By your side - Montreal chronicles

Mont Royal (Mont Réal) was the name Jacques Cartier gave to Hochelaga – a slope sacred to the Huron people who inhabited the area now known as Montreal. This occurred during Cartier’s second voyage to the new world in 1535. This sloped city served as a gateway to the Americas for missionaries and later a geographical marvel for the fur trade. Allowing for ease of transport via the St. Lawrence River to the Great Lakes ultimately south to the Gulf of Mexico.

A centuries old helm of the fur trade allowed the population of Montreal to flourish. Establishing itself as a slice of French culture in the Americas. Even though its strong position in the fur trade came to an end with the merger of Montreal-based North West Company and Hudson Bay Company, the city took on a new life. Fast-forward to the present day and Montreal is still serving as a bridge of French culture to the Americas. Rich with music, gastronomy, and the arts – the city is a hub of culture with a slower feel than that of its American counterparts. 

Rummaging through the back alleys of the Diamond District, we caught up with our friend Coti, as she was on a sourcing mission for one of her clients. On the hunt for the perfect diamond for an engagement ring – her favorite project to tackle. Coti is a diamond dealer and jewelry designer who splits her time between Miami and Montreal. While her time in Montreal is normally a chance for her to unwind and explore her creativity – her mission proved successful. With the diamond secured Coti can now slow down and let her creativity run wild for a few days. We went around the corner for a coffee and a chance to finally ask her about the eyewear she was sporting. 

Diamond dealers must be very meticulous to ensure that they’re really getting the best cut for their money. This attention to detail doesn’t stop when off the clock, it makes its way into all other aspects of life. Coti shares she’s inspired by jewelry design from all the around the world – being enchanted by the way different cultures choose to adorn their bodies and tell a story through their jewelry. This holds true to her eyewear selection as well. For this series of By Your Side, we explore 2 frames that stick with Coti everywhere she goes. 

First up is the Jacques Marie Mage Initials, a slender and elegant spectacle with a kick of attitude. These frames are inspired by those worn by Brigitte Bardot in the 60’s. Coti is a fan of these sunglasses because they’re sexy, subtle yet assertive. The Initials have a slight cat-eye flair, which gives them just the right amount of attitude anyone finalizing a diamond deal needs. These frames mix exceptional Japanese craftmanship with effortless European styling. A powerful addition to any eyewear collection, while keeping it classic.

For a more eclectic styling choice, Coti chooses the Rigards 1088TI. These hexagonal frames have a refined gunpowder finish to their sleek titanium build. A burnt orange lens adds a delightful warmth for the wearer to look through – making their surroundings full of life and warmth. The 1088TI is finished with a unique beveling around the lens that creates the illusion of twisted metal. Rigards is the master of eclecticism without compromising elegance and craftmanship. Allowing for the sculptural essence of the frames to speak for themselves. 

Be it in Miami for business or in Montreal disconnecting – Coti always keeps her frames by her side. The Jacques Marie Mage Initials and the Rigards 1088TI have become synonymous with her personal style. Her frames are more than just eyewear, they have become objects of affection that travel with Coti anywhere she goes. Seeing what she sees and accompanying her through a creative journey that cherishes exceptional design. This wraps our By Your Side: Montreal edition. Catch us on the next adventure. Until then, don’t leave home without your glasses.