The highly touristed streets of Old Montreal have begun an elegant transformation — thanks, in no small part, to Ivy Studio. Last year the deeply cool architecture and design practice completed Dorsia, a Franco-Italian power-lunch bistro in a corner heritage building. Now the lower-ground floor of that same building has opened as Bowie, a glam 1980s supper club with the firm’s own custom fittings.

Windowless like a speakeasy, the 278-square-metre venue is an opulent time-travel fantasy, starting at its discreet foyer, wrapped in tropical-themed tapestry. It leads to a central lounge bookended by elevated banquettes against walls upholstered in black velvet; plush custom modular sofas and low cocktail tables circulate in between.

Light comes from chrome sconces and backlit alcoves, which cast a warm glow up to the ultra-glossy burgundy ceiling. Original structural columns anchored in the black wood flooring and teal carpet are now clad in smoky mirrors and black marble to work them into the scheme. A jewel-toned palette of teal, mustard, and burgundy with accents of chrome and tiger-print velvet ties it all together. Patrons are asked to respect the sophisticated design by dressing in similar fashion; streetwear is verboten.

The space’s centrepiece is a long mirror-backed red marble bar, lit by staggered chrome
tubes in the recessed ceiling. Restrooms in the back lead to a surprise semi-circular mirrored lounge punctuated by a tiger-print upholstered pouf.

Bowie’s quality ambient audio is something to be experienced, prominently displayed in the form of oversized red speakers and programmed with a suitably glam soundtrack hearkening back 50 years. Then again, the interiors should be seen up close too. With no photos allowed inside, this may be the last you see of Ivy’s design.

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