2022 - Page 4 of 5 - LUXE MAGAZINE - Real Estate | Design

Carl Rémillard-Fontaine, Profusion Immobilier

With over 18 years’ experience, Carl Rémillard-Fontaine is one of the top-performing realtors in the Greater Montreal Area. He has devoted the last ten of his 18 years as a realtor to Profusion Immobilier—a leader in luxury real estate in the province of Quebec and member of the Leading Real Estate Companies of the World. Rémillard-Fontaine attributes his success to a passion for the industry. “I love what I do, and I’ve become great at it.” His clients agree: Rémillard-Fontaine holds the rare honour of having accompanied three generations of the same family through their individual transactions. Rémillard-Fontaine sits down with LUXE to share his insights on the advantages of living in two of the GMA’s most sought-after areas.

‘CARL KNOWS’ is your tongue-in-cheek slogan. How did it come to represent your business?

During a meeting with my marketing strategist, who also happens to be a former client, we were discussing my understanding of the luxury real-estate landscape. Suddenly, he yelled out, “Carl Knows!”. We laughed about it at the time, but what began as a lighthearted remark turned into a catchphrase that sums up my experience really well. I know my market, I know my clients, and they can trust me to be attuned to their wants, even when they are unsure of what they are looking for.

Which sectors do you serve the most?

I mainly serve buyers and sellers in Westmount and in Nuns’ Island, where I lived for 15 years. I got to know Westmount working at a local agency early in my career. Having experienced work and life in these two distinct areas allows me to match my clients not only to their dream property, but to their desired lifestyle.

What does Nuns’ Island have to offer potential buyers?

Nuns’ Island is a fantastic choice for people looking for a quiet life just seven minutes by car from downtown Montreal. Young families can enjoy all the advantages of a large yard and quiet suburban streets, while retired couples have the opportunity to downsize without sacrificing comfort and amenities. Away from the concrete jungle, residents of Nuns’ Island can enjoy nature on leisurely strolls or bike rides along the Saint Lawrence River. It’s a beautiful neighbourhood.

Living in Westmount is still very trendy. Why do you think that is?

With downtown just a few blocks away, proximity to stunning green parks and access to some of the best anglophone schools in Montreal, Westmount living is all about convenience. Every area of Westmount, from Greene Avenue and Victoria Village in the flats, to higher up on the hill, has its own unique neighbourhood feel with restaurants, shopping and services close by.

What is one attribute that clients seek out when choosing a luxury real-estate broker?

Discretion is key. At Profusion Immobilier, we have the privilege of working with very high-profile clients including politicians, prominent business leaders and public figures. We have the utmost respect for our clients’ privacy, and under no circumstance will we ever disclosed the names or identifying information of the people we work with. My clients are at ease knowing their interests are protected, allowing us to build a mutually beneficial relationship.

www.profusion.global

Text: Jennifer Laoun-Rubenstein

Mathieu Jobin, General Director and Partner at Devimco Immobilier Inc.

Mathieu Jobin, a lawyer by profession, began his career in private practice in Quebec City. He represented several financial institutions and real estate developers before joining Devimco Immobilier in 2003 as Director of the Legal Department. He has been General Director and Partner since 2012. He contributed to the development of several mega centres in the Quebec City, Laval and Bromont regions and was one of the key players in developing the Quartier DIX30 project in Brossard and the District Griffin project in Griffintown just outside of downtown Montreal.

What motivated you to get into real estate development?

Being a real estate developer means always being in problem-solving mode to improve the area and create value for communities, the city and investors. You also have to be innovative, especially when it comes to complex mixed projects, such as those of Devimco Immobilier. I really enjoy both of those aspects.

Devimco Immobilier specializes in developing multipurpose complexes in urban areas. Why?

Central neighbourhoods are intended for various clienteles including residents, people who come to work during the day and businesses. People have fun, work, sleep and go out within a single perimeter. A developer like Devimco Immobilier can allow all these people to coexist in a harmonious living environment. Of course, this means overcoming many challenges. Devimco Immobilier is a pioneer in the construction of multipurpose buildings, particularly around Griffintown. We are doing similar work with projects such as Square Children’s, which combines commercial, institutional and residential projects, and Solar Uniquartier on the South Shore, which combines hotels, retirement homes, offices, condos, rental apartments and businesses. These types of mixed projects require a great deal of thought in order to offer a friendly living environment to groups with various needs, schedules and concerns. It’s exciting.

“Devimco Immobilier is a pioneer in the construction of multipurpose buildings.”

Mathieu Jobin, General Director and Partner at Devimco Immobilier

How do you see the residential real estate market in Montreal in the short and medium term?

The market is excellent. Condos and rental apartments, our two main segments, show steady demand. Our market analysts, who work for leading national firms, don’t foresee a slowdown in the short to medium term. Apart from land prices, downtown Montreal isn’t experiencing inflation like Toronto and Vancouver. Instead of thinning out, it’s repopulating.

What services and facilities are buyers looking for?

Over the past four years, the amount of space we have to devote to common areas has increased significantly. People are looking for a certain quality of life. They want shared spaces with pool tables, a home theatre, exercise facilities, work spaces, terraces and more. The challenge is adapting to our clientele, which is often varied.

What new challenges do you face as a real estate developer?

Quebec’s economy is doing very well and has almost full employment. Full employment means increased purchasing power, of course, but it also means inflated construction costs. Devimco Immobilier faces two major challenges: the lack of labour for its huge construction sites and the increase in construction costs. Developers must also deal with our industry’s regulations, which are strict and can result in significant costs.

What is your approach to sustainable development?

Every project has its challenges. For one, some land needs to be decontaminated. Our eco-friendly practices also apply to construction—some scrap materials are sent to a recycling centre—and design. We are constantly in research and development for design. Green roofs have been the focus of attention for several years now, but there are many other issues at stake today. For example, if we want to build a compost chute in one of our towers, we need to analyze how to manage odours and pests all the way up. There’s a lot of planning to be done. Eco-friendly goals aren’t like a simple grocery list—they require constant reflection to find innovations to construct eco-efficient buildings, both in terms of energy and sustainability.

www.devimco.com

Photo: © Xuana César

47 s: An opportunity to seize in a heartbeat

Located just one hour and 15 minutes from Montreal, in a small municipality with anglophone roots neighbouring Magog, the construction of a new exceptional estate is garnering attention in the luxury real estate community. Overlooking just over 236 acres of virgin forest, an enchanting site awaits you. A unique opportunity presents itself here in the form of forty-seven prestigious properties, made to measure and endowed with hybrid architectural styles inspired by both Scandinavian and modern farmhouse influences, allowing for contemporary touches; subtle as they may be. An occasion to seize for anyone wanting to seek out an exclusive, bold, and timeless architectural offer.

THE UNDENIABLE ATTRACTION OF THE URBAN EXODUS

“It’s no longer a secret that the urban exodus which we have slowly begun to witness has become increasingly evident over the last two years”, asserts Steven A. Patterson, president and majority shareholder of the SGH group, the real estate firm that owns the site and is responsible for the planning and implementation of the project. “The magnificent region of the Eastern Townships no longer attracts a clientele composed mainly of retirees, but also more and more young professional families wanting to take advantage of a different pace of life while maintaining a certain proximity to major centres”, he emphasizes.

AN UNPARALLELED COMMITMENT TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

“As a real estate firm, the responsibility of seeing to the execution of such a project in a responsible manner from an environmental standpoint; to see to the respect of this exceptional site, is our own.” A view shared by the municipal administration, which is committed to economic development, but not at any cost. The establishment of a team dedicated to obtaining LEED certification; the commitment to heightened efforts in reducing the carbon footprint; the absence of heat islands; energy-efficient constructions; as well as the planned retrocession of almost 30 acres of biologically high-yielding land are but a few of the measures taken by the developers to honour their commitment toward the community and future generations.

“As a real estate firm, the responsibility of seeing to the execution of such a project in a responsible manner from an environmental standpoint; to see to the respect of this exceptional site, is our own.”

