautiful KL wardrobes and are vacationing in true style… enjoy some of the photo’s they sent us from various locations!
Sylvie G wears the Hanna Broer Venus Tunic ($78)
Sylvie H sports her KL Leggings (normally $85 and now on sale for $65)!!!!
Sylvie H in her Katharina Deluxe Dress ($149)
Sylvie H total rocks the Sexy Dress ($99)
Sylvie H (left) wears her Paris Cami ($75)
Stay tuned! More travel pics of their exciting Italian adventure to come!!!
Happy Tuesday!
xox
The Katrin Leblond team welcomes you to the Montreal 2010 Formula 1 race weekend! Amongst all the hype and commotion we invite you to discover our wonderland for a little “break” from both the crowd and the parties!
Step into our world of color, creation and imagination… you will find the perfect ensemble to stand out from the crowd and allow your personality to shine!
Come visit us and allow yourself the souvenir of a great race weekend alongside a beautifully hand made Montreal wardrobe!
xox
Happy Monday Morning lovelies! I hope your weekend was great and you all made the very most of the rainy/cold weather… snuggling up with a good book, cozying up to a hot cup of tea or/and making a beautiful homemade dinner with the people you love
Sometimes though, the weekend just doesn’t feel like quite enough escapism… sometimes, come Monday, you still feel the overwhelming desire to stay those extra few minutes in your bed… or crank the shower water temperature up a notch…
Sometimes, you’ve got to allow your body the time to adjust to shifting back into “work mode”… and sometimes your meal ticket to avoiding reality for a little while longer is allowing yourself a few extra indulgences 
This is what life is all about after all is it not?
Allowing the simple things to become the things you desire the most… the comfort and satisfaction of enjoying something perhaps a little longer than you should have…
I leave you with the beautiful artwork of Randi Antonsen… a true visual getaway for the start to anyone’s week! Her paintings remind me so much of all the texture and color (not to mention nature theme) that defines Katrin’s work.
Enjoy!
xox
Summer is officially here and when it’s hot out, the last thing you want is long hair sticking to you and making you even hotter!!! Put that pony up in style, decorate your hair with roses, daisies and crazy dreads (from the KL Boutiques hair adorning superstar Alison)… make your hairstyles fun and interesting!!!
Notice Katharina and Hanna in the above collage? A little sneak peek of the Circus Smirkus costumes that are currently in production
Check out this cool hair tutorial to get a quick pin-up style (you can also put hair up in a ponytail for this look) with all the flower adornments you love
Enjoy!
xox
A special thank you to M Magazine, a division of La Presse, for the complimentary feature on the boutique and Katrin’s designs!
Be sure to check out the Magazine online for more great fashion blurbs
xox
Madeleine Turgeon is an award winning artistic expressionist. Taking inspiration from the natural world all around her and injecting her oil paintings with beautiful and expressive colors, it is no wonder her eye for beauty is the perfect compliment to the Katrin Leblond boutique and collections. Displayed on the walls of our St. Laurent store (and nationally in both private and public collections), Turgeon’s paintings will reach out and grab your attention while sifting through our racks upon racks of fashion goodies … all pieces are for sale, so if one catches your heart and doesn’t let go you can bring it home with you!
Boutique Newsflash:
- Jaclyn Murray Ebb and Flow purses on sale 50% off. KL leggings on discount reg $ 85 now $65. Polk a dot Cardigan on sale reg.$74 now $49.
- Lili Bordelic will be playing at Dix Onze Sunday May 30th (tomorrow) 2010 on Saint Denis 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Come by the boutique Sunday between 2:00pm and 6:00pm and wish Katrin a Happy Birthday Month!
xox
Alright everyone… it’s the moment you’ve all been waiting for… the Athena dresses are OFFICIALLY in-store! This runway highlight (and equally talked-about statement piece amongst Montreal Fashion Week attendees), will absolutely be flying off the racks with the beautiful weather we have been having as of late! Priced at $325 in an abundance of fresh and classic colors (turquoise, black, fuschia and grey) and in sizes XS to XL…wait too long and they will be gone – you have been warned!!!
Gorgeous draped jersey cotton embellished with hand appliqued frills makes for an all around amazing summer look. Wear it casually poolside, dress it up for a special event or rock it on an urban level with a funky/flirtatious handbag and wedges! This dress will take you high and low and become your new best friend .
I just know this will be the next signature KL dress… this one is history in the making (and you can hold me to it)!
xox
Jamie Brock, one of my favorite KL boutique designers has just recently gotten back from Costa Rica where she lives part-time when not designing fabulous eco-friendly fashions here in Montreal . Welcome home Jamie!
Jamie’s line Advika focuses on creating comfortable, fashion forward pieces entirely made from textiles such as soy, hemp, organic cotton and bamboo. Pretty cool, huh!?! She was kind enough to make me one of her incredible dresses (that I am completely obsessed with might I add), and I can’t get over it’s amazing versatility!
Above, Jamie sports one of her Advika creations in black (also available in-store in deep purple and lavender in sizes small through large).
Jamie’s sister Jen created and designed this gorgeous mosaic shower for their Costa Rica getaway home…
They also have a goat that they milk themselves that likes to hang out
If you love far away fashions, be sure to head to the KL Boutique to check out Katrin’s personal collection of hand-picked scarves she brought back from Thailand! They are selling for only $8!!! Can you believe?!?! There is a rainbow array that make perfect headbands, neckties and purse charms, so snap these babies up while they are still around.
Enjoy the beautiful summer day (hopefully by a pool)!
xox
So admittedly this is a late birthday wish to the divine, amazing, colorful and unique goddess of a birthday girl… but
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KATRIN!!!
I speak on behalf of all your Montreal fans when I say that I wish you the most glorious year to come filled to the brim with inspiration, love, wealth, health, intrigue and surprise!
Keep on inspiring, spreading the love into multiple people’s lives and spreading your infectious positivity – it is people like you who make the world a better place (we need more of you)!!!!
And to all the regular readers of this blog I apologize for the lack/irregularity of posts as of late – my computer was attacked by viruses and had to be taken into the shop for a good cleanup! All cleared and ready for more action now!
Back to regular scheduling!
Enjoy the sunshine of yet another beautiful blessed day and be sure to send Katrin some birthday love via facebook or twitter! Birthday’s don’t just last one day in KL land… they last (minimum) a week… so shower her with LOVE!!!
The beautiful Tiffany’s stained glass exposition just ended at the Musee des Beaux Arts downtown early on this month. The beautiful work of Mr. Louis C. Tiffany in the form of lamps, window fixtures, mosaics and fire screens were all on display for the public to see and fall in absolute love with.
While I didn’t get the opportunity to visit while this exhibit was on, I did get a chance to admire the beautiful stained glass fixture in the KL boutique…
… done by Kat’s dad Pierre Leblond!
So no need to be sad for missing out on the fun… the boutiques beautiful stained glass display is always open (and the best part – no admission!)
xox
Congrats Kat on being included in the top ten best Montreal designers!!! We are all SO proud of you!!!
Special thank you and shout out to all the LOVELY people who voted – WE LOVE YOU!!!
What a great way to start the weekend
xox
There is nothing more uplifting on a rainy day than a a colorful and positively happy umbrella (and matching rain boots if you can find)! It is an accessory so powerful it can alter miserable moods to elation (take my word for it – I can’t get enough of mine)!
As the weather has been all over the place here in the 514, here are some of the in-shop picks we have to choose from for our next (sure to be) rain day (here’s hoping not snow day!!!).
Go crazy with florals, butterflies, ladybirds, polka dots and frills!
You’ll see you won’t stop at using them for the rain… they make for great beach/picnic shade, keeping your hair picture perfect in a snowstorm and maybe if you are prone to a little magic you may just be able to get around town Mary Poppins style
Just kidding!!! Unless of course you actually can…
xox
Happy Day!
Although Mother’s day may be said and done… this is just a friendly reminder that one day can not possibly hold all of the love and appreciation that every single mother on this planet deserves. Why wait for special occasions to celebrate the woman who fed, raised and birthed you (not to mention CREATED you) when you can show a little bit of love every day?
(Katrin above with her kitty child)
I want to take this opportunity on behalf of Katrin and the team to point out the amazingly positive influence Kat’s mom, Barb, has been in her life. Now I don’t know much about their relationship, but it is evident from an outsider’s perspective that the bond they hold is something very, very special. Kat’s mom also helps out in the boutique every weekend, and for that the whole team appreciates and thanks her for her dedication and generosity.
Happy mother’s day from the whole team Barb – You are very loved!
To all the ladies with children… and to all the ladies without… the maternal instinct can be so strong from within us females, that children or not, we have all been the momma bear at some point in our lives!
Every lady deserves to celebrate for deeds previously/continuously done!
Never take the ladies in your life for granted, life is too short for the people you love to not know how much they mean to you. Spoil your mom with flowers for no reason, call up your best friend and ask her how her day was… be a shoulder someone can lean on. Value the beauty the people around you possess!
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY EVERY DAY!
xox
So this last weekends Design Montreal Open House was quite the success at the KL studio! Rushes of crowds, lots of kiddo’s, familiar faces and the lovely KL team inviting everyone in and explaining how the design process works!
Kat had also just gotten back from Thailand the night before! Amazing that the time difference didn’t seem to effect her optimistic and energetic energy . Welcome home lady!
Hanna stationed herself just outside the studio doors in front of the elevators and offered live demonstrations as to how the boutique’s signature Scarfettes are made… the best part? Visitors got to choose a fabric scrap and watch it transform before their eyes into a wearable accessory – for keeps!
All smiles this girl!
