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Onze's new St. Hubert Street location incorporates soft white walls, flowers, vintage furnishings and a small coffee bar.

For Onze Montreal women’s-wear boutique owner Annie Vanlian, nothing beats an in-person visit. “We do sell online, don’t get me wrong, but it just is such a different and nice experience having our customers come and experience it live in the stores with us,” she says. And with four locations to choose from, each Onze (French for the number 11) is unique. “I designed each store depending on the environment it was in,” Vanlian explains, pointing to the original stone walls at her St. Denis store.

Pictured here is the newest location on St. Hubert Street, which was designed from a blank slate and incorporates soft white walls, flowers, vintage furnishings and a small coffee bar. The counter was custom-made with old-fashioned tin ceiling tiles, while pendant lights are decorated with gold butterflies. “It represents that little bit of our fun, quirky side,” Vanlian says.

A few years ago, Onze made the switch from stocking a variety of brands to exclusively carrying its two in-house brands: Annick, named for Vanlian’s grandmother, is a collection of trendy, runway-inspired styles, while Onze Montreal puts a funky twist on the classics. The designs emphasize versatility and fit, offering extended sizing ranging from XS to 6XL in some cases. “We feel every woman should feel comfortable, confident and great in what she wears every day,” Vanlian says.

Onze Montreal, 6405 St-Hubert St., Montreal, 514-439-7181, onze-montreal.com.

  • Onze Montreal A La Carte Dress in Black, $59.Handout

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