Since 1997, Bertrand Cesvet has been CEO and senior partner of Sid Lee, builder of brands. At the head of the global strategy group, he counsels clients on how to transform their businesses and brands. Under his leadership, Sid Lee has become one of the most renowned agencies in the world for its creativity and its one-of-a kind business model. A sought-after speaker, he is the author of Conversational Capital: How to Create Stuff People Love to Talk About.

In twenty years, Sid Lee has become one of the most successful agencies in the world and has acquired an unrivalled international reputation. How do you explain this success?

I attribute it to three elements: the talent we have in Montreal, the adept management of creative forces operating in a unique business model, and the desire to go international.

Since its inception, Sid Lee has always relied on multidisciplinarity. Is this original approach the key to your success?

Yes, absolutely. For us, combining usually separate expertise is paramount. We break down the barriers that separate various fields to unleash creativity and create value. To this day, Sid Lee is the only entity in the world to offer architectural, communication and interactive marketing services, all under one roof. Multidisciplinarity is the core of our approach. Boldness has been part of the company’s DNA since its beginnings.

Is it easy to keep on being bold when a firm takes on international stature?

If Sid Lee is a leader on the Montreal market, it’s still a small player in developing markets, such as those of Los Angeles and Paris, even if it has some success. Boldness and creativity must always remain the cornerstone of our method. Six years ago, Sid Lee envisioned C2 Montreal, one of the largest annual business events combining creativity and commerce.

How was this idea brought to life?

Jean-François Bouchard [Chairman of the Board at Sid Lee], Daniel Lamarre [President and CEO of Cirque du Soleil] and I were asking ourselves what would happen if the TED Talks and Burning Man had a child. We understood that all festivals were based on a unidirectional vision of communication: experts speaking to people. We then created an event offering exceptional content in an exceptional framework to foster public dialogue. Today, C2 Montreal perfectly reflects our city and its capacity to nurture collaboration between various industries.

Even if you are now present around the world, you like to reiterate that the heart of Sid Lee is in Montreal. Why? Is Montreal still a hub of creativity?

It has always been for us, because there is a vast pool of creative people here, and where there’s creativity there’s culture. What’s more, Montreal is European, North American and bilingual, all at once. From our very beginnings, regardless of where the rest of the world was headed, we were able to adapt. Twenty years ago, acting this way was rather avant-garde, because Quebec expressed itself mostly through culture, but not yet through innovation. Today, the city is immensely attractive. I can’t imagine the company’s centre of gravity being elsewhere than in Montreal. Today, “Made in Canada” or “Made in Montreal” adds to our credibility, and that’s very interesting! Among your many clients, you notably have the Cirque du Soleil and Adidas.

How did these brands affect your business’s evolution?

The Cirque du Soleil is a Quebec company that always had international aspirations, as did Sid Lee. We helped it achieve worldwide success. With Adidas, it was a German company come to look for talent here to heighten its development. This partnership demonstrated the exceptional quality of our services, not to mention the many awards we won.

When we talk about the success of Sid Lee, we often evoke the trio that you form with Jean-François Bouchard and Philippe Meunier. Is Sid Lee also a story of friendship?

Yes, it’s even first and foremost a story of friendship. For my part, it’s easier to work with friends, and creativity, the way we see it, is a team sport. Our activities spur collaboration. And so, from collaboration to friendship, there’s only one step. Recently, Sid Lee Architecture transformed the Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth Hotel.

Can you tell us about it?

Sid Lee Architecture is making a mark on Montreal thanks to large-scale projects. Just think of the reconstruction of the Fairmont The Queen Elisabeth Hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel or the Bota Bota Spa. The Queen Elizabeth is an important building in Montreal. We gave it a new mission befitting its time, that is to say, more focused on collaboration and lifestyle. We are very proud of the result, as well as that of the Four Seasons Hotel. In both cases, these projects are changing the face of Montreal. And we can say as much for Bota Bota in Old Montreal.

www.sidlee.com

Text: Diane Stehle

Photo: Xavier Girad Lachaine

Founded in 2003, Maison Édéenne creates one-of-a-kind fine jewellery pieces with an exceptional approach that differs from any other industry process. Its jewellery sculptures combine clients’ personal stories with the values of the renowned brands it collaborates with. Édéenne, founder of the business, comes from Montreal and is the only Canadian in the world to create fine jewellery. She is paying Quebec a visit to present her very first exhibition in her native country, which will take place at Les Grands Ballets Canadiens.