The KL team put wanderers to the textile test…
… and of course the studio was completely adorned with beautiful KL boutique favorites… umbrellas and tulle suspended from the ceiling, patterns on the wall, fabrics and handmade shoes propped on the window ledge…
Guests were invited to enter the inspiration process by viewing Katrin’s personal scrapbooks and favorite visual reads
All of the studio’s work tools were listed and presented on the draft table…
… and even a super duper adorable cupcake pincushion made an appearance!
Katrin printed out a whole lot of inspiration pics from her trip abroad… these are just teasers… beautiful textures, colors and designs were all tacked up on the bulletin board *yum*!
And some of the gorgeous guests!
Katharina gives the inside scoop…
… and Hanna entertains the young ‘uns!
This was an awesome event and it was so nice to see so many Montrealers jumping head first into the world of design!
Have a beautiful start to the week!
xox
Inspiration does not seem to be hard to come by in Thailand… in fact, there seems to be quite an abundance of natural beauty and beautiful florals to choose from! Here are some more pictures of Katrin’s ventures and inspirations from her trip… flowers in water, and flowers made of food! Gorgeous!
Have a beautiful day!
xox
Although she may be on vacation, Katrin seems to be expanding her creative realm with a fruit carving class!
Gorgeous imagery we all hope will somehow get incorporated into her fashion (fingers crossed)…
This just blows my mind… how on earth do you get it so perfect?!? I can hardly carve triangle eyes into a pumpkin… let alone etch a bouquet into a papaya!!! Amazing!
Best part is that Kat looks happy, radiant, rested and beautiful
xox
Katrin sent me these beautiful pictures this morning (fresh from Thailand) of some of the mini temples that are scattered everywhere – holding offerings of food and water to the gods – gorgeous! Beautiful colors and adornments . Enjoy!
More pictures to come of Katrin’s trip within the next few days… stay tuned
xox
I stumbled upon these gorgeous little girl images while surfing the web and just one glance triggered my digital hoarding addiction… I mean really, who can resist tutu’s on toddlers?
Beyond the cuteness though, I could not get over how KL these little ladies are… flowers in their hair, bright colored tutus and the dreamy look like they are tiny little fairies sitting on top of a mushroom in an enchanted forest. I especially love the pictures where they are playing outside barefoot… gorgeous flower babies .
I guess above all, it was really a reminder that even though some things in life may change, there are many things that will always remain the same. Our inner spirit of youth and imagination (to be exercised regularly)!
Crinolines by far are a dreamers ideal… light, magical and possibly the most feminine item on earth. Wear it under a summer dress, evening gown or your favorite skirt… relive your love for all things ballerina and glamor and you will soon consider this piece a wardrobe staple!
… you see… history does repeat itself…
Check out the fun assortment of colors and lengths in boutique!
xox
Home is truly where the heart is. Katrin’s apartment is a wonderland if you ever saw one with trinkets and goddesses at every corner. A place where nature meets nurture with an almost forest-like collection of plants, various Madonna statues and kitties galore!
A homey mix of handmade crafts and personality touches… butterflies on picture frames, kitchen-side ponds, all the KL bedding and pillow covers you could dream up, an elevated bathtub that overlooks the rest of the apartment… and major injections of love into the details all around!
These goddess lamps are awesome! Katrin also has one in her bathroom
Katrin enjoys an afternoon snack in her loft-style open kitchen.
Katrin and her husband Mike’s beautiful gallery of family portraits… some gorgeous black and white vintage looking ones really stand out – and the butterflies *oh my*… I loves!!!
Katrin’s makeup vanity (that she made herself – can you believe?!?)! If you haven’t already, check out the post I did about Katrin on the Nightlife Beauty Junkie Blog and get filled in on her makeup must-haves!
Protectress lady figures in the corner of her bedroom
Possibly the most adorable shower cap in all of the land… so fifties and bonnet-like!
Make your home a place of comfort and security… a place where deep relaxation conquers all after a long day out in the city and where relationships blossom and flourish. Adorn and create a place you love to be (you’d be amazed at how radically this can change your lifestyle and make you more of a homebody) instead of escaping elsewhere for your creature comforts.
Check out the KL boutique for duvets, pillowcases, shawls and artwork to really jazz up your living space
xox
Just an exciting little reminder and tidbit to look forward to… Katrin and the team will be once again producing the costumes for the Vermont based Circus Smirkus!!! The KL collaboration is becoming something of a tradition and I can’t wait to hear what themes and characters the team has dreamt up for us this year!
I remember rat costumes, robots, Cinderella’s and Hansel and Gretels… so diverse every year!
Always a lot of fun, keep your eyes peeled on the KL blog during the month of May for all things fantastically dramatically circus!!!
Have a beautiful weekend and be sure to check out Katrin lookin’ beautiful on the Nightlife Magazine beauty blog!
xox
Visit the Official Site!
