In a new partnership that underscores Montreal’s deep roots in luxury and heritage retail, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal and Holt Renfrew Ogilvy are introducing a limited-edition fashion capsule collection that blends timeless sophistication with modern style. The collaboration, titled Ritz-Carlton Montreal x Holt Renfrew, launches exclusively at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in Montreal on June 17, 2025.
The 19-piece collection brings together two storied Canadian institutions, each synonymous with high-end experiences and historic significance. Reflecting what the partners call “quiet luxury,” the collection features ready-to-wear apparel and accessories crafted for those who appreciate enduring elegance. Prices range from $40 CAD for a Ritz Pocket Notebook to $180 CAD for a Unisex Ritz Crewneck Fleece.
“Drawing inspiration from the rich heritage of Holt Renfrew Ogilvy and the esteemed legacy of The Ritz-Carlton Montreal, we have curated a capsule collection that embodies the intersection of lifestyle and culture, and captures the essence of chic, quiet luxury,” said Katia Piccolino, Director of Sales and Marketing/PR for the Ritz-Carlton Montreal. “This collection seamlessly blends effortless sophistication with enduring elegance, creating pieces that transcend time and trends.”
The collection will be refreshed with new pieces for the fall and winter seasons, and will be available through December 2025.
Celebrating Montreal’s Golden Square Mile
The Ritz-Carlton Montreal, located at 1228 Sherbrooke Street West, has been a landmark in Montreal since its grand opening on December 31, 1912. The hotel holds the distinction of being the first Ritz-Carlton property in North America and has remained a symbol of luxury and refinement for over a century.
Founded by a group of prominent Montreal businessmen—including Charles Hosmer, Sir Herbert Holt, Sir Montagu Allan, and Sir Charles Gordon—the Ritz-Carlton Montreal was established under the conditions set by César Ritz himself. Each guest room was built with a private bathroom, a kitchen on each floor allowed for personalized room service, and 24-hour valet and concierge services were available—features that were groundbreaking for their time.
The hotel quickly became a hub for international dignitaries, royalty, and celebrities. Over the decades, it has hosted Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother, Winston Churchill, Charles de Gaulle, Richard Nixon, Pierre Elliott Trudeau, Brian Mulroney, George Bush Sr., and many others. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton famously celebrated their first wedding at the hotel in 1964.
Following a $200 million renovation completed in 2012, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal now offers 129 redesigned guestrooms and suites, as well as 45 luxury residences. Its renowned restaurant, Maison Boulud, operates in partnership with celebrated chef Daniel Boulud.
A Century-Old Relationship Between the Brands
The collaboration also celebrates a relationship between Holt Renfrew and The Ritz-Carlton that dates back over 100 years.
“At Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, we are passionate about offering our clients unique experiences that celebrate our community and underscore luxury, with cultural significance,” said Natalie Lord, Divisional Vice-President and General Manager at Holt Renfrew Ogilvy. “The relationship between Holt Renfrew and The Ritz Carlton goes back more than 100 years. This capsule collection is an ode to the enduring charm of the Ritz and his values, curated with modern ease for the effortlessly stylish set.”
Holt Renfrew itself traces its origins to 1837, when it was founded in Quebec City. The retailer has grown to become Canada’s leading luxury department store, offering a wide assortment of fashion and beauty brands both internationally renowned and exclusive to the Canadian market. Holt Renfrew was acquired by the Weston family in 1986 and remains privately owned. The former Holt Renfrew Montreal flagship was across the street from the Ritz at 1300 Sherbrooke Street West. That store closed in July 2020 with the completion of Holt Renfrew Ogilvy.
The Evolution of Holt Renfrew Ogilvy
The location for this exclusive launch—Holt Renfrew Ogilvy in Montreal—is a fusion of two of the city’s most celebrated retail institutions. Ogilvy first opened its doors in 1866, founded by Scottish immigrant James Angus Ogilvy. Known as “The Daylight Store” for its innovative architecture allowing abundant natural light, Ogilvy became a fixture of Montreal’s cultural and retail scene. The store was long celebrated for its signature bagpiper performances and elaborate mechanical holiday window displays.
Ownership of Ogilvy changed several times throughout the 20th century, eventually being acquired by the Nesbitt family, who ran the store for over 50 years. J. Aird Nesbitt expanded the store’s influence, adding features such as Tudor Hall, a 300-seat performance venue, and adopting innovative marketing strategies that elevated the store’s cultural standing.
In 2011, Wittington Investments—owned by the Weston family—acquired Ogilvy, paving the way for its eventual merger with Holt Renfrew. A major $150 million renovation between 2017 and 2020 created the modern Holt Renfrew Ogilvy we see today. The renovation expanded the property to approximately 250,000 square feet across six floors, while preserving architectural elements like the Bohemian crystal chandelier and Tudor Hall.
Today’s Holt Renfrew Ogilvy
Holt Renfrew Ogilvy, located at 1307 Saint Catherine Street West, is today a destination for luxury shopping in downtown Montreal, hosting boutiques for brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, and Burberry. The store also features beauty salons, personal shopping services, and a dining experience at the Holts Café.
With the addition of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal x Holt Renfrew capsule collection, the department store continues its role as both a luxury retail destination and a curator of cultural experiences in Montreal.