The former Jewellery Director at Christie’s in Geneva has described her as one of the four women who has marked the history of high-end jewellery since 1900 in an industry essentially led by men. She has also been named the ?Nouvelle Légende?of Place Vendôme, a landmark of Parisian refinement and exclusivity, and with good reason; Édéenne creates much more than just jewellery. Through her pieces, she tells the story of those who wear them. “When I meet the individual who wants a piece, I ask many personal questions. I then try to render what I was told in the form of portrait-pieces. Through this process, I wish to show how unique each individual is,” she explains.

Whether through the use of sophisticated mechanisms that animate her jewellery pieces, unbelievable material combinations or a host of carefully intertwined mobile elements, she always creates one-of-a-kind pieces that combine beauty and technical innovation to give rise to fascination.

Carpe Koïring in tribute to Japan Coral fish under crystal rock with pave-set diamonds on white gold

Back in Montreal

Édéenne has lived in Paris for a number of years and has earned a worldwide reputation. She has exposed her pieces at the Musée de la Légion d’honneurand Palais de Tokyo in Paris, at Wako in Tokyo and at the TEFAF in Maastricht. In 2013, she was appointed the task of creating a collection to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Mellerio dits Meller, the oldest fine jewellery house in Place Vendôme and in 2014, she created a collection for Lane Crawford, the prestigious luxury store in Hong Kong.

Nevertheless, for a long time now, Édéenne has wanted to organize an exhibition in her native country, to which she still feels very close. That’s why she is here today to present her first exhibition. She is showcasing 160 pieces, of which more than half are on loan for the occasion by clients from around the world. Carrying a flashlight and accompanied by a storyteller in a pitch-black room, visitors will discover the story behind each piece and will partake in an experience far beyond the presentation of the object itself. ?The exhibition will be held in a vault in order to translate my jewellery’s most precious gem: emotion.? In fact, it is the first exhibition hosted by Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal at their new location.

Free exhibition from November 2 to 16 2017 in Les Grands Ballets Canadiens’ Wilder building.

www.edeenne.com

Peau d’Âne articulated Ring in tribute to Jacques Demy’s movie with Catherine Deneuve 17.66-carat citrine in pave-set diamonds, ruby and emerald crown on white gold

L’Élue pendant in tribute to Excalibur and King Arthur White gold diamond-studded sword with 125-carat citrine and emerald

Text: Diane Stehle

Photos: Pierre Choinière

La Boum, Event Planners A few years ago, Josée Dufresne was organizing unforgettable birthday parties for her two young children and receiving a host of compliments after each one. What was at the time simply a pleasure for her as a mother ended up turning into an actualcompany. Today, Josée and her partner Nadine Landry manage large-scale events. From children’s birthdays at Guzzo Cinemas to corporate events, not to mentionweddings, their business, La Boum, is on a roll.

“Every time I would organize one of my children’s birthdays, parents would come and see me to ask if I could plan their child’s party! So the idea came to me of launching a turnkey business specializing in this type of event”, explains Josée Dufresne. Along with Nadine Landry, a longtime friend and seasoned businesswoman, she founded La Boum. But shortly after, her plans changed after a meeting with Vincent Guzzo, owner of Guzzo Cinemas. He asked her to organize themed children’s parties in his entertainment rooms and the young entrepreneur accepted the offer. The huge contract soon had her organizing over a hundred parties every week.

