BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville

Page created by Leo Vaughn
 
CONTINUE READING
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
BLAZER
MAGAZINE                                      Fall 2019 / Winter 2020

                  The Art of
                  Layering

MENSWEAR           CONSULTATIONS   BUSINESS    OAKVILLE’S FINEST MENSWEAR SINCE 1988
MADE TO MEASURE    ALTERATIONS     CASUAL      PERSONAL SERVICE AND PREMIUM BRANDS
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
CANALI.COM
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
35
Contents
                                                                                                            OUR STAFF AT
                                                                                                            BLAZER FOR MEN
                                                                                                            OWNER: RANDY LALONDE
                                                                                                            MANAGER: BRIAN LALONDE
                                                                                                            ASSISTANT MANAGER / BUYER:
                                                                                                            GREGORY LALONDE

                                                                  20
                                                                                                            CONSULTANT: MATTHEW KING
                                                                                                            MARKETING MANAGER:
                                                                                                            PATRICK HUFFMAN
                                                                                                            CONSULTANT / DIGITAL MARKETING:

64
                                                                                                            JONATHAN LAM
                                                                                                            CONSULTANT: EDINA DOZIC
                                                                                                            HEAD TAILOR: GRACE TROFIMIUK

                      06   LOOKING FORWARD, REFLECTING BACK
                           Letter from Blazer owner, Randy Lalonde.
                                                                                                            TAILOR: ANETA DYKCIK
                                                                                                            TAILOR: CARLTON

                      07   UNDER THE BLAZER

                31
                           Our staff's years of service propel us to serve you better today and tomorrow.

                      10   THE BLAZER BUILD
                           Who is Blazer for Men? Where have we come from?
                                                                                                            QUESTIONS
                                                                                                            OR FEEDBACK
                      12   NEXT-GEN CUSTOMER SERVICE
                           Customer service has changed over the years.
                                                                                                            STORE HOURS:
                                                                                                            Monday –Wednesday: 10am – 7pm
                                                                                                            Thursday: 10am – 9pm
                                                                                                            Friday: 10am – 7pm
                      15   NEW TREADS FOR WINTER
                           Shoe brands we carry and why.
                                                                                                            Saturday: 9:30am – 5:30pm
                                                                                                            Sunday: Closed (Family Day)

                                                                                                            Dorval Crossing
                      18   LAYER CAKE
                           How to master layering to dress warm and stylish at the same time.
                                                                                                            300 North Service Rd. West
                                                                                                            Oakville, ON L6M 2S2
                                                                                                            905-338-0322
                      20   ACTING AS AN ACCESSORY                                                           info@blazerformen.com
                           Striking, well-made accessories you can find at Blazer for Men.                  blazerformen.com

           57
                      26   KNIT WITS
                           We've got you covered for sweater weather with the season's top labels.

                      31   FASHION FORWARD
                           What's changing and trending in menswear.                                        PUBLISHED BY:
                                                                                                            The Vital Group
                                                                                                            245 Carlaw Ave. Suite 409
                      35   WINTER LOOKS
                           Cold weather looks styled by Blazer for Men.
                                                                                                            Toronto ON, M4M 2S1
                                                                                                            Business: 416-214-5555 x25
                                                                                                            Mobile: 416-882-2428
                                                                                                            thevitalgroup.ca
                      42   WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MADE TO FIT,
                           CUSTOM ORDER, READY TO WEAR, AND BESPOKE.
                                                                                                            EDITOR: PATRICK HUFFMAN

                      47   BLAZER FOR MEN'S TOP 10 OUTERWEAR                                                ART DIRECTOR: JEN SNOW

 47
                                                                                                            PHOTO RETOUCHING: ANDRE FURTADO

                      57   A PAIR IN PARIS
                           Notes and inspiration from our buying trip to Paris.
                                                                                                            HEAD WRITER: LISA HANNAM
                                                                                                            CONTRIBUTING WRITER: JONATHAN LAM

      12         26
                                                                                                            CONTRIBUTING WRITER: GREGORY LALONDE

                      64   BUSINESS INSIDER
                           Real and tactical lessons from business leaders and game changers.
                                                                                                            COVER PHOTO: DAVID WILE
                                                                                                            STYLIST: JONATHAN LAM
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
Under the Blazer
Looking Forward,                                                                                                                                                                                       THE FUTURE OF BLAZER FOR MEN, AND THE FASHION WE BRING TO OAKVILLE,
                                                                                                                                                                                                            IS DEEPLY ROOTED IN OUR EXPERIENCE IN STYLE. OUR YEARS OF SERVICE IS

  Reflecting Back
                                                                                                                                                                                                                 PROPELLING US TO SERVE YOU BETTER TODAY AND TOMORROW.

