Suite 88

Valentine’s is just around the corner, and it’s basically an excuse to go eat chocolate. If you happen to be in Montreal, why not head down to La Rue de St. Denis to check out a fabulous little chocolatier called Suite 88. Here you’ll find Montreal’s “first ever chocolate lounge and boutique.”

One review of this upscale chocolate house likens it to being the “Tiffany’s of chocolates.” It’s true; upon entering, visitors are greeted with glass cases of different styles of chocolate. From their mini tableaux, chocolates adorned with gorgeous artwork drawn on them, to their chocolate domes and a plentiful variety of chocolate bars.

Their flavours include green tea chocolate, Grand Marnier, Absolut Mandarin, chilli cayenne, thyme, paprika, and early grey, just to name a few. Not only were there bars, but they also have “shooters”: chocolates that you bite the top off of, and then shoot back the alcohol that resides inside!

A trip made on a chilly spring day can be met with their trademark Cayenne Hot Chocolate, a Mayan-inspired hot chocolate laced with cayenne pepper. The chocolate satisfies one’s sweet tooth, while the pepper burns its way down the drinker’s throat right into his or her belly - the perfect way to warm up on a cold day in the city!

For more information, visit www.suite88.com.

Brothers Dressler

Twin brothers, Jason and Lars Dressler, have always shared an interest in building and have been working together since 2003 on custom-designed furniture, unique projects, batch productions, and one-off pieces.

Approaching design as engineers and craftsmen, the brothers focus on sustainable processes and materials to bring their work to life. Their efforts result in works which evoke a sense of harmony between the natural and industrial worlds.

What stands out amongst their several pieces (which include tables, benches, etc.) is their onedge series: a line which uses plywood on its edge to create form, structure, and comfort.

The cantilevered design of the onedge rocker offers slight flex and movement. The onedge lounge (now in its fifth generation), is comprised of repeated elements that are bolted together without the use of adhesives. Designed for relaxation, the cantilevered base offers flexibility and bounce for added comfort.

Both designs are available with or without arms, while the lounge can be accompanied by an ottoman that can also be used on its side as a table or stool.

Due to their environmentally-friendly mandate, any excess materials from their onedge series is transformed into cutlets and bracelets.

For more information, visit www.brothersdressler.com.

Phonofone II

Constructed entirely from ceramic, the Phonofone II is clever piece of applied science, a beautiful icon of nostalgia, and a twist on personal listening devices.

Through passive amplification, these unique pieces instantly transform any personal music player and earbuds into a sculptural audio console. Upon connecting active earphones to the Phonofone II, the music instantly transforms into a warm, rich, and resonant sound.

Without the use of external power or batteries, the Phonofone II inventively exploits the virtues of horn acoustics to boost the audio output of standard earphones to up to 55 decibles (or roughly the maximum volume of laptop speakers).

And, to ensure the Phonofone II is a piece of audible art, each piece is signed and contains a serial edition number.

For more information, visit www.scienceandsons.com.

Greta Constantine

Jersey is a popular weave of fabric, with its versatility seen in shirts to shorts. But, it takes a special kind talent to whip it into something that allows the wearer feel calm, cool and confident.

Kirk Pickersgill and Stephen Wong are the men behind Greta Constantine - a sexy and glamourous line for women who have a taste for designs that accentuate and flatter the body.

Established in 2005, Wong's draping and design expertise, paired with Pickersgill's knowledge of fashion forecasting was a collaborative partnership since the start. Their first presentation of sensual bathing suits on models (both female and male) slinking around, left the audience wanting more. Since that moment, they haven't stopped giving their fans more of the same.

From short shirts, to dresses, to evening gowns, season after season they manage to show a variety of styles that are versatile and suitable for almost every body type. Whether lounging around by the pool, or going out to a gala event, Greta Constantine proves that it doesn't matter what kind of material is used, but how it's used.

For more information, visit www.gretaconstantine.com.

Jessica Lertvilai

There are a million different ways to tell or show someone you love them. Sadly, very few of them are original. There are requisite flowers, chocolates, diamonds and doo-dads. Been there, done that.

Is there anyone who can come up with a new way of loving someone else? Yes, there is.

Artist Jessica Lertvilai has come up with a vase that combines the essence of words with that of language in a completely new and novel fashion. Using earthenware, she has designed the “Love Is Blind” vase – a vessel that contains a love message transcribed into Braille on the side. The faint and delicate texture is just waiting to be touched, and the hidden meaning is a little secret between two lovers.

You can bring flowers home, but make sure to keep this vessel on hand for an extra special – and romantic – touch.

For more information, visit www.mobcollection.com.

Hollace Cluny

There are few home and design stores that make people want to buy everything in stock as long as their credit card is accepted. Hollace Cluny is such a store.

Having been in business for over 10 years, Hollace Cluny understands that good design is based on inspiration, meticulous attention to detail, and perseverance.

Upon entering, nothing is out of place, yet everything is comfortable and non-threatening to touch and hold.

The store provides inspiring design solutions while offering service that goes above and beyond. Their sales associates are an integral part of the business, providing personalized and professional service. There is no attitude here. Everyone is both passionate and highly knowledgeable about design.

Hollace Cluny is an authorized dealer of Knoll, Canadian design icon, Martha Sturdy, Simon Pearce (glassware), and Georg Jensen (stainless/steel works) - to name a few.

Scattered throughout the store are beautifully-upholstered furniture pieces from interior designer and telebvision personality, Sarah Richardson. There is a selection of sofas, chairs, ottomans, etc. that will last the test of time (at least, style-wise).

Even though there are pricey items available, there are a lot of designer finds that won’t hurt someone’s credit card. Sometimes buying a letter opener is enough to make someone feel like a million bucks when slashing through a Visa envelope. Almost.

For more information, visit 1070 Yonge Street (Toronto, Ontario), or www.hollacecluny.ca.

Philip Sparks

Sometimes it takes an engaging idea to inspire a designer to conceive of a collection that will make wearers want to buy several pieces, if not all of them. For designer Philip Sparks, his concept of a chic petty thief is one that creates a lot of covetable items for Fall/Winter 2008.

Pieces can be interchanged and worn from morning to night. Whether it’s a cardigan or vest worn over a shirt with a collar with a twist, or a suit with sharp details, it’s all there.

Coats are luxurious in cashmere and wool. Both long and shorter styles were seen in greys and creams - perfect for any occasion, but ideal for those special nights out on the town.

Fabrics range from tweeds to leathers with a good dash of beaver fur mixed in to keep warm when the temperatures drop. Who doesn’t want a pair of fur gloves in winter?

With the tailoring leaning more towards the traditional, there are some contemporary frills seen in the cut of some of a tuxedo with braided trim, leaner jackets and fuller pants.

Overall, Sparks creates a style of a common criminal that a man won’t have to resort to robbing a bank in order to look just as good as the models on the catwalk.

For more information, visit www.philipsparks.com.