Steven A. Patterson, president and majority shareholder of the SGH group

REMARKABLE REGIONAL ATTRACTIONS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

The geographical location of the estate has also quickly created a buzz among a mostly Montreal-based clientele: nearly 35% of the lots were sold over the last three months alone. Located approximately 35 minutes from the Bromont airport, close to the region’s major ski centres, the site is sure to please winter sport enthusiasts. Golf and spa aficionados are not left out, as these are some of the main tourist attractions in the area, not to mention the proximity to the numerous vineyards open to visitors during the summer months.

A HARMONIZED, PRIZED, AND ONE OF A KIND ESTATE IN THE REGION

Offering the opportunity of large, fully wooded lots varying in surface area from 54,896 ft² to 113,818 ft², the entirety of the estate was designed to afford residents utmost privacy throughout. Noteworthy is the absence of rear-facing neighbours offered to each of the forty-seven lots. Aiming notably to welcome an active clientele, just upwards of 180 acres will be preserved in their natural state. Private rest areas, several kilometres of trails winding across the entire estate, as well as two tennis courts will be built. Finally, the implementation a four-season skating rink under cover of a permanent structure, created in harmony with the architectural features of the project, is also sure to please.

“To see to the realization of such a project without having access to one of the region’s main bodies of water—the highly coveted Lake Memphremagog—located hardly a few minutes from the estate, was unthinkable”, says Steven A. Patterson. Three luxurious boats at the dock will also be made available to all residents, as of the spring of 2022.

AN EPHEMERAL OPPORTUNITY FOR A SOUND INVESTMENT

Because of the sought-after architecture of its residences —many of which will bear the stamp of the Architecture Nathalie St-Martin and Evolution Architecture firms—by the quality of its enchanting site located within the limits of a forest whose luminosity and landforms will satisfy the most exacting, for its proximity to Montreal and for its main attractions which make up the reputation of the Greater Eastern Townships, this project embodies a sound investment. A unique opportunity that will have lasted but for a heartbeat.

Delivery of the first residences starting in 2023.

Buildings starting at $1.5M.

Sales Office

KellerWilliams Prestige

2180 Sainte-Catherine Street West, suite 100, Montreal

info@47s.ca | 514 825-4323

www.47s.ca

Cover : © Architecture Nathalie St-Martin

The Douglas Foundation: an interview with Laura Fish

“Mental illness doesn’t discriminate,” states Laura Fish, Executive Director of The Douglas Foundation, an organization that funds patient care and research at the Douglas Institute in Montreal. Even prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, one third of Canadians experienced mental illness at some point in their lives, accounting for over 30% of short- and long-term disability claims.

What impact does a donation to the Douglas Foundation have?

Money is the motor that drives research towards identifying the causes of mental illness and developing more effective treatments. The Douglas Research Centre is the largest in Quebec and the second largest in Canada. Our hospital has over 260 beds and sees more than 15,000 patients every year. Despite the impressive numbers, we are grossly under-financed; the Foundation raises approximately $2 million annually—relatively little compared to what other healthcare institutions bring in. Every dollar donated ultimately helps us improve patient care.

Name something critical the Douglas Institute has been able to achieve in the last few years thanks to funds amassed by the Foundation.

I am especially proud that we were able to pivot and look after our front-line teams during the pandemic. Our role suddenly changed, and we were asked to take on a unique responsibility. The fact that we were able to care for not only our patients, but also our doctors, nurses and support staff while continuing to advance research is a testament to the generosity of our donors, who allowed us to navigate a truly challenging situation.

What impact has the Covid-19 pandemic had on the Foundation’s operations?

The Douglas was hit hard in the beginning. There was a time where we were the only ones in the Greater Montreal Area receiving mental health patients who tested positive for Covid-19. We had to reorient resources on the care side and become leaders. Staff was re-deployed to meet the needs of Covid-positive patients, and a dedicated unit was established for them. On the fundraising side, live events including our annual cocktail were cancelled. We had to find alternative ways to increase our visibility and keep people’s attention. It’s been a struggle.