                                                                                                                                                                      The blazer is one of the most
                                                                                                                                                                      versatile pieces of menswear.
                                                                                                                                                                      And it’s that sentiment of                                                         RANDY LALONDE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         32 years of service
                                                                                                                                                                      versatility that pushes our
                                                                                                                                                                      Blazer For Men staff. Everyone                                                     As President and Founder of Blazer For Men, Randy has always sought
                                                                                                                                                                      has their role, of course, but it’s                                                to bring menswear labels to Oakville that were previously unavailable.
                                                                                                                                                                      our passion for an elite level of                                                  This has been his strategy for the boutique from 1988 to today and
                                                                                                                                                                      customer service and fashions                                                      moving forward.
                                                                                                                                                                      that push us into the future –
                                                                                                                                                                      2020 and beyond.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         GREGORY LALONDE
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  BRIAN LALONDE                                                                          10 years of service
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  31 years of service
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         With forward thinking, a
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  Manager is a big and complicated                                                       finger on the dial and a vision
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  word, but it is an action verb that                                                    for the future, our Consultant
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  perfectly fits what Brian does for                                                     and Buyer, Gregory has
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  the store and our customers. He has                                                    spearheaded the digital e-com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  been with Blazer For Men since                                                         space with shoplalondes.com
                                                                                                                                                                                                                  the beginning.                                                                         that is fitting of our brand
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         in-store and in the community.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             MATTHEW KING
At Blazer For Men, 2019 has been an eye-opening year. From Oakville to Paris to Florence, we are                                                                          GRACE TROFIMIUK                                                                    29 years of service

researching men’s fashion to help you define your personal style – with lots of options in-store.                                                                         7 years of service
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Matthew is a stellar
                                                                                                                                                                          As Head Tailor, Grace makes                                                        Consultant with the Blazer
                                                                                                                                                                          every garment perfect for our                                                      For Men team. He has an
In 2005, our first Blazer Magazine was launched, and 14 years later it’s still          You will notice that many of the items you were asking for last winter,           customers. As much as Blazer                                                       innate ability to know what
a pleasure to bring your attention to our store, our many different fashion             like lightweight layering sweaters, have all been augmented and replenished       For Men is about style and                                                         customers want when even
lines and accessories along with some stories that give you a sense of "family".        in both options, slim and regular fit.                                            being fashion-forward, her                                                         they can’t express it.
Speaking of family, my son Gregory and I started off the year in Paris,                 We have kept and added to all your favourite suits and sport jackets,             top-notch skills and precision
France, on our way to our annual buying trip to Florence, Italy. Check out              like Z Zegna, Canali, Boglioli, L.B.M. 1911, Luigi BIanchi and Coppley            ensure that it’s a perfect fit,
his article "A Pair in Paris" on page 57, for a glimpse into his impression of          from Canada.                                                                      every time.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      JONATHAN LAM
the "City of Lights".                                                                   I cordially invite you to come in and share some holiday cheer, while you                                                     4 years of service
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     ANETA DYKCIK
It’s a fashion and architectural Mecca. A truly inspiring place to glean the            check out the outstanding selection we have for your holiday dressing,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      You may or may not know                                                        4 years of service
trends that we want to bring you and secure our place as your choice for a              gift ideas or if you want to update your current wardrobe.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                      this, but Jonathan is the Blazer                                               Aneta has really added to the team
globally sourced and curated selection of men’s clothing.                               I guarantee our staff is ready to find you exactly what you’re looking for!                                                   For Men Fall 2019 Look Book                                                    as Tailor. It is because of her talent
The sheer number and selection of suppliers from all over the world, that               Enjoy this 2019 édition of Blazer Magazine.                                                                                   cover model. As the Sales/                                                     and passion that Blazer For Men
have created incredible and enduring fashion lines, can be overwhelming.                                                                                                                                              Marketing Assistant, he                                                        offers such high level of customer
We take great pains to be disciplined to choose what we know you want to                                                                                                                                              pushes us forward with his                                                     service with fit and feel.
wear to fit your lifestyle. But I’ve got to say, it is very hard to say no sometimes,                                                                                                                                 ideas and energy.
but we must – or I’d have to double the square footage of the store!!

6 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 7
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
SAND AD

           EXCLUSIVELY AT BLAZER FOR MEN
          AND ONLINE AT SHOPLALONDES.COM
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
WHO IS BLAZER FOR MEN?                                                                                                                                                                                                                               As a fashion business, Blazer For Men is in the
WHERE HAVE WE HAVE COME FROM?                                                                                                                                                                                                                        market of predicting consumer behaviour. Not
OH, HOW WE’VE CHANGED.                                                                                                                                                                                                                               only with what garments men will love, wear and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     buy. But also, in how they shop. And Randy and
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     his team are always researching the best products
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     and the best way to run their business.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     The biggest game changer for the Blazer For
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Men business was becoming a digital retailer.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Blazerformen.com serves as a silent salesman
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     online, showcasing the premium offerings for
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     local men. There are also the social channels on
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     (@blazerformen), where daily posts not only

