Once upon a time I used to perform
burlesque.
It was in this world that I met Amélie, we clicked, we performed duos on stage (dual strip!), our most memorable number was a duo of bandaged mummies unraveling to the Bangles'
Walk like an Egyptian. It was through my new friend and her partner Richard that I was introduced to the world of kitsch and motorcycles. Meticulously groomed in vintage styles, they had a home decor to match and a crew of biker friends. The couple also taught me that showing up for my first bike ride in flip flops and short shorts were a no-no.
Fast forward many years later: I have since hung up my pasties, and Amélie and Richard have opened two vintage shops (
Kitsch'n'Swell & Rokokonut) and their latest baby
Le 63, which focuses on a lifestyle on two wheels.
.
I pulled up a stool and had a coffee at their counter as Amélie introduced me to some of the styling products that they sell at the shop for your (mostly male) grooming needs. In the above picture it's kind of hard to tell, but that is one giant tub of
Layrite pomade of the
Hawleywoods barbershop fame. It apparently styles like wax but washes out like it's no big deal. If you hold the big jar in one hand and give it a light tap you can feel the product jiggle! Yeah, I tried it out myself, and you can too!
This lovely set of products comes from
Brooklyn Grooming, they take care of your beard follicles, mustache whiskers and your freshly inked tattoo. All made with natural and organic ingredients, invoking your favourite BK hoods: Williamsburg, Fort Greene and my personal soft spot
Red Hook. All of their products are available online at BK Grooming's efficient site but Le 63 is the only brick and mortar retailer where you can pick up their wares in Montreal. So pull up a chair and introduce yourself to Amélie and Richard, allez: beautify!
