Three Monkeys is Montreal’s premier location for local and independent clothing brands. Located in Cours Mont Royal (@ 1455 Peel St.) a former hotel transformed into an elegant downtown shopping centre, this place has tons of exclusive Montreal designers as well as tough-to-find independent lines. I toured the store last week and jotted down some of the key pieces I’m lusting after for summer 2012:

First off: Swimwear! For those three glorious months when Montrealers can lose the parkas and shimmy into scanty bikinis and one-pieces, Three Monkeys has an impressive selection of swimwear, from Montreal-based Brisa Brasil to Cheap Monday and Insight.

Second: Denim! I live in my jeans all year round, of course, but summer’s a good time to spring for a pair that will set you apart as you sip mojitos on the terrace. Three Monkeys houses the largest selection of Naked & Famous Denim a Montreal-based brand that uses only the most unique and rare denim fabrics from Japan. Here you’ll find the kookiest denim ever dreamt-up, for both women and men: Glow in the Dark denim, Scratch n’ Sniff jeans (wafting a delicious raspberry scent whenever some one rubs against you, for up to three washes); Red Core denim (that fade to red instead of white); the world’s heaviest jeans (who needs a gym when your pants provide a day-long workout?). Most pairs will set you back around $150-$250, with the heaviest jeans clocking in at $600. Three Monkeys’ extraordinary denim selection also includes Cheap Mondays and Levis.

Third: T’s! Three Monkeys has got you covered with their Exclusive Original Local Series, t-shirts featuring some of Montreal’s most beloved landmarks. Rep the city on your chest with icons like the Farine Five Roses sign; the milk bottle; an Old Montreal calèche, the Oratory and of course, une bonne poutine. The T’s are a Three Monkeys exclusive; store co-founder Mike Casali took the snaps and designed the t’s himself, and the shirts are made in-house. Shirts ($38) come in men and women’s styles, in a variety of colours and are 100% cotton. Awesome souvenir for out-of-towners!

Next: Local & Girly! Three Monkeys is devoted to promoting home grown talent. I love Bettina Lou’s saucy secretary look, Eve Gravel’s sultry grown-up looksand Valerie Dumaine’s clean lines.

Finally: Shades! Whether you’re at the beach, poolside or just cruising around on your bike, sunglasses are a must. Three Monkeys just received new collection of Super sunglasses for the summer season. Handmade in Italy, Super’s new and colourful VISIVA print series: subtle on the outside, with a wacky print – think Florida beaches, and banana trees – on the inside. But hurry: with only a couple pairs in each style, they go fast!

So head to Three Monkeys to spruce up your summer wardrobe! Or head over for one of their many events brand launches, shopping parties, charity benefits and more!

Three Monkeys @ 1455 Peel St. | Suite 207, Les Cours Mont Royal

Contact: t: 514 284 1333 e: threemonkeysmtl@gmail.com

Store hours
Mon – Wed: 10am – 6pm
Thurs – Fri: 10am – 9pm
Sat: 10am – 6pm
Sun: 12pm – 5pm

~ Heidi Craig