Open Up To Mademoiselle Poire at the Salon de Métiers d’Art de Montréal

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Near its 60 years with more than 325 exhibitors, mainly from Quebec and some outside of Canada, Le Salon des métiers d’art de Montréal is one of the major annual cultural events in Montreal. All the exhibitors at this Salon are recognized “métiers d’arts” by the strict norms and standards enforced by the Conseil des métiers d’art du Québec.

The event is separated into six main sections: Fashion, Design, Gift, Décor, Exquisite Flavors and Art Table. A map can be picked up at the entrance in order to help you get around the Salon. The Salon is big! Also, the Salon presents different events, and the schedule of activities can be seen online or included with the program.

Lily Huynh focused on one particular artist, Mademoiselle Poire, who is selling umbrellas.

Portrait: Mademoiselle Poire.

About: Mademoiselle Poire recently graduated in May with a diploma in design and textiles. This new exhibitor offers her colourful and creative umbrellas.

Lily Huynh (LH): Please tell me about your umbrellas.

Mademoiselle Poire (MP): Those prints are my creation and are homemade from a printing technique called screen printing (sérigraphie in French) that I learned. I also got help from a Quebec seamstress who helps me with the fabric. Everything is handmade except for the frame, which I import from Toronto. I also ensure that the umbrellas are impermeable. So aside from the frame, everything else is handmade.

LH: How long does it takes to create an umbrella from the start to the end?

MP: The process takes around six to seven hours.

LH: How did you get the inspiration to create this type of art? How do you come up with new ideas? Do you have any influences?

MP: I am a joyful person, and I wanted to give joy in some way. Rain does not represent happy weather. I wanted to design umbrellas that are colourful so that when it rains and you open the umbrellas. All the patterns and designs represent my personality, which is joyful and colourful. I love floral patterns, which are present in the patterns I create. I even design the tip and head curves of the umbrellas to make it more feminine.

LH: I noticed indeed that your umbrellas are more geared towards the feminine clientele. Have you thought about making a few for the masculine gender?

MP: I had some requests but haven’t thoughtfully invested in that idea yet. So far, I just create what I love. One day I’ll consider it.

LH: Thank you for your time Mademoiselle Poire.

You can admire Mademoiselle Poire’s nice colourful umbrellas at stand 903D of the Salon. The Salon des Métiers d’art de Montréal runs from December 10 to 20 at Place Bonaventure, Monday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Free admission.