Why is mental health so heavily stigmatized?

My best guess is that we don’t know enough about it; we are not entirely comfortable naming it. Because we can’t see mental illness the same way we can see physical disease, there is the misconception that it is not a real illness. We speak broadly and vaguely about the importance of mental health, often without acknowledging that a person suffering from poor mental health is sick. As long as we continue to be an underfunded area of healthcare, we will continue to be limited in our understanding of how the brain works, and how we can help it function better.

How has the Covid-19 pandemic shifted the way we perceive and discuss mental health?

We will not have a full answer to this for many years. It seems that more people are experiencing anxiety and depression as a result of the last two years, and that people feel more comfortable opening up about their struggles and having conversations around mental health.

How can individuals better support loved ones living with mental health issues?

There are many things individuals can do to move the needle: name it, talk about it and contribute financially to research so that we can better care for your loved ones. Learn more about mental illness and participate in awareness campaigns. Donate, because our needs are endless: we want to be able to bring in the best and the brightest in the field so that our laboratory and clinical research studies can develop and thrive. We also need better physical spaces, better waiting rooms, access to tablets and WiFi; basic things that improve the patient experience. Every bit counts.

www.fondationdouglas.qc.ca

Text: Jennifer Laoun-Rubenstein

View from the top: Westmount luxe life

LUXE invites you on an intimate tour, a day in the life in one of the most beautiful places to live in Canada. A chic suburban jewel nestled on the side of a mountain. Explore this vibrant city within a city, full of cafés, art galleries, parks and stunning homes—all just steps away from downtown Montreal.

Close your eyes and imagine…a morning run through a tranquil bird sanctuary in the shade of majestic trees. You exit the woods onto Summit Circle, a circular road lined with multimillion-dollar homes. Worlds unto themselves, some are barely visible behind exquisitely groomed hedges and wrought iron gates. You jog down the hill, streets lined with stately houses dating from the 1890s—gorgeous brownstone, leaded glass windows and Victorian turrets. Tradition meets opulent style.

You land in Victoria Village, a unique hip shopping district at the base of the mountain. After a quick stop into La Pantry par Dany Bolduc for a gourmet artisanal viennoiserie, you have just enough time for an authentic Italian espresso at Le Café Crème. The street vibrates with life, as well-heeled fashionistas flit between independent boutiques and designer shoe stores, bakeries and gift shops. The terrace at James Perse Côté Cuisine is right in the heart of the action, buzzing with young entrepreneurs, friends and new moms savouring California fusion fare.

Your neighbourhood prides itself on beauty. Every corner is carefully tended. Award-winning seasonal floral designs and gardens abound. If you have children, you are dropping them off at some of the best private schools in the country—Selwyn House, Villa Sainte-Marcelline and The Study. This isn’t a dream. You live in Westmount, one of the most sought-after residential enclaves in North America, just steps away from downtown Montreal.

What’s next? A meeting in Westmount Square. Famed architect Mies Van Der Rohe designed the four towers (two residential towers, two office towers and an underground shopping centre) in the International style. Like jewels, these gleaming smoked black glass towers house some of the most desirable real estate in the city. The Taverne on the Square, a chic French bistro at the base of 1 Westmount Square, is the perfect setting for a glass of rosé and a meal with friends. Or how about giving one of the newer hot spots like Café Gentile a try? Ignazio Gentile, a Sicilian immigrant, opened his first café six decades ago in Montreal’s garment district. Now his children keep his legacy alive, serving their Nonna Teresa’s comforting meals and delicious coffee to a whole new generation. At any time of day, you can catch college students, businesspeople and social media influencers setting the latest trends. If it’s sushi you crave, Westmount delivers! Beautifully designed RYU offers an upscale sushi-ya experience. The standout for locals and celebrities alike is award-winning Chef Antonio Park’s Park Restaurant. Park sushi is known as the best in Montreal.

