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T r e n d s e t t e rBy Veronica RedgraveWESTMOUNT INDEPENDENT – March 2-3, 2010 – 15Louise Vernier BlouinI have noticed Louise Vernier Blouin at many galas. She is always elegantly dressed, often in couture by Quebec designer Yves-Jean Lacasse. Herhusband, lawyer Michel Blouin, is honorary consul of Denmark in Montreal, so they attend many diplomatic functions and galas as well as entertainin their art-filled home. Both are actively involved with the Musée des Beaux-Arts (MMBA), where Michel is special treasurer, chairmanof the finance and nominating committee, as well as being on the board and the executive committee. Louise chaired the magnificent Yves SaintLaurent exhibit at the museum.StyleHow would you describe your personal style?I am an emotional dresser. My clothesreflect my moods. I wear red when I’m ina stressful situation, and black when everythingis fine.What is your favourite way of dressing?Relaxed, dressy?Actually, my 2010 fashion resolution isto dress more casually, but I always lookready to attend a board meeting, evenwhen I am playing bridge!For most of the consular events, do you wearlong or short dresses?Well, for the Diplomatic Ball, I wouldn’twear short as there is a dress code.When Michel was appointed honoraryconsul of Denmark 20 years ago, everyevent was formal. Black tie was de rigueurat private dinners. Today, this scene hasLouise Vernier Blouinchanged a lot. Often an invitation will read“tenue de ville” (business attire).Do you find the dress code different forconsular events in Europe?We had the privilege of being invited toconsular conferences in Copenhagen,Denmark. Queen Margrethe and the Danishgovernment hosted several dinnersand receptions. For these events, we receivedvery precise instructions as to theattire – right down to long or short gloves.On weekends, what do you like to wear?I wish I could say jeans and a crispwhite shirt – but I can’t! I usually wear atailored jacket with pants and a brightpashmina – orange, pink or red. Cashmeresweaters in winter, cashmere sweat -ers in summer. I could live my life inthem.LivingIf you had a choice, where would you live inthe world (money no object)Buenos Aires. Michel is an opera fanatic,and the opera house there is outstanding.The mood in that city is veryEuropean. There is also a sense of melancholy,along with the exuberance. I havewonderful memories: seeing tangodancers in their 80s at the Antique Marketfor example. Oh, and Argentinian redwine is delicious.Do you have flowers in your home?I need the beauty and charm of flowersin my daily life. Especially tulips, mimosasand freesias in the winter.Who would you invite to a dinner party ifyou could have anyone in the world, andfrom any era?I would love to have another opportunityto dine with Kent Nagano, but at a dinnerwhere the mood is informal.FashionFashion is changing fast. The elegance ofhaute couture is almost a thing of the past.What do you think of today’s fashions?It seems to me that people today arewearing jeans and comfortable clothingmore than ever before. The economic situationof the past few years has influencedeveryone. But I do miss the elegance thatone used to see in Montreal’s Golden Mile.I had the honour of chairing the “Hommageà Yves Saint Laurent” at the Muséedes Beaux-Arts. His clothes are timelessand supremely elegant. Many women whoattended the opening cocktail must havebeen influenced by his magic. They lookedwonderfully chic.Who are your favourite fashion designers?For day, I love Quebec designer MichelDesjardins. Jacques Auray is a man withgreat panache in his personal life, and hiscreations reflect this style. Marie SaintPierre understands women, and I like herfeminine designs. For their theatricality,sharpness and sheer beauty, I love Armani,Chanel and Christian Lacroix. YvesJean Lacasse’s fantasy fashions are alsowonderful.Sweet 3 bedroom cottage in the heart of PointeClaire Village. Open concept main level. Steps tothe lake. 4300 sq ft lot. MLS 8295473. $279,000Barbara BaudinetChartered Real Estate Agentwww.barbarabaudinet.com – Royal LePage GlobalMobile: 514-825-9890The ultimate Polish/EuropeanBakery & DelicatessenFamous PONKIdonutsbaked fresh on premises6/ $ 4 .50 or12/ $ 8 .00 $ 6 .00with this adMore Specialties:• European Cold cuts• Imported Cheese• Pierogis – homemade• Pastries & cakes• Grain Breads, sunflower,olive, coriander, flax & more5499 Sherbrooke St. W.corner Girouard514.483.1042Open 7 days a weekTo see our full line of specialties visit:www.wawelpastryshop.com