 The Blazer Build
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     show what’s in-store, but also how to wear them,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     as well as Blazer For Men’s involvement in the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     community and in-store happenings.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     But a big change for Blazer For Men was evolving
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     into e-commerce with shoplalondes.com.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     “Over 30 years ago, before the Internet and the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     information highway, brick and mortar stores
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     were the only option,” admits Randy. “Now,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     people are making their buying decisions by first
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     doing research online. Our job at Blazer is now
 Blazer For Men started simply. It originated with      The iconic and timeless menswear piece is a                                                                                                                                                  to build a ramp off the information highway
 an idea. The plan was to have a space for men          symbol of the function of what menswear should                                                                                                                                               directly to our brick and mortar store." For those
 to create and fulfill their personal style. They       be. It’s a motif for style, choice, fit and good                                                                                                                                             who are trying to decide where they should go
 could find everything their wardrobe would             tailoring. And that meaning led the retail brand                                                                                                                                             to buy their clothes and get their tailoring done,
 ever need. Not just from a garment perspective,        to offer, not just blazers, but a fully functional                                                                                                                                           they can see the types of brands we carry and the
 but with service, too. But like the world around       wardrobe for men that shifts with their work,                                                                                                                                                services we provide. We also recognize that more
 us, Blazer For Men evolved to meet your needs          their weekends and their overall lifestyle.                                                                                                                                                  and more, our customers and potential customers
 better, faster and our endless quest for the highest                                                                                                                                                                                                are looking to see exactly what we have in-store.
                                                         “I still believe that the blazer in many shapes and
 quality continues. Blazer For Men wasn’t always                                                                                                                                                                                                     It's a huge undertaking, and so we've created
                                                        forms is the most versatile piece in the wardrobe”
 what you see today. It was built – and it wasn’t                                                                                                                                                                                                    Lalonde's (shoplalondes.com) in order to build that
                                                        says Randy. And that is still how he views his
 built in a day.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     digital connection.
                                                        business today.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     It is about accommodating customers, reaching
 Who is Blazer?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      them, expanding their business, maintaining
                                                        The Brands at Blazer
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     current relationships and bringing more people
 “I’m often asked why I chose Blazer for the            To differentiate from the mall retailers, and to                                                                                                                                             both physically and digitally to Blazer For Men.
 name?” says Randy Lalonde, founder and                 create loyal clientele, like yourself, Blazer For
 president of Blazer For Men, which has been            Men had to carry items you couldn’t find in                                                                                                                                                  Where will Blazer For Men be in
 serving its loyal customers for more than 30           Oakville. Blazer introduced brands like Boglioli,                                                                                                                                            the Future?
 years. It was in the 1980s when Randy was              Eleventy, Landi, Montecore, Tintoria Mattei and
 travelling as a buyer when he came across a store      so many more to the Canadian market. When big          I still believe that the   The Evolution                                                                                              Still serving you.
 named Blazer in London, England. “I added ‘For         box stores came around, it was this solid business                                                                                      Sure, the Blazer For Men store is still here,
 Men’ to distinguish myself from the original.”         model that allowed Blazer For Men to continue          blazer in many shapes      The doors opened on March 10, 1988.
                                                                                                                                                                                                although much larger since renovations in the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Whether you order on your phone or see us
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     face to face, know that you are being served that
                                                                                                                                          The initial goal was a brick and mortar shop.
                                                                                                               and forms is the most
 But it was blazer, the garment that really struck      its growth, expanding the retail space, hiring new                                                                                      mid 1990s and 2000s – from 1,000-square feet to      in-store experience that started at Blazer For Men
                                                                                                                                          (What other kinds were there?) Blazer for
 Randy. “I’ve always thought that the blazer is the     staff, and reaching more and more men in the                                                                                            1,600 to 4,2000! And a loyal following has seen      in 1988. That will never change. But the plan is to
                                                                                                                                          Men would be a relaxed retail space that was
 most versatile piece of clothing in your wardrobe.
 You can dress it up with a pair of grey flannel
                                                        area and beyond. Plus, the fast fashion and low-
                                                        ball market just strengthened Blazer For Men’s
                                                                                                               versatile piece in the     convenient geographically for its Oakville and
                                                                                                                                                                                                the store through – no matter the state of the
                                                                                                                                                                                                economy. But there have been some big changes.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     evolve. Every decision, from the must-buy pants
                                                                                                                                          surrounding area clientele and a stress-free                                                               to configuring how our websites work harder
 trousers, a shirt, tie and a pocket square. Or, you    brand positioning. Customer service doesn’t just       wardrobe.                  experience. With the economy crashing the year        “We change. We evolve. We forecast. We predict.      and better, is made to make the best shopping
 can throw on a pair of jeans, sneakers – the new       take place at the cash register at Blazer For Men                                                                                       We bank,” says Randy. “We move forward with          experience in Oakville, in Canada and in the
                                                                                                                                          before, the opportunity was right to build the
 cool ones, of course – along with a sport shirt or     It’s before you walk in the store, when you’re                                                                                          the times. If we don’t, we’ll lag behind, awaiting   world. Blazer For Men has invested too much
                                                                                                                                          business. Back then the slogan was: “You don’t
 knit of your choice, and you are good to go for        selecting product, and even after you take                                                                                              our impending doom. We always adapt and keep         time and family to not see it as a store of the
                                                                                                                                          need a lot of clothes; you need the right clothes!”
 an evening out.”                                       it home.                                                                                                                                pace with tomorrow.”                                 future. Stick with Blazer For Men – it’s a great ride.
                                                                                                                                          Randy still finds this to be true today.

 10 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 11
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
From loyalty programs to intuitive upselling
                            on social media, customer service has                                         U
                                                                                                            NDERSTANDING THAT CLICKING A BUTTON,
                            changed over the years. But the real goal is                                   DOESN’T EQUAL CONVENIENCE

                            much simpler than all of that.                                                E-commerce has allowed men and women to shop online from home,
                                                                                                          from the train, from wherever. That is great and all. But that’s not customer
                                                                                                          service, and nor is it the apex of convenience. The one thing that in-store
                                                                                                          experiences carry that websites have trouble bearing is the ability to enjoy

                      Next-Gen
                                                                                                          the purchase right away. Abandoned cart, anyone? And those companies that
                                                                                                          do recognize this flaw in the digital space offer free standard shipping with a
                                                                                                          minimum purchase, and express delivery with a surcharge. There’s a reason
                                                                                                          Amazon Prime carries a name that implies another level of service suggesting

                      Customer
                                                                                                          it comes with a cost. You’ll pay for it. Contact lens brands and grocery
                                                                                                          delivery sites get it. Blazer For Men sees the appreciation our clients have
                                                                                                          when they take items from the store to wear that week, or even that day.
                                                                                                          So our brand values are transferred online with shoplalondes.com. That’s

                      Service
                                                                                                          why we offer free shipping for purchases delivered to the U.S.A. and within
                                                                                                          Canada. Often, packages are received next day, too. And if you live in Canada
                                                                                                          or south of the border, we will pay for return shipping.

                                                                                                           BE AVAILABLE, BE PRESENT

                                                                                                          There is no Customer Service without servicing the customer. The digital          At Blazer For Men, we answer emails, online inquiries, DMs and more, as
                                                                                                          space has created a divide in really responding to inquiries and feedback.        quickly as possible. Inquiring about an item, want to set up an appointment
                      It’s no big secret that the best customer service is all about going the extra
                                                                                                          Whether shopping from a website or on Instagram, efficiency can seem to           or simply say hello, we are here. Call or email, and you will get an answer.
                      mile. Exceeding expectations is an easy idea, but the follow-through requires
                                                                                                          mean an absence of human interaction. But the dial is turning on that front.      Also, shoplalondes.com is maintained by our staff, not bots, and we can answer
                      creativity. And that’s not something that comes naturally to everyone.
                                                                                                          With automated “virtual” staff using word recognition to address frequently       your style questions from a real place, not keyword recognition. And while
                      Hence, the status quo.
                                                                                                          asked questions, it does suppress some need to have an actual live real human     some clothing retailers stand behind their products until they’re on sale,
                      So how does one stay competitive in the digital space that promises                 being serve customers. But does it really replace it? Apple, perhaps among        we always offer 14-day free returns.
                      convenient and efficient service? With all of the “We will do it for you”           the most popular technology companies, recognizes that and has made its
                      and “Why leave your house” promises, customers – who are real people,               staff the point of customer service. You can’t walk into an Apple store
                      by the way – want to have that human interaction when they make a                                                                                                      LISTENING TO CUSTOMER FEEDBACK, REALLY LISTENING
                                                                                                          without recognizing who the staff is. And they approach you right away.
                      purchase or buy a service. And as much credibility having a large number            Have an issue with a product? Apple provides service by calling Apple Support,    The car industry is one of the most innovative spaces in the marketplace
                      of followers may be, you don't want clients to feel like they are a number.         allowing you to schedule a call, connect with other users in the Apple Support    today (and for a long while now). The reason it’s able to feed into the needs
                      A few businesses have risen above the digital clutter with customer service         Communities, chat with support staff in real time online, and more. Sure the      of customers is from research. Despite things like recalls and depreciation
                      that goes back to basics. And this is what is leading customer service for          buzz around new launches is smart marketing, but great customer service is        values, brands from Lexus to Toyota, appear credible and trustworthy
                      the future.                                                                         what brings faith to the customer and keeps them coming back.                     because their response to customer feedback. “Automakers continue to make
                                                                                                                                                                                            progress in areas like infotainment that attract a lot of consumer attention,”
                                                                                                                                                                                            Dave Sargent, vice-president of global automotive at J.D. Power reports to
                       EXPAND YOUR REACH BY EXPANDING YOU SERVICES
                                                                                                                                                                                            driving.com. Other industries may track innovation with similar traction,
                      Uber’s business is driving. And the clever folks at Uber understood                                                                                                   but auto brands understand how to communicate that they’ve listened to
                      that “delivery” is a fit for the brand when it expanded with Uber Eats.                                                                                               their customers quickly. This customer-centric approach, such as making
                      “It’s grown much faster than we thought it was going to grow,” Jason                                                                                                  luxury feel accessible, enhancing the driving experience, and creating
                      Droege, vice president of Uber Everything, told “Bloomberg Technology.”                     Brick & Mortar – It’s Still Relevant                                      true loyalty through social channels, is about investing in the consumer
                      In one quarter, Uber Eats delivers to 15 million users.                                                                                                               relationship and recognizing its long-term benefits.
                      And part of that success is in its ability to track customer behaviour to                   Blazer For Men and shoplalondes.com have its roots                        At Blazer For Men, our evolution comes from listening to you on the
                      offer better customer service, not just for its own business, but for local                 in Oakville. Our unique location helps bring our elite                    showroom floor, and applying our learnings in-store and online. Our buying
                      restaurants. According to the “Washington Post,” Uber “provides restaurants                 level of customer service to you. We are physically                       trips are fueled on the previous season’s and previous year’s feedback.
                      with an analytics tool to help them make decisions about their menus or                     able to answer calls, house calls, emails and more                        We don’t just anticipate or predict your wardrobe needs, we respond to it.
                      other aspects of the business.” And it can also create new business through                 with a genuine one-on-one response. We care, and                          We find pieces that will make your life easier, add quality to your wardrobe,
                      its data. “If it notices lots of customers searching for poke, but no restaurants           we show it. And our shoppable site blends the best                        help define your personal style, and essentially find the premium items
                      are offering the Hawaiian fish dish, it might reach out to local sushi joints               of both worlds – the Blazer experience on your                            you never knew you needed (or can find anywhere else). That’s on the
                      encouraging them to offer poke.”                                                            computer and on your phone. Brick and mortar will                         product front. We provide five-star service with expertly trained staff. Every
                                                                                                                                                                                            touchpoint is an opportunity to ensure that the shopping experience is not
                      Blazer For Men did this years ago, anticipating your needs with custom fit,                 live on and grow with a select demographic because
                                                                                                                                                                                            just good – but great – every time.
                      tailoring, personal shopper services, private shopping opportunities,                       of their lifestyle and individuality.
                      and more.

12 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                         FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 13
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
New Treads
for Winter
 THE SHOE BRANDS WE CARRY
         AND WHY.

        BY JONATHAN LAM

                            FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 15
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
LLOYD Farwell $269                                                                                                                                                   Loake 1880
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Founded in Northampton, England, Loake

                                                                                        Lloyd Shoes
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            Shoemakers launched in 1880, over 130 years of
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            experience crafting handmade footwear. At their
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            price point, they are arguably the best value in the
                                                                                        For us Lloyd Shoes consistently offers comfort in their                                                                                             market for sourcing top leather hides and using
                                                                                        footwear offerings. This shoemaker continues to make                                                                                                premier materials. Mostly using full-grain French calf
                                                                                        their shoes in Germany, producing in the same factories                                                                                             and constructed with a Goodyear welt, this allows
                                                                                        as when they first started. This allows them to maintain                                                                                            for easy resoling complementing the long lifecycle of
                                                                                        a consistent quality control on each pair. Stylistically,                                                                                           their leather. Taking care of the high quality leather
                                                                                        they fill a gap we see in the market of being casual                                                                                                and resoling a pair will allow one to wear a pair for
                                                                                        enough to wear with jeans and interesting enough                                                                                                    at least 10 years. Knowing that each pair of the 1880
                                                                                        that they won't be mistaken for a typical dress shoe.                                                                                               line is still made in Northampton by cordwainers
                                                                                        Lloyd consistently pushes the boundaries for comfort                                                                                                – experts at their craft – allows us to provide our
                                                                                        and innovative construction in the dress shoe market.                                                                                               customers with a consistently well made English
                                                                                        Partnering with Gore-Tex to ensure their boots remain                                                                                               shoe. We’re not only excited about their history but
                                                                                        waterproof in the winter, all the way to experimenting                                                                                              also their future outlook! They have just hired a new
                                                                                        with extra lightweight soles making for the lightest shoes                                                                                          head creative designer who will be adding modern
                                                                                        in the store, Lloyd Shoes does what no other footwear                                                                                               styles each season to offer clients a fresh selection.
                                                                                                                                                     LOAKE Pimlico $450
                                                                                        company is doing.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      HESCHUNG Vigne $898

