MERDE Feature: Montreal Vintage
- The first digital vintage highlight,
Many more to Come-
MERDE steps out from behind the printed page and onto the pavement to discover vintage and thrift shops around the world. We aim to expand our platform to include even more like-minded businesses that stray from quick consumption in order to embrace a more intentional relationship to fashion. We start our journey of vintage and thrift shop features in the chilly city of Montreal, Canada. While not associated with a rich history of high fashion, despite the presence of the niche designer platform headquarters SSense, Quebecers certainly rely on the fundamental purposes clothing play in their everyday lives. Much to our (pleasant) surprise, underneath all those down layers, Montreal harbors a diverse number of vintage boutiques ranging from high end upscale retail to old school t-shirt and sweatshirt haven.
Here are a few of our favorite finds:
NUAGE
A collaborative effort between four vintage collectors and friends the ‘collectif vintage’ is the cutest shop in Le Plateau Mont-Royal with a pastel pink exterior to match. Curated by @preciousfindsmontreal, @wearwtvyouwant, @bois_et_emeraude and @lafarle_vintage with clothing and special objects from funky martini glasses to marvelous cowboy boots in mint condition. The two-story shop has a young and fun atmosphere - don’t miss their delicate selection of vintage lingerie and sleepwear on the bottom floor!
SECONDE
Immediately upon entering Seconde, before the clothes even enter your eye line, you are entranced by a stunning interior including a giant yet inviting bulbous shaped white laquer checkout counter. Racks are thoughtfully aligned to create an exhibition-like shopping experience. Winding your way through carefully curated sets of clothing, each rack is like a mini multi-brand collection of special archival pieces that lead you to the back of the store where spacious dressing rooms are accompanied by an elevated selection of home decor. With approachable price points and kind staff, this masterpiece of a store is an essential destination for any vintage collector.
MARCHÉ FLOH
The home base for millennials seeking old school streetwear swag, Marché Floh Market features more than 20 resellers in a giant space located in the Le Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood. Sneakerheads will be pleased by the curated selection of Nikes and New Balance. The multi-level store is neatly stocked from floor to ceiling with tees and sweats galore, allowing for a leisurely shopping experience unlike it’s common kilo shop competitors. Americans beware of steep prices on old university tees, but the trusty CAD conversion soothes any qualms about investing in a nostalgic garment that transcends the decade of its origin.
RUSE
Ruse boutique is upscale resale at its finest - the high end shop in the Mile End has countless Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Fendi & Prada - and Kreyshawn would melt at the prices. While their website is bangin’, nothing beats touching a perfectly preserved pair of Manolos IRL. Ruse is a testament to the durable nature of high quality luxury fashion and is a prime example of dedication towards minimizing the detrimental effects the fashion industry has on our environment by extending the life cycle of our clothes. Ruse is an extremely classy contributor towards positive change, and it’s only fitting it’s on St. Laurent Boulevard.
ANNEX
Another gem in the Mile End, Annex Vintage welcomes you with a vast selection of funky shaped candles and holders to mix and match. The vintage selection attracts you to the back of the store, past a huge selection of Baggu merch and hand-crafted jewelry and totes to well-kept racks situated in square for optimal sifting. If there’s one thing Montreal has down, it’s a well-kept vintage rack - rare to many seasoned hunters. The extensive array of knits is a heartwarming prompt to ditch your fast fashion poly and replace your closet with pre-loved cotton and wool pieces.
CITIZEN VINTAGE
For fans of the kitsch and colorful, Citizen Vintage features a limited selection of clothing tucked in the rear of the store following a vast selection of quirky locally sourced home goods and accessories. The highlight of the shop is definitely their vibrant hand-crafted window display - props to their visual merchandising on their next level painted card-board cut out construction. The store is any tik-tokers heaven seeking trendy gifts and nick knacks for their fellow Gen Z pals.
