atelier b. is a new breed of workshop/boutique; a beautiful industrial space reimagined with the support of the historic previous owners to make a home for modern, chic, eco, indie, local design. I'm excited about the clothes and outlook at this bright new light on St Laurent, so when the ladies of Citizen Vintage suggested atelier b. for this little interview series we've got going here, I jumped at the opportunity to have the designers and proprietors introduce themselves and answer a few of my favorite questions...

"We are Catherine Métivier and Anne-Marie Laflamme, designers for the young label atelier b. Our line of casual clothing for men and women is produced here in Montréal, with sustainable textiles. We are inspired by industrial design and production. Each of our designs is simple and minimalist. We focus on quality, and hope our collections pass the test of time. We enjoy mixing references from the 50's and 60's with new technology to create new feelings.

We recently opened our own atelier-boutique in the Mile-End, in the old Maple Leaf Hat and Cap factory, which has been a textile industry institution since the fifties. We were committed to adding to the history of this workshop, paying homage to its heritage. We collaborated with the SURFACE3 team to develop a concept for the space. The industrial-style boutique, which has been integrated into the workshop space, was ethically designed, as is each item of atelier b.'s collections."

So... what's new chez vous?

"We just released our spring collection, SECRET SAFE, which presents minimalist pieces with angular lines. Inspired by childhood hiding places, the designs incorporate little corners and folds where you or your treasures can hide. Cool colours combined with bold, vibrant accents soften and bring life to the natural materials, which include certified organic cotton, linen and lyocell. Each garment is comfortable and accessible, and reflects a thought-out simplicity with careful attention to each detail.

We collaborated for the images with photographer Maxyme G. Delisle, and it has been a wonderful experience. The photos have been taken in our new space just before the unveiling, and we were proud to feature our custom furniture as well as old machines from the Maple Leaf Company, all in harmony."

For a local love bonus, I asked Catherine and Anne-Marie about their most memorable recent Montreal meal and shopping experiences:

Meal?: "Our friend Jean Paul Corbeil, who lived in Japan for a few years and fluently speaks Japanese, brought us to Azuma, corner of St-Laurent and Maguire. We had a few meals and they were all so delicious..."

Shopping?: "La (found)erie and Citizen Vintage are our favourite shops near our workshop. We enjoy mixing vintage pieces with our own line; it is such a perfect mix. Plus the shops owners are lovely; it makes the experience enjoyable!"

Since the cool boutique owners I've interviewed so far have been enthusiastic about suggesting other shops I added a new tag-you're-it question: Who else would you like to see featured?

"Charlotte Hosten! She just opened her own atelier-boutique around the corner on Bernard!"

Photos are by Maxyme G. Delisle, assisted by Clara Palardy. Hair and make-up by Sophie Mackenzie Haig. Models: Kimberly Laferriere and Andrew Gordon Macpherson.

What's New Chez Vous is an interview series by Risa Dickens, Yelp Montreal Community Manager and co-founder of Indyish.com. Each column will spotlight new fashions, styles and trends in town and the places local boutique owners love. If you'd like to see your shop/designs featured here, reach out and touch at risa@midnightpoutine.ca