                                                                                                                                                         Heschung
  Giulio Moretti                                                                                                                                          Elegant. Comfortable. Tough. Three characteristics
                                                                                                                                                          that Heschung has decided to build their brand on,
  Out of Italy, Giulio Moretti enables us to work with                                                                                                    descriptors we’d echo of the boot. Hailing from Alsace,
  the factory and be the most hands-on with any of                                                                                                        France, this shoemaker finds their roots in ski boots
  our brands. Working alongside has allowed us to                                                                                                         and competitive skiing. Through the 60's and 70's their
  customize their shoe offering to what we see meets                                                                                                      handmade ski boots were the choice of many in the
  the needs of our customers. This has allowed us                                                                                                         Olympic ski competitions. It is this rich history that
  to maintain their blake stitch construction while        GIULIO MORETTI Side-Zip Boot $398                                                              allowed them to translate into a contemporary luxury
  offering a variety of soles practical for the Canadian                                                                                                  shoemaker whose strength lies in their boots. Heschung
  seasons. Our most popular sole is the leather and                                                                                                       allows us to offer you, our client, a luxury boot using
  rubber combined sole which allows for the traction                                                                                                      leathers sourced from the top tanneries around the
  while maintaining the comfort of a leather bottom.                                                                                                      world. Their strongest differentiating factor is their
  Whether it’s their dress shoes or our recent ventures                                                                                                   competitive background that has allowed them to
  into sneakers, Giulio Moretti cares for every shoe,                                                                                                     become experts in the very rare reverse welted stitching,
  ensuring each is hand-stained and finished after                                                                                                        enabling their elegant footwear to survive the rugged
  production. This level of care is what we want when                                                                                                     Canadian winters and salt stains.
  sourcing a dress shoe for our customers.

16 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 17
BLAZER - Layering - Fall 2019 / Winter 2020 - Blazer For Men Oakville
LAYER
              CAKE
                                                                                                                                                          While you might never put layering on your CV, it truly is
                                                                                                                                                          a skill when done right. Here is how to master dressing
                                                                                                                                                          warm and stylish at the same time.

                                                                                                                                                          You layer for one reason: To stay warm. And there are two occasions to layer: For
                                                                                                                                                          indoors and for outdoors. That might seem obvious, but styling a look that’s smart,
                                                                                                                                                          not bulky, isn’t as easy as one, two, three. But we’ll break it down for you.

                                                      LAYERING FOR THE INDOORS                                                                                                                             LAYERING FOR THE OUTDOORS

                                                Start with the basics and build from there.                                                                                                                   Build the look by dressing thin to thick.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Scarf

                                                                                                                                                                      T-Shirt                                                                                                                        Overcoat

                      Shirt                           Lightweight Sweater / Sweater Vest / Button-up Vest                  Sport Coat or Suit Coat                                    Sweater / Hoodie / Pullover / Cardigan                       Vest / Bomber / Sport Coat / Jacket

       Styling your outfit with layers looks sophisticated and stylish.           a collared shirt. And make sure that the shirt and the sweater fit            Looking good for the Canadian winters can be as harsh as the cold,            harder than you might have thought, thanks to the innovative
       It also gives you the opportunity to wear your fall pieces for             well so the silhouette is flattering. Good quality fabrics will help          if you don’t style yourself right. While a feather down parka works           brands available at Blazer For Men. You can choose a sweater from a
       longer. This layering strategy can work for casual and more                too. Stick with a palette of similar colours, such as earthy tones or         for shovelling the snow, watching the kids skating or trekking to             multitude of weights that makes the most sense for the temperatures.
       formal situations. Your bottoms, whether it’s jeans or dress pants,        monochrome. Your top layer is what takes all the credit for your              work during a snowfall, you likely want a more streamlined look               You could wear a turtleneck, but a scarf is an accessory that elevates
       will determine the last layer for a sport coat or sport jacket.            look, so let it make a statement.                                             for the everyday. While your topcoat should be warm, it’s the layers          your personal style. Choose an overcoat that is versatile with your suits
       Just be sure to choose a jacket that fits well over more than                                                                                            beneath that will retain your body heat. Contemporary menswear                and shoes. Or, of course, you can invest in a few colours, like grey,
                                                                                                                                                                has stolen some notes from athletic wear in terms of function and             brown, blue and black, if you like. Layering is about wearing different
                                                                                                                                                                technical fabrics. So your shirt, sweater and jacket are likely working       pieces of clothes after all.

                                    Shirts:                Sweaters & Vests:          Sport Coats & Suits:                                                       T-Shirts &             Pullovers &           Sweaters:          Scarves:       Bombers &           Jackets &
       BRANDS                                                                                                                                                    Hoodies:               Cardigans:                                              Sport Coats:        Overcoats:                      BRANDS
                                    Orian                  Roberto Collina            LBM 1911                                                                                                                Gim Co. Ltd.       Eton
WORTH LAYERING                      Tintoria Mattei        Gim Co. Ltd.               Luigi Bianchi                                                              Reigning Champ         Phil Petter           Smedley            Drake          Paul & Shark        John Varvatos                   WORTH LAYERING
  FOR INDOORS                       Eton                   Eleventy                   Z Zegna                                                                    Phil Petter            Roberto Collina       Inis Meáin                        Myths               Herno                           FOR OUTDOORS
                                    Boglioli                                          Eleventy                                                                   John Varvatos          Paul & Shark                                            Luigi Bianchi       Montecore
                                                                                                                                                                                        Bugatti
                                                                                                                              SEE PAGE 26 FOR GREAT
                                                                                                                             SWEATER LAYER OPTIONS
18 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 19
Acting as
an Accessory
Instead of being asked “How are you?” these striking, well-made                                                                                         1

accessories will have people asking “Where’d you get that?”
Go ahead and tell them, Blazer For Men.