Business accomplished, appetite satiated, you stroll one of Westmount’s most famed avenues—Greene. Stop into Galerie de Bellefeuille and add to your art collection. Or visit one of the city’s outdoor spaces. Westmount has something to offer for every season. When the snow begins to fall, Parc King George, built partly on the side of the mountain, complete with tennis courts, a dog run and soccer field, becomes a sled run in the winter. Children of all ages can be found whizzing down the hill. In warmer weather, you can lounge beside the duck pond in Westmount Park and watch the Tai Chi practitioners. Then walk through the Westmount Conservatory and Greenhouse, built in 1927, an oasis with exotic trees, orchids, fountains and waterfalls.

Westmount’s architectural gems and lush parks aren’t the only beautiful features—the people are stunning. Glowing skin and good health are part of the neighbourhood vibe. The newest offering in fitness is The Studio, a boutique gym created by Val Desjardins, go-to trainer to the stars. After a workout, head over to Annie Young Boutique Spa for the full service: luxuriate head to toe with a hydrafacial, deep tissue massage, coiffure and more. For a deeper freshening, visit Victoria Park Medispa, led by board-certified dermatologists and plastic surgeons.

Now imagine: end of day. You probably negotiated a merger, launched an IPO, wrote policy or even saved someone’s life. After all, Westmount is home to famous politicians, leading financiers and renowned doctors. Leonard Cohen grew up here. Painters and poets also call Westmount home.

You look out the window at your expansive view. A view from the top. Maybe you’re on the terrace that extends from your bedroom. The air is quiet, calm. The glittering lights of the Montreal skyline and the St. Lawrence River twinkle in the distance. You take a deep breath, reflect on a day well lived. After all, is there any better place to call home?

Text: Andrea Strudensky

Cover: © Susan Moss, Tourisme Montréal

Arya: customized luxury, from the ground up

Modern accessories, contemporary design, an intimate atmosphere: walking into Arya feels like entering a unique concept where select pieces coalesce into a complete upscale living space. Since its store opened in Laval in 2010, Arya has made its name as a premier destination for decor enthusiasts and connoisseurs of high-quality floor coverings.

Joe Kazzi and Sam Saad: a successful partnership

Arya owners Joe Kazzi and Sam Saad are businessmen with completely different backgrounds. An entrepreneur with years of retail experience, Joe Kazzi is self-taught and has an eye for opportunity. He knows rugs inside and out. “I decided to open this boutique to offer Quebecers a wide selection of exclusive rugs in modern styles,” Kazzi explains. His partner Sam Saad built a thriving career in the restaurant industry with a reputation for his impeccable customer service, which he has made a cornerstone of Arya. No wonder their professional union has lasted more than a decade.

Arya owners Joe Kazzi and Sam Saad

An upscale shopping experience

Arya’s understated storefront belies its luxurious inventory and lush ambiance. The warm owners cater to their customers as if they were welcoming guests into their home—and their hospitality is reflected in the boutique’s atmosphere. Customers sip delicious coffee at the coffee bar in the centre of the showroom, surrounded by hand-crafted rugs, furniture and accessories. Every detail has been carefully curated to offer their clients a comprehensive, high-end and, above all, memorable shopping experience. Arya’s team of experts offer personalized customer service based on a close working relationship with designers. “It is very important to us that customers can feel and see the pieces, talk to us without feeling pressured and select the rug or piece of furniture that best accentuates their decor,” says Sam Saad.

The collections

Rugs can instantly elevate the entire feel of any room. Joe Kazzi explains, “I believe that a rug is an essential furnishing. The right floor covering has a stunning impact on each and every interior.” Kazzi and Saad painstakingly scour European and North American trade shows to unearth the collections sold in the boutique. Their in-depth research keeps them on top of market trends so that they offer customers an inventory worthy of the trendiest decor magazines.

At Arya, creations from different countries blend perfectly with the refined, elegant style of the boutique. The wide selection of bespoke rugs woven in Kathmandu, exclusive Italian furniture made in Florence and the many European accessories on offer in the boutique speak to their unrivalled, stylish selection.