Expanding their service offer

However, once the formula was well established, Josée and Nadine were no longer needed on-site. They really wanted to plan other events especially corporate ones. “We wanted to get started, but with the market being very competitive, we didn’t know where to begin.” Once again, the stars aligned and the portfolio management company Allard & Allard Associés gave the two friends their first mandate.” We had to plan an evening for 400 people, with circus artists, a caterer and DJ. The pressure was on”, remembers the entrepreneur. But the team successfully pulled it off and came out of the experience with renewed confidence and a certainty that they belonged in the industry.

After the show aired, my website exploded!

A boost from Mitsou

Some time after that, Mitsou, an acquaintance of Josée’s, asked her to decorate the restaurant hosting her spouse Iohann Martin’s birthday. Everyone loved Josée’s work, and Mitsou decided to talk about it on her radio show and even on her blog. “After the show aired and Mitsou’s comment went up on her blog, my website exploded!” remembers an amused Josée.

Large-scale corporate events

Today, La Boum has an excellent reputation among large businesses and Quebec celebrities. More recently, designer Andy Thê-Anh called on their services for his wedding. The prestigious leadership organization YPO also hired the company for a year for assistance in planning their speaking engagements. “We’ve just learned that our contract was renewed for another year”, says Josée with delight. The company also provides services to small and medium businesses and can adapt to any budget. From venue and catering choices to lighting setup and DJ selection, La Boum handles everything. DzAll you have to do is enjoy your evening,dz concludes the young woman.

www.laboum.ca

Text: Diane Stehle

Whether in the Laurentians, Lanaudière or the Quebec City region, our top cottages all have one thing in common: these retreats in the heart of nature combine comfort and modernity for a truly relaxing getaway.

Ô Chalet: luxury in the middle of nature

In the heart of Lanaudière, only an hour from Montreal, a true haven of peace and wellbeing awaits you. For a romantic getaway, a family trip or a weekend with friends, Ô Chalet offers luxurious cottages that can host up to 14 people.

Ô Chalet’s nine cottages offer an exceptional lifestyle where nature meets luxury, and calm meets comfort. Top-of-the-line materials, full kitchens, high-quality furnishing, modern and sophisticated decor, the latest equipment: down to the last detail, everything has been designed to make each moment in this oasis of wellbeing a memorable one.

And the outdoor environment is no less stunning. Bordered by the peaceful Clermoustier Lake, these cottages are surrounded by a vast lot, a private dock, a hot tub and breathtaking nature, for complete privacy and tranquility.

Unparalleled Customer Service

Owners Jean-Marc and Manon are in love with this area and offer each of their visitors a warm and personalized welcome. During the holidays, don’t be surprised if you find a Christmas tree and a thousand sparkling decorations in your cottage’s living room… And if ever you run out of activities to do, the couple will be happy to provide you with ideas.

However, as Jean-Marc and Manon will tell you, especially in winter, most visitors are so cozy in their cottages they have trouble extricating themselves from their cocoon, and they rarely leave the grounds. “Our visitors feel at home here,” say the proud owners.

www.ochalet.ca

Genessee Outfitter: A nature lover’s paradise

It’s undoubtedly the City of Québec’s best-kept secret. Located only thirty minutes away from the provincial capital, Genessee Outfitter stretches over a ten square kilometre area with the Montmorency River running through it. The property, featuring stunning fauna and flora and adeer park, also offers three luxury cottages for rent.

Without Jérémi, the charming owner of the estate, as a guide, it’s nearly impossible to locate the coveted spot through the forest’s winding paths. It’s hard to believe the site is only a stone’s throw away from the City of Québec. One of its mountains offers a spectacular view of the city and its Château Frontenac. As nature lovers, Jérémi and his brother had always dreamt of creating a unique estate where hunting and fishing aficionados and outdoor enthusiasts could enjoy their stay in an exceptional environment. However, far from a concept with crude shelters, they wanted to establish high-quality lodging that offered all of the necessary comfort to unwind after a long day of activities.

When they discovered the site a few years ago, they knew they could finally make their dream into a reality.