                                                                                    2
                                                                                                          1. OFF THE CUFF
                                                                                                          Men’s jewellery doesn’t have to be all blingy. Woven
                                                                                                          bracelets from brands like Tateossian, Pig & Hen and
                                                                                                          Josh, up your style factor. They look great with a sport
                                                                                                          jacket and tie or with a hoodie.

                                                                                                          2. IN THE BAGS
                                                                                                          The essence of bags are essentially functional – they
                                                                                                          carry your stuff. But Anderson raises the bar with
                                                                                                          craftmanship and forward style. It’s in the leather details
                                                                                                          and woven fabrics in these made-in-Italy bags.

                                                                                                          3. SOCK IT TO ’EM
                                                                                                          A good pair of socks is like a well-written cover letter.
                                 3
                                                                                                          It lets people know a bit more about you and your
                                                                                                          personality. Whether you’re the quiet type or prefer to
                                                                                                          be loud, your sock style can be as expressive as you want,
                                                                                                          especially with the range of styles from Pantherella,
                                                                                                          Marcoliani, Dion and Falke.

                                                                                                          4. McGLOVEN’ IT
                                                                                                          The details can’t be missed: The hand-stitching, the thin,
                                                                                                          soft leather, luxurious tanned colours, the soft and warm
                                                                                                          wool lining. Hestra is known for producing elite-level
    5                                                                                                     ski gloves as well as luxury dress gloves.

                                                                                                          5. ORGANIZED CHAOS
                                                         4
                                                                                                          You want a Type-A personality wallet? One that keeps
                                                                                                          your cards, money, phone, whatever, together? And
                                                                                                          it should look good, too? These embroidered Secrid
                                                                                                          wallets are made in Holland and are only carried at five
                                                                                                          stores in Canada; Blazer For Men is one.

        1. PIG & HEN Woven Bracelet Set $105 | 2. ANDERSON'S Woven Bag $1,450 | 3. SOCKS $35 each | 4. HESTRA Deerskin Gloves $218 | 5. SECRID Wallet $89.95

20 | BLAZER FOR MEN
BUGATTI F19_BLAZER_1_2H_9.25 X 6.125.indd 1              2019-09-06 9:37 AM

                                              alberto-pants.com
#Hashtag #Re-HasH
                     You’re meticulous in choosing a suit, but do you do the same with
                      your jeans? Italian denim brand Re-HasH is bringing the focus on
                                                     tailoring for your casual staple.

         Jeans are tried and true. And that’s mostly for the fabric. Washes      What’s in-store?
         have been trending for the past decade or so. But no one really
         talks about denim tailoring. Until now.                                 As one of the select retailers in Canada to carry Re-HasH,
                                                                                 Blazer For Men has ordered the pieces that will work for your
                                                                                 wardrobe and your lifestyle. Check out the power-stretch fabric,
         Denim Disruptors
                                                                                 a cotton-lyocell-stretch blend, which has garnered quite the
         Re-HasH is all about tailoring. Actually it has always been about       following across Europe and is sneaking its way over this way.
         tailoring. The Caucci family-owned and operated company has             The jeans are 100-per-cent made in Italy, with fabric sourced
         been making trousers in general for over 60 years. The three            from Turkey and Italy.
         generations have always had a focus on precision and design,            The Re-HasH fit is unmistakable. Featuring a contemporary
         which pushed the brand forward. Now as a denim brand, leaning           slim fit style that’s flattering and can be dressed up or worn for
         heavily on its Italian tailoring skill set, Re-HasH is a disruptor in   Casual Fridays, weekends and more, check out the five-pocket
         the jeans market.                                                       and chinos. The Rubens 5 Pocket Low-Rise is an Italian slim
         No other jean company is focusing on the precision and                  fit with a 17.5-centimetre bottom, 24.5-centimetre rise and an
         craftsmanship of making jeans like Re-HasH. Every single detail         85-centimetre inseam. The Canaletto Chino Low-Rise is also an
         is painstakingly cared for with that Italian tailor eye, making these   Italian slim fit, with 18-centimetre bottom, 24.5-centimetre rise
         jeans not only wearable, stylish and covetable, but also worthy of      and an 85-centimetre inseam.
         the investment. Things that are made well last longer.                  As one of the fastest growing specialty pant brands in Italy,
         Each pair is unique and one of a kind. And those who know of            you can find Re-HasH at Blazer For Men now.
         the brand and seek it out want fashion that’s different than what
         they’ve already seen. In fact, Re-HasH describes its clientele as
         “adult and conscious people, protagonists of the choices they
         make and who refrain from the diktats of fashion.”

         In the Jeans

         Described as “state of the art” and “of highest quality,” Re-HasH
         uses fabric that allows for well-designed and tailored pieces.
         The fit is what makes each pair unique with Italian tailoring
         that you would come to expect from your suit, but are pleasantly
         surprised to feel in your jeans. It’s the meeting of traditional
         craftsmanship with innovative sartorial design and environmentally
         friendly washes.