New products and trends

For the shrewd duo behind Arya, high-end furnishings beautify our everyday, so their passion for introducing their customers to new luxury products comes as no surprise. With a revamped website, exclusive accessories sold online and the arrival of rugs from popular designer Jan Kath, Arya is easily weaving itself into the essential fabric of this upscale market.

www.tapisarya.com

Text: Pascale-Lou Angelillo

Photos: © Angeliki Argyrakos

Chanel: Mademoiselle Privé Bouton

As every admirer of the Chanel style (or Chanel “allure”, to use the technical term) knows perfectly well, the maison follows its own rigorous stylistic grammar, whose elements were established very early on by Gabrielle Chanel. These elements include the essential black and white, the famous Chanel beige, Breton stripes, the two-piece suit, tweed, quilting, pearls, lions, the camellia… as well as chains, brocade trim and buttons.

In collaboration with Europa Star

A functional flourish

Yes, buttons. But, aren’t they a minor detail? No, they’re far more important than that! The Chanel button is not just a precious object in its own right, a diminutive jewel, exquisitely and artistically crafted – it is also rigorously functional, in accordance with the strict grammatical rules dictated by Mademoiselle herself: “Every button must have a buttonhole”. “Gabrielle Chanel thus conferred on the button an unparalleled nobility,” explains Arnaud Chastaingt, director of Chanel’s Watchmaking Creation Studio. “She magnified an ordinary, unremarkable object and elevated it to the level of a jewel. For her, it was a canvas for creativity in its own right, but it absolutely had to retain its function.”

The exceptional variety of Chanel buttons created over the decades has attracted many collectors. In the very early days, button creation was entrusted to a talented craftsman, Georges Desrues, who in 1929 set up the company that bears his name, and which became Chanel’s primary supplier from 1965. Every day, almost 4000 buttons (each of which requires around ten operations) are moulded, sculpted, carved, polished, dyed, coated and enamelled in its workshops, using a combination of modern technology and traditional craftsmanship. Some twenty artistic crafts are employed, and Chanel was able to preserve them for posterity when it bought the Maison Desrues in 1984. “It is a unique tool in the world of luxury ready-to-wear,” confirms director of operations Stéphane Berthélémy.

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Ganse de diamants

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Ganse de diamants. Numbered and limited edition of 5 pieces. 18K yellow gold button adorned with a half white Australian cultured pearl (15 mm). Outer 18K yellow gold cord set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat), inner 18K yellow gold cord. 18K white gold dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Gold-finished hands. 18K white gold rigid cuff with a black coating and 18K yellow gold trim set with 316 brilliant-cut diamonds (~3.89 carats). High-precision quartz movement.

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Perle

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Perle. 18K yellow gold button adorned with a half white Australian cultured pearl (15 mm). Outer 18K yellow gold cord set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat), inner 18K yellow gold cord. 18K white gold dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Gold-finished hands. Black and gold tweed cuff with a golden calfskin trim and a black calfskin lining. High-precision quartz movement.

Couture time

“For me, the idea of a ‘button’ watch was one of those creative obsessions that I couldn’t let go of – it just seemed self-evident,” confirms Arnaud Chastaingt. “I had a dream of the button as timepiece.” The dream is all the more unconstrained because, as he correctly points out: “30 years ago, Chanel came from the world of couture, and invited itself without permission into the closed world of watchmaking.” Onto this world, which at the time was stylistically conservative and highly segmented, Chanel succeeded in imposing its own grammar, beginning with black and white, gradually introducing the rest of its codes, and translating them into watchmaking.

So, a button as watch… A watch born out of couture? What could be more natural? Arnaud Chastaingt, obsessively pursuing his research, had the idea of “unpicking the sleeve of a jacket, and keeping only the cuff with its buttonhole.” And thus the architecture of the bracelet was born: a soft tweed cuff edged with a slim golden leather binding, that wraps around the wrist and fastens with… a button. The button is functional, as per the rule. But not only does it have a buttonhole, it also covers and conceals a watch. “Style comes first, time comes later, whether you like it or not,” concludes Arnaud Chastaingt.

