Montreal's magnificent skyline

Montreal's skyline boasts some of Canada's most striking modernist buildings. The best place to take full advantage of the view is down at the harbour. Look across the water and you could be forgiven for thinking that you're looking both into the past and the future.

One of the most exclusive and sought-after addresses in the city, the bizarre-looking concrete boxes that make up Habitat 67 were built to celebrate Expo 1967, the World's Fair grandly entitled 'Man and his World'.




Another of the Fair's lasting legacies is the Montreal Biosphere, a futuristic-looking dome which houses interactive exhibits aimed at increasing understanding of environmental issues. After a fire burnt away the 'bubble' in 1976, the structure was left out of use and in disrepair until bought by Environment Canada in 1990.


Turn around to look back at the sky-scrapers that define the city's skyline and another iconic architectural achievement stands out. The Aldred Building (in the background of the photograph) is similar to the many Art Deco masterpieces that jewel New York's panorama, and indeed was completed in the same year as the Empire State Building.



Click on the images to enlarge and see some of Sussex's best Art Deco buildings over at www.vintagebrighton.com.

Festival capsule wardrobe - H&M Fashion Against Aids

I'm not going to a festival this summer - too much mud for me - but if I were, this is what I'd pack. It's all from the fantastic H&M Fashion Against Aids collection which launches 20 May. Some 25% of sales from the range will be donated to youth HIV/AIDS awareness projects, which makes this near guilt-free shopping!

The prices are in the usual reasonable H&M range, meaning that I could - in theory - buy all of these pieces. But if I had to reign in my greed and choose three essential items, it'd have to be the maxi dress, tribal sandals and Art Deco chair.

Brightonians, the range will be available in the Churchill Square branch - although we'll only know nearer the time which exact items will be stocked.Image credit:H&M Fashion Against Aids collection