24 | BLAZER FOR MEN
1                                                                             3                                                                              5

KNIT
                                                                                       GIM CO. LTD. LIGHTWEIGHT V-NECK                                         JOHN SMEDLEY LIGHTWEIGHT MOCK NECK                                             INIS MEAIN ARAN CABLE SWEATER HOODIE
                                                                                                               $268                                                                           $315                                                                          $640

                                                                              The quintessential piece of any man’s wardrobe and is easily the most       Just as the turtleneck has seen a renaissance in recent years, so too has the      The terms casual and sophisticated rarely exist in the same sentence
                                                                                timeless of any knitwear he may have. Regardless of profession or          mock neck sweater. James Bond has iconically been a shaper of fashion            when describing an item, yet the knit hoodie calls for us to use those

WITS
                                                                              work environment, the V-neck sweater serves as a great stand-alone         trends and helped the revitalization of the mock neck sweater. Since Daniel      two opposing descriptors. Whether it’s a grocery run after work or early
                                                                               or layering piece under a sports jacket. Have your staple colours of       Craig wore it in "Spectre" in 2015, we have seen men slowly add it back to       morning workouts, hoodies are the piece we reach for. Being knitwear,
                                                                              navy, grey and black, but don’t be afraid to add a splash of colour with   their wardrobes. The lightweight mock neck works nicely to offer a refined        there is sophistication in the quality of fabrication. If you thought your
                                                                                       a grape (as displayed here) or red coloured V-neck.                    knitwear option with a slightly lower neckline than the turtleneck,           hoodie was cosy enough, it’s much cosier when it’s a plush wool knit.
                                                                                                                                                                                while serving a similar function.                                    Consider this your “go to” layer for style and comfort.

                                                                                                             THIN                                                                          LIGHT                                                                       MEDIUM

 BLAZER FOR MEN HAS YOU COVERED AND READY
 FOR SWEATER WEATHER WITH THE SEASON’S TOP
LABELS PRESENTED FROM THINNEST TO HEAVIEST.

                                                                             2                                                                             4                                                                              6
  The one purchase you never regret is a sweater. It adds texture and
 a luxurious hand to your look. And a well-made, good quality knit is
timeless and should last for a long time, if you take care of it properly.
 Light, medium and heavy knits will allow you to layer well and keep
 warm, fall through winter and into spring. Creating a knit wardrobe
 is about investing in different styles, including crewnecks, V-necks,
   half-zips, full-zips, cardigans, shawl collars, turtlenecks, pullovers,
   vests, jumpers and more. But not all sweaters are created equally,
  though. That is why Blazer For Men sources knitwear from brands
              that embody artisan design and craftsmanship.

                                                                                JOHN SMEDLEY LIGHTWEIGHT TURTLENECK                                             PAUL & SHARK LIGHTWEIGHT QUARTER-ZIP                                                        INIS MEÁIN SHIRT JACKET
                                                                                                              $298                                                                            $550                                                                           $540

                                                                               Stephen King famously wrote, “Sooner or later, what is old becomes               Capturing the best of both worlds, the ever popular Paul & Shark              We are all familiar with the traditional cardigan, a great button-up
                                                                                  new again.” For turtlenecks, the sooner is now. Making a strong           full-zip, also available in a quarter-zip. An ideal hybrid layering piece,     layering option, especially as the colder months roll around. However,
                                                                               comeback the last few seasons, the lightweight turtleneck has firmly          it is much dressier than a standard sweatshirt and works great worn             for some, the traditional cardigan is a piece associated with an older
                                                                             entrenched itself as the go-to layering option for any modern man. The           in place of the sweatshirt. The quarter-zip allows a collared shirt to       generation and is avoided for fear of looking too much like your great
                                                                             higher collar provides an appearance of sophistication that stands above          peek through but, if needed, slides nicely to be worn underneath a             uncle. To fill that void, the Inis Meáin Shirt Jacket becomes a great
                                                                              all other knitwear. Pair the lightweight John Smedley knit under a suit                sport jacket, allowing the tie and shirt to be accented.              cardigan alternative. The sweater maintains the button-up, retaining the
                                                                                   or sport jacket to replace the usual dress-shirt-and-tie combo.                                                                                                function of the cardigan while providing an updated visual.

 26 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 27
7                                                                              9

      ROBERTO COLLINA CHUNKY TURTLENECK                                                         BUGATTI FULL-ZIP SWEATER
                                    $448                                                                          $266

When choosing knitwear, warmth and comfort are two priorities for any             Taking inspiration from the cut of a traditional track jacket, the full-
piece. It’s hard to find a cozier option than this sweater, so if you haven’t    zip sweater provides a sportier look than traditional knitwear. While
 jumped on the turtleneck bandwagon, it’s not too late. The key though          keeping in mind versatility within your wardrobe, this is an option that