“For me, the idea of a ‘button’ watch was one of those creative obsessions that I couldn’t let go of – it just seemed self-evident.” – Arnaud Chastaingt, director of Chanel’s Watchmaking Creation Studio

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton décor Lion

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton décor Lion. Limited edition of 55 pieces. 18K yellow gold button adorned with a sculpted gold lion motif. Outer 18K yellow gold cord set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat), inner 18K yellow gold cord. 18K white gold dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Gold-finished hands. Black and gold tweed cuff with a golden calfskin trim and a black calfskin lining. High-precision quartz movement.

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton décor Camélia

Limited edition of 55 pieces. 18K yellow gold button adorned with a camellia motif fully set with 50 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.38 carat) and a central brilliant-cut diamond (~0.5 carat). Outer 18K yellow gold cord set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat), inner 18K yellow gold cord. 18K white gold dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Gold-finished hands. Black and gold tweed cuff with a golden calfskin trim and a black calfskin lining. High-precision quartz movement.

Creative wealth

This novel architecture, with its cuff and its button-watch, opens up a wealth of creative prospects. The precious button – and over the course of its history Chanel has created countless examples – lends itself to so many possibilities that the list is virtually infinite. The Mademoiselle Privé Bouton watch will definitely not be a one-off. The collection opens with a selection of buttons created from yellow gold, diamonds, pearls and agate. It encompasses lions, camellias and the byzantine cross. The iconic profile of Mademoiselle Chanel appears as a cameo, carved from onyx. The tweed cuff is quilted and transformed into white gold, set with diamonds. In 2021, Gabrielle Chanel’s profile is revealed on a carved yellow gold button. The cuff is in black leather, with a quilted motif trimmed in golden calfskin.

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton décor Byzantin

Numbered and limited edition of 5 pieces. 18K yellow gold button adorned with a byzantine motif set with 1 cushion-cut diamond (~1.5 carat), 4 cushion-cut diamonds (~2 carats), 4 pear-cut diamonds (~0.65 carat) and 8 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.24 carat). Outer 18K yellow gold cord set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat), inner 18K yellow gold cord. 18K white gold dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Gold-finished hands. Black and gold tweed cuff with a golden calfskin trim and a black calfskin lining. High-precision quartz movement.

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Camée

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton Camée. Numbered and limited edition of 5 pieces. 18K yellow gold button adorned with an cameo depicting the profile of Gabrielle Chanel. Outer 18K yellow gold cord set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat), inner 18K yellow gold cord. 18K white gold dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Gold-finished hands. Black and gold tweed cuff with a golden calfskin trim and a black calfskin lining. High-precision quartz movement.

Novelty 2021

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton décor Gabrielle

Novelty 2021 – Limited edition of 55 pieces. 18K yellow gold button adorned with a carving depicting the profile of Gabrielle Chanel. Outer cord in 18K yellow gold set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat). Dial in 18K white gold set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Cuff in black leather with a quilted motif, trimmed in golden calfskin. High-precision quartz movement.

Mademoiselle Privé

The Bouton watch is the latest to take its place in the Mademoiselle Privé collection (whose name comes from the sign on the door to Gabrielle Chanel’s workshop). As Arnaud Chastaingt explains, Mademoiselle Privé represents “the most intimate side of Chanel haute horlogerie, the most feminine. And perhaps the least well-known.” The Mademoiselle Privé collection, which was launched in 2012 as a showcase for the artistic crafts, includes some of Chanel’s finest and most precious watchmaking creations. Take, for example, the first Mademoiselle Privé watches, inspired by Coromandel screens, and reproduced in breathtaking enamel by Anita Porchet. There are camellias sculpted from mother-of-pearl, skeletonized or paved in diamonds, a parure of petals against a backdrop of enamel, mother-of-pearl marquetry, onyx and sculpted gold, labyrinths of diamonds, a camellia that rotates, or is picked out in gold thread and tiny beads, a soaring comet, aventurine dials…

The Mademoiselle Privé Bouton watch takes its place among these stunning creations, and will no doubt leave its mark on Chanel’s watchmaking. It is a perfect fit, because it is an utterly coherent stylistic interpretation of the Chanel codes. And its legitimacy is beyond question. Who other than Chanel could be behind the tweed, the buttonhole and its button, and all the symbols? Arnaud Chastaingt naturally agrees, noting that the Bouton watch is “a curiosity, an uncomplicated creation in the watchmaking world, but an obvious next step in the world of Chanel.” It’s also an obvious next step for admirers of Mademoiselle Chanel.

Mademoiselle Privé represents “the most intimate side of Chanel haute horlogerie, the most feminine. And perhaps the least well-known.” – Arnaud Chastaingt, directeur du studio de Création de l’Horlogerie de Chanel

Mademoiselle Privé Bouton serti neige. Unique piece. 18K yellow gold button adorned with a byzantine motif set with 1 cushion-cut diamond (~1.5 carat), 4 cushion-cut diamonds (~2 carats), 4 pear-cut diamonds (~0.65 carat) and 8 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.24 carat). Outer 18K yellow gold cord set with 52 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.46 carat), inner 18K yellow gold cord. 18K white gold dial set with 142 brilliant-cut diamonds (~0.52 carat). Gold-finished hands. 18K white gold rigid cuff snow-set with 1963 brilliant-cut diamonds (~39.88 carats) and an 18K yellow gold trim set with 316 brilliant-cut diamonds (~4 carats). High-precision quartz movement.

www.europastar.com

Text: Pierre Maillard

Chantal Malek: bold strokes

Drawing frequent comparisons to Jean-Paul Riopelle, Chantal Malek has a unique style defined by the signature visual language in her paintings. In all her work, the artist expresses herself through luminous shading, vibrant colours and spontaneous movement, transporting us to her world where colour, textures and abstract landscapes collide. After exhibiting in various galleries across Quebec for several years, the renowned painter and entrepreneur settled in Saint-Sauveur. Galerie Céleste, which she opened more than 20 years ago, now has a storefront on the town’s main street. This welcoming space hosts a range of artwork from an eclectic stable of artists.

Completing a canvas, fulfilling a vision

In a constantly evolving digital world, Chantal Malek’s famous palette knife strokes reveal the rejuvenating power of abstract art. Her canvases depict abstract seabed and forest landscapes that encourage viewers’ imaginations to run wild. The unique movement in her work allows art lovers to invent their own story while contemplating her paintings.

Galerie Céleste

Chantal Malek has shown her work for 30 years in Canada and abroad, with her paintings criss-crossing Quebec before being permanently exhibited at Galerie Céleste in Saint-Sauveur since 2010. At more than 1,500 square feet, this gallery is on par with renowned exhibitions in Europe and North America. The space is aptly named (céleste means heavenly in French), as the serene beauty of the setting creates an unforgettable experience for art lovers travelling to meet the artist.

Owner Chantal Malek has both a masterful command of the palette knife and an entrepreneurial talent and has combined the two for several decades. “It’s a joy to create but also to manage my own gallery. Every day is fun. My secret is a structured creative process.” For Chantal Malek, nothing is more satisfying than meeting visitors and future buyers. “I like to see how people feel when buying my work!”

Art beyond borders

In recent years, Chantal Malek has been featured on the cover of several art magazines. Her works are sought after by collectors who appreciate abstract and semi-figurative art. From England to Lebanon and the Americas, demand for her work is constantly growing within the highly prized circle of the art market. The artist exhibits every year at the Les Plumes gallery in Beirut, Lebanon, and at Anna’s Art Gallery in the Caribbean—a source of pride for the humble Quebec artist.

Now that she has made her mark on the international scene and carved out a prime position for herself in the artistic community, with an established gallery to her name, Chantal Malek takes a tranquil view of the future. She plans on exhibiting again in New York in 2022, discovering emerging artists and enjoying fabulous encounters at the gallery—a dream for the artist who longs only to “continue to talk about art and to feast my eyes on works of art!”

Galerie Céleste

285 Principale Street, Saint-Sauveur, QC J0R 1R0, Canada

Telephone : 450-227-0333

www.galeriedartceleste.com

Text: Pascale-Lou Angelillo