Nature covering ten square kilometres, with three cottages

Today, the estate houses three luxury cottages with two to four rooms each anda capacity of up to ten people. Tastefully decorated, each one has a large fireplace, heated floors, a fully equipped kitchen, a high-end washer and dryer, satellite television and high-speed Internet. Furthermore, as each one is isolated from the others, they all have a large amount of land around them, ensuring peace and privacy.

Three private lakes are nearby, with boats for pleasure or fishing. In fact, one of the lakes is stocked with fish for the enjoyment of anglers. And for experts, the Montmorency River is conducive to fly-fishing.

In all four seasons, visitors can explore the 40 kilometres of available forest paths and trails on foot or by mountain bike, snowshoe, cross-country ski, or snowmobile. If they are lucky, they might come across moose, white-tailed deer, or black bears. The estate also has its own deer park. In the winter, children are invited to feed the forty deer, goats and other horned creatures.

Jérémi and his brother chose to name their dream estate ?Genessee,? because this Iroquois term refers to a beautiful valley. They were right. The place bears its name wonderfully.

www.genessee.ca

Chalets Lac à la Truite: An enchanting retreat in the heart of the Laurentians

Located in sainte-agathe-des-Monts, between saint-sauveur and Mont-tremblant, Chalets Lac à la truite is a resort composed of twenty cottages nestled in breathtaking scenery. Whether for a romantic getaway or a weekend with friends, or even for a business event, any excuse will do to visit this haven of tranquility.

Run by Mr. Gentemann, the estate’s owner and founder, and his daughter Diana, Chalets Lac à la Truite will charm you with its comfortable cottages and jovial atmosphere. The cottages have a capacity of up to 24 people and feature a vast lakefront area that transforms into a private beach in the summer with boats for rent. Each cottage has a whirlpool bath or hot tub and is fitted with the latest high-end technology.

Unplug and relax

To make your stay even more enjoyable, the site is equipped with its own fitness centre. Open year-round, “Le Soleil” offers a gym, a heated indoor pool, a steam room, an outdoor Nordic spa and a large outdoor patio. During the colder months, residents of the Spa 1 chalet enjoy direct access to the Centre via an indoor passageway for a complete cocooning experience.

The resort also partners with certified massage therapists who offer their services on site. And if you don’t feel like cooking, you can opt for the “Dinner by the Fire” package, which includes a gourmet meal by local caterersDeus Entremetteurs and a bottle of wine, all served in the comfort of your cottage, in front of a fireplace that isyours to light.

Groups Welcome

The site can also host groups of up to 24 people for events like a corporate retreat, wedding or birthday party. A private indoor pool, a huge lounge, modern equipment, a caterer, an entertainer and musicians: the Château chalet provides all the staff and equipment needed for a successful large-scale event.

Finally, whatever the season, activities abound in the surrounding area. Downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, hiking, fishing, golf: there’s something for everyone. Book today. Diana and her father can’t wait to greet you!

www.chaletslacalatruite.com

Text: Diane Stehle

Sophie Tessier, owner of La Rousse Espace Beauté, a high-end hair salon on St-Laurent Boulevard favoured by some Quebec celebrities, has more than creative flair: she’s also an excellent businesswoman.

As evidence, her La Rousse Mobile, which has been travelling through Quebec for over a year, is a resounding success. Inspired by the craze for foodtrucks, this mobile beauty salon inside a chrome-finished trailer offers express services for women: hairstyling, manicure and makeup, à la carte or in packages. La Rousse Mobile can be hired for private events such as birthdays, weddings, bachelorette parties, proms and corporate events (festivals, launch events, etc.).

With its immaculate white decor and its five-star service, La Rousse Mobile has an elegant atmosphere that is miles away from the watered-down image of the common trailer: “I wanted to reinvent the concept of the beauty salon to offer an innovative well-being experience in a modern and one-of-a-kind place,” explains Tessier, who has just been selected as one of the five finalists in the 2017 Contessa Canadian Hairstylist of the Year, a competition to honour the best in the business.

An ambassador of Revlon Professional products, Sophie Tessier exclusively uses this line’s brands: Revlon Professional, Style Masters, American Crew, CND and Vinylux, for a simple style or for a private event.

Reservations should be made one year in advance for this service. Visit the La Rousse Mobile’s website now to book your appointment!

www.laroussecoiffure.ca

Text: Diane Stehle

New Yorkers spend many of their evenings going out onto rooftops, that is, if they pass the mighty guard who is selecting the beautiful people from the line of spectacular candidates. Not very politically correct a process, nor pleasant to go through, but the view and the atmosphere make it worth playing the game… So be prepared, smile, be cool, look good and go.

THE STANDARD HIGH LINE HOTEL

My favorite nocturnal terrace is at the top of the Standard Hotel. It is so high up and so vast that the breeze always reaches it. The view over the Hudson River and the skyline is spectacular, especially at sunset. The bar is great, the furniture comfortable, even though spare, and the crowd trendy, ready to party. The terrace connects to two other desirable venues at the Standard: the very VIP Boom Boom Room and Le Bain, its adjacent nightclub, with a Jacuzzi the size of a pool. That makes three reasons to go.

848 Washington St., New York

SALON DE NING AT THE PENINSULA

Elegant and impenetrable, the Salon de Ning is in such high demand that you most likely need to know someone, who knows someone, to get a table at prime time. Is it worth it? Of course it is: the view is majestic, the food and drinks, amazing. The décor straight out of 1930’s Shanghai makes you feel like you are in a movie. Come in Alexander McQueen and you will be set for the evening.

700 5th Ave., New York

BAR 54-HYATT HOTEL

You want a serious cocktail list to accompany your sightseeing? Bar 54 is your destination. Mixologist Julie Reiner is the genius behind the cocktail list. You will not regret your sipping, nor will you be disappointed by the view of the surrounding skyscrapers.

135 W 45th St., New York

THE ROOFTOP AT THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART

This is the most artsy of the rooftops in NYC, with a unique view of Central Park and a great outdoor installation. The rooftop at the MET is a place where an incredible numbers of dates take place. In the late afternoon or early evening on the weekend, it is a great first stop for a romantic evening. The art is smart, the view spectacular, the bar menu is ok: prepare to dine somewhere else to impress your date.

1000 5th Ave., New York

THE SKYLARK

Open to the public only during the week, the weekend being booked for private parties, so you need to make your reservations early for this classy spot in midtown, in the heart of the fashion district. A chic destination, it has built an all-season loyal clientele because its indoor/outdoor space combination allows it to be open all year round. Yhe view is stunning and the menu tasty.

200 W 39th St., New York

BAR HUGO

Quiet and chic, Bar Hugo on the rooftop of the Hotel Hugo is one of a very few accessible rooftops in Tribeca. It is usually not crowded and thus lovely. The drinks are delicious, the Italian bites delectable and the river views splendid. The Statue of Liberty is visible in the evening light. All the more reasons to come here!

525 Greenwich St., New York

THE DELANCEY

The Delancey makes this list because it is trendy and fun! The food is good, the drinks great and the bill more affordable than most. A pillar of nightlife on the Lower East Side, it is unlike any other place in the city. Most nights you will find a youngish crowd of hipsters and artists. Decorated with red sofas to lounge on in the midst of a palm tree garden, The Delancey is like an urban oasis. The “In the know“ crowd gathers there for the DJ parties. Ambiance assured.

168 Delancey Street, New York

THE GANSVOORT

Located in the meatpacking district near the Standard Hotel, the Gansvoort Hotel has a rooftop on its 11th floor with a swimming pool and bar. The pool is reserved for guests, but outsiders are welcome for a drink and snacks. The Plunge bar and Zerzura lounge are protected from the sun, while a narrow terrace runs around the outside. The view over the elevated skyline and the Whitney Museum neighborhood is lovely.

18 9th Ave., New York

Text: Barbara Stehle