ATIQ

Born in Afghanistan, raised in the former Soviet block & Netherlands, Resident of Montréal.

Designer, Painter, Philosopher, Aesthete.

Far East cultural ambassador, Atiq imports inspiration from China and south Asia, infusing his collection with turbans, tunics and kimono-style jackets. Stopping at nothing short of excellence, his pieces are forged with utmost attention to detail. A sharply-dressed gentleman himself, Atiq rubs shoulders with Montréal creatives in the Old Port & on the Plateau. A man of ambition, Atiq is a force to be reckoned with. Seeking to expand our culture's vision, he is one of the few who are reconfiguring our boundaries to incorporate the empire of the future: China, India and beyond.

His mandate: To infuse Eastern influences with the sensibility of the West.

For more:

www.trilliondollarface.com

http://art-iq.blogspot.com

CLOTHILDE

Montréal darling, Clothilde grew up among the creative class. Aspiring to a career as a concerto violinist, she abruptly changed course and channeled her artistry into architecture. Drawing inspiration from her eclectic upbringing, concepts alone are what drive her designs.

The ideas don't have to be built, she says, I just want to conceive them.

JUSTIN

The sun sets over Parc Avenue, casting a golden hue on the east side of Montréal's Anglo main vein. Longing for the last of the day's warmth, I walk my dog in the shadow instead. Past the dep, I'm headed south. Taffy reaches the end of his energy close to the #80 bus stop on the corner of Parc and Bernard, and it's time to turn homeward. Justin is perched on the bench with a classic plaid bowtie.

An aficionado of all things Ivy League, Justin finds solidarity in Rock & Roll music and Yale paraphernalia. Sourcing the bulk of his wardrobe from none other than NYC boutiques, Justin collects local designs as well. His style mandate: Only the Cream of the Crop.

www.justinkok.com

KATIA

Early summer, St. Laurent street sale, Katia and I were attending a mutual acquaintance's vernissage. Taken by her turban, we quickly exchanged emails then realized the shoot a month later.

A friend's design, her fringed skirt is as eccentric as the dozens of her dramatic expressions. Pressed to select only one representation of beauty embodied, I chose that which displayed all the elements of her charismatic style :

1) Angled beater - check;

2) Nails - check;

3) Second hand fur - check;

5) Sass - done.