location:24 Pine Ave. East
phone number:514.907.2482
hours of operation: Mon-Weds 12-6, Thurs-Fri 12-9, Sat 12-7, Sun 12-5
payment methods: Directions:

Having moved from their previous loft-like space next to El Corridor on St-Laurent, Le Marche Mtl has found a cozy home on Pine just off the Main. The new, intimate location is much more in tune with the store’s treasure trove vibe, as well as its commitment to selling only new and small-time labels.

The Marche’s owners, themselves young designers, have clearly realized their vision: a friendly boutique space for young creative talent to showcase their pieces alongside a well-edited collection of vintage and quaint-glam décor. The store feels like the hub of a small fashion community, one which is welcoming rather than exclusive. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and extras like monthly coupon sheets for the coming year and the constant scent of butter cream frosting don’t hurt either.

Of course, fledgling designers can not live on buttons and thread alone, so their clothing doesn’t always come cheap. Prices for the lovely and unique dresses often range from $100-$200, though there are occasional sales which do bring the costs down considerably. Every summery confection - from silk-blend paisley jumpers to yellow eyelet tank dresses to exquisitely delicate ivory crocheted shifts (with matching slips, natch) - is well worth its price tag . . . to know that you’re the only girl in town rocking that look. At the lower end, about $50 will get you a pretty, though admittedly somewhat ubiquitous silk-screened t-shirt or tank top, most of which cover the familiar territory of birds and/or skulls.

The lone rack of vintage clothes is meticulously selected, and priced mostly from $50-$150. It is even arranged by colour, a detail one should never fail to appreciate. The vintage shoe collection lines the perimeter of the store, in enough colours to coordinate with any outfit. The handmade jewelry, mostly by Peekaboo Wilcox, is priced between $10 for chunky plastic bangles and $100 for the heavy gold chains with intricate pendants. Then there are sunglasses, vintage leather handbags, printed leggings (my favourite being the hot pink with white fleurs de lys), and bright elastic belts with broaches and swatches of gold snakeskin. It would make any fashion lover’s head spin. In all, the store reminds us that making a little extra effort to seek out singular design is its own reward.
Laura Snelgrove