One of the greatest things about living and shopping in Montréal is that there is so much talent to discover!  Over the weekend I had the pleasure of meeting the lovely emerging young Montréal designer, Jennifer Masabni of Masabni. I visited her studio/ workshop and thoroughly enjoyed perusing her samples. What a sweetheart!

Having studied design at LaSalle College, business management at HEC (Hautes Études Commerciales), and then spending four years working at a large licensing/ merchandising company, Jennifer learned all aspects of “the biz” and started designing a year and a half ago. Everything is manufactured and sourced in Montréal. She is now working on her fifth collection and enjoys working with soft materials such as silk, cotton, linen, lace and I noticed some brocade and  sequins too.

Conscious of the female form when creating her collections, she strives to achieve a soft feminine style. Inspired by architecture, French and Italian couture (especially Chanel), textiles and “street-style”, Jennifer’s collections are a combination of sophisticated, classic wearable pieces with some very cute details. Mostly specializing in cocktail/evening wear but now introducing garments that can go from day to night, Masabni is very reasonably-priced. The line ranges from $150. 00 – $350.00. Très chouette!

Jennifer recently participated in the Mercedes-Benz Start Up event which mentors young Canadian designers, and has participated in trade shows in New York, as well as selling her pieces at Montréal’s Festival de Design & Mode boutique. This very motivated and busy young lady gets involved in fundraising when she can and showed her designs just last week at Time Supper Club for Fondation AMAL’s inaugural event to raise money for Leucan. She also showed her Spring/Summer 2012 collection at a downtown art gallery to a great reception and would welcome the opportunity to be involved with her peers, from whom she has received support,  in upcoming events. Very enthusiastic and encouraged by the response to her clothes, she finds the atmosphere  here to be nurturing and the competition “friendly”.

Quite a few pieces caught my attentiom. Of note, from her SS2012 collection, a beautiful blue linen tunic, a dainty blue and grey brocade dress and a silk animal print tunic.

From a past Fall/Winter line, I loved a black velvet jacket and from her upcoming F/W 2012-13  line, I want that little black dress with silk tie-neck top!

Her clothes are available in Montréal at Quartier Mode, Arterie Boutique, Mood Corps et Accessoires, and Delano Design.

I caught sight of a black textured jacket, very tailored but unfinished. Can’t wait to see that when it’s produced! You might just have to make one for me, Jennifer!

I am so excited to see where Jennifer’s career takes her and even more excited to announce:

• WE ARE GIVING AWAY A MASABNI ORIGINAL IN OUR VERY FIRST CONTEST!!!!

• To Enter Contest: Leave a comment under this article telling us what you love about Montréal, and the winner’s name will be randomly drawn!
• Dress Valued at $250.00 CDN
• AND THE WINNER IS… ANNICK LAPORTE! CONGRATULATIONS!
• Thanks to all who entered – ALL answers were so great!

Thanks Jennifer!

Visit Jennifer Masabni’s Facebook page and Masabni Website!