Bowie by Ivy Studio
Hidden beneath Old Montreal's historic streets, the exclusive supperclub Bowie brings an immersive after-dark experience designed by Ivy Studio.
The 3,000 square-foot basement venue draws on the seductive spirit of 1980s nightlife—layering bold textures and rich materials to create a distinctly modern take on retro glamour. Opened in late 2024, the club balances theatricality with intimacy, blending references from London’s golden age of club culture with a level of refinement that feels rooted in today.
Set behind a discreet entryway, guests are led through a vestibule wrapped in botanical tapestry. A sculptural counter greets arrivals, offering an early preview of what's to come. From here, a central corridor forms the spine of the project, guiding movement and softly choreographing how the venue unfolds. Lounges, dining zones, and a mirrored powder room at the back all radiate from this central line. Along either side, plush custom couches, low tables and velvet banquettes create an inviting flow throughout the space—encouraging guests to settle in and linger.
As a fully windowless venue, Bowie leans into the absence of natural light with confidence. Here, darkness becomes a design tool. A high-gloss burgundy ceiling reflects soft, warm glows from backlit recesses, while the central lounge zone is defined by a deep teal carpet inset into black-stained wood flooring. Lighting remains deliberately low throughout, allowing chrome surfaces, mirrored columns and glowing fixtures to multiply the effect and draw focus to movement, materials and sound.
The palette is unexpected but cohesive—mustard, teal, and burgundy tones are punctuated by tiger-print velvet and polished chrome. Columns are clad in smoked mirror or polished metal, further reflecting the softly lit interior. Custom furniture takes a central role, with modular velvet couches and sculptural poufs offering bold silhouettes and a plush tactility. Glossy black tables with chrome bases continue the theme of high contrast and reflectivity.
Anchoring the venue is a sculptural bar formed from stacked layers of red marble and brass. Its mirrored and chrome backbar glows from within, while a bespoke ceiling fixture—composed of staggered chrome tubes—adds a sense of rhythm overhead. At the opposite end of the room, a DJ booth defines the club’s nightly energy. Oversized red speakers amplify this presence, reinforcing music as a core part of the experience.
Rather than a space for passive observation, Bowie feels cinematic and immersive. Lighting, furniture, and layout work in harmony to create an environment that blurs the line between performance and privacy. With no photography permitted inside, the venue builds its identity through word of mouth and lived experience—fitting for a place designed to transport and captivate.
From its atmospheric lighting strategy to its precisely layered material palette, Bowie adds a new voice to Montreal’s nightlife scene. Ivy Studio’s approach captures a mood that is both deliberate and indulgent—inviting guests into a world apart, where every surface reflects a story, and every detail contributes to the larger narrative of escape.
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