CONNOR

Hailing from the home of the Stampede, Connor left the wild west for greener pastures. A tumble weed in the form of an apprenticeship swept Connor up and carried him all the way to the Big Apple. After drawing for the big guns, this comic illustrator is currently taking a siesta in the Great White North.

Headed back to NYC on the first train he can catch, track Connor's trail:

http://www.connorwillumsen.com/

LUKAS

Having seen Lukas at several Mile End establishments we made each other's acquaintance at Gilgamesh, a decor and café spot, in the No-Man's-Land just north of the Van Horne tracks.

Sipping an espresso, Lukas told me his story. Born to a Woodstock photographer, his teenage years were steeped in imagery, old films from the '60s and '70s. Lukas clung to the photography but left the rest behind. Having abandoned the Jewish community, he embraced the family of Montréal creatives sometime in 2006. Lukas won't be found roaming the Mile End streets for much longer, as he's pushing off to join his love in Melbourne, Australia!

LÉA

Léa and my paths were bound to cross. Mutual friends, we had worked for the same company for years and even spoken on the phone! The fateful day arrived early this autumn, on the corner of Parc Avenue and Bernard.

Like most Mile Enders, Léa is an avid collector: of vintage clothing, shoes ... and stuffed animals. Arriving at my studio with a good friend, she was shy at first. It wasn't until he revealed the secret of her rare collection that Léa came alive.

Pictured here: Léa describing her favourite, the Stuffed Squirrel!

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.