My Favourite Things: Rebecca Chriqui

I’ve always been in awe of creative, fashionable people and Rebecca Chriqui fits that perfectly.  A Montrealer who now calls New York home, Rebecca is a Senior Art Director who has put together everything from fashion shows to websites.  I couldn’t wait to hear all about her favourite picks for both Montreal and New York along with her fashion and beauty faves.

I was born and raised in Montreal. I worked at Aldo for 7 years, starting as a junior and working my way up to a senior designer. I then moved on to Rudsak as an Art Director where I led the brand vision and strategy for photography for campaigns and e-commerce, produced content & videos, and fashion show concept amongst other things. I just started a new awesome job in New York at Spring as the Senior Art Director. It’s a shopping app and website that carries over 900+ brands such as Opening Ceremony, Vince, Warby Parker, Marc Jacobs, Urban Outfitters, Iro, Rebecca Minkoff, Elizabeth and James etc. It’s been coined the Instagram of shopping and it’s great for discovering new brands, big or small. I get lost in the app for hours because it’s so pleasant.

I’m a child at heart and I am constantly nurturing the right side of my brain through research and travel. I have an almost insatiable appetite for discovery, and am inspired by art and science, logic and fantasy. Music and food are very dear to me (dear is an understatement) and I love discovering… well anything and everything really. My friends would describe me as someone with a child-like wonder about life and an incredible sense of adventure. Almost nothing scares me, which is sometimes a problem. I get injured a lot!

I’m not one of those people who care about age. I turned 30 recently and although everyone was telling me how horrible it would be, it’s been incredible so far. I feel so young and I’m enjoying everything that’s being thrown my way. Everything is an opportunity in my books.

Do you get any special treatments?

I usually go for a facial 2 to 3 times a year, once before winter and once before the summer. (I go to Centre D’Esthétique Victoria in Westmount, they’re so thorough.  )

Are there any favourite products you can’t live without?

I love the Thayers, Witch Hazel toner which is alcohol free and all natural. I use it morning and night and it’s amazing.  I’ve been using the Cucumber one or the rose petal one, I switch depending on my mood for scent.

Is there anything you never leave this house without?

I never leave the house without lip balm. I’m still on the hunt for the perfect one. I just look for natural lip balms without petroleum.

What do you do to style and care for your hair?

Luckily, my hair is very easy to manage, and I’m not the girl who spends three hours getting ready before leaving the house. All in all takes me 20-30 min max to get ready with hair included. I usually shower at night and put my hair in a twist, wake up in the morning, let it go and I’m done! I get these beautiful natural waves from letting it dry like that. Sometimes, I’ll take three minutes with a blow-dryer to fix any stray hairs.

Did you adopt any beauty tips from your mom?

My mom always told me to protect my hands. This includes wearing gloves when doing the dishes so your hands stay soft and wrinkle free even when you get older.

Do you have any funny or cute tips you swear by?

Coconut oil on everything.

Do you have any cringe-worthy beauty moments of the past?

When I was in grade 5 I really wanted to get a pixie cut. My mom tried to talk me out of it but I went ahead with it anyway. Worst. Haircut. Of. My. Life. It was more of a ‘Golden Girls’ haircut on a 5^th grader! Could you imagine walking into school like that? (Don’t get me wrong though, I absolutely love the Golden Girls, especially Betty White, she’s hilarious)

What do you love the most about your look?

I’m a little erratic when it comes to fashion. I could be a rocker one day and very romantic the next. However, there is usually always a little girly piece integrated somewhere no matter how androgynous my look is for the day. I love that I can reinvent myself everyday.

Do you have any favourite items of clothing that you return to time and time again?

My black purse (Dolce & Gabbana Sicily Bag), I got it for myself as a birthday gift a few years ago. It was my first big purchase.

My leather jackets are also a constant. I actually have two that are my go-to. One is from Rudsak, which I use on the days when I need to spruce up my outfit and when I’m feeling more adventurous because it has fringes all through the back and is so much fun! My second one is a Mackage, which is a basic moto jacket. It’s simple and works with everything. I also have a navy leather moto jacket, which I love. I love pairing it with an all black outfit, the mix of the two colours are rad.

Where do you like to shop for fashion?

The Spring app of course!  And I love Zara because it’s one of those places that you can always count on. Aritzia has great basics and they carry fun brands. I’ve been following this brand called Totokaelo for a while on social media. Now that I’m in New York I can actually shop there! They’re on Crosby Street and the store is beautiful and understated. It’s a sweet brand that has their own label but they also carry Dries Van Noten, Margiela, Rick Owens and other great brands.

Is there any music you’re really into lately?

I’m obsessed with music and everyone who knows me knows I’m always looking for the next best artist to listen to while keeping the old school ones in my back pocket.

My music style is quite broad. I listen to everything including old school rock, new rock (love Kings of Leon), indie (one of my faves is Ben Howard and Daughter), hip-hop, r&b, pop, electro and heavy metal. One second I’ll be listening to classical and the next heavy metal. I love Metallica!

Any favourite places to head for a drink or go out in Montreal?

Sparrow is a go-to for drinks.

Do you have a favourite bakery in Montreal?

Cheskie’s on Bernard, they make the best rugelach and babka.

Do you have a favourite hair salons or makeup artists in Montreal?

Chelsea from Atelier Scissor House does my hair. I just started going to her and I won’t change hairdressers for a while. Coming from a girl who hasn’t had a hairdresser in 5 years, that says a lot.

What do you like to make at home to eat?

I love to cook so I’m always experimenting by testing out new recipes and inventing my own. I love exotic and non-American food including Mexican and Asian inspired foods. I tend to gravitate towards Thai, Chinese and Japanese, although I’ve never attempted sushi. I’m very picky with my sushi and homemade or catered sushi is never as good as in a restaurant.

Is there anything you make to eat or drink that makes you feel amazing?

I love cold-pressed juices. I drink them all the time and love to try different brands, although Jus Pur from Montreal is my favourite. I’m sad I don’t have them in New York anymore. We have great options here too but they are still not as great.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Travel, travel, travel! Do it as much as you can while you have the time even if you don’t have the money. It’s the best experience you can get and being exposed to different cultures and ways of living opens your mind.

What’s your favourite thing that you do as an Art Director?

I’m such a curious person so I’m constantly researching. Everything around me inspires me whether it is art, music, architecture, business or politics. I love that I translate intangible ideas into something that people can understand. And being on set for photo shoots is my happy place. Seeing the end result is awesome, as long as it goes according to plan!

What is your favourite thing about your new city, New York?

The city is so alive and everything is so accessible here! If you want something, you go out and get it, and I don’t mean just material things. I love the challenge of knowing that there are a million other people probably going after the same thing. It’s really motivating.

Any favourite spots to eat or visit?

My favourite places in the city are Soho, Chelsea and the Lower East Side.

By CHLOE.  is definitely a favourite restaurant. It’s a vegan place with the best burgers. To be honest, I just walk around and discover so many cute little shops and great coffee/pastry places. Café Henrie is the most darling place too! There’s also an awesome coffee place that opened right next to my place, which is very convenient. It’s called Boule & Cherie and it’s a nice alternative to Starbucks. I always try to support local places.

Any favourite shops?

Does Trader Joe’s count?! I’m hooked. They have the best products and it’s so affordable.

Thanks so much Rebecca!

(Photo credit: Header and Black & White Photo by Lisa Renault, 3rd photo from top by Didier Bellemare)

Other posts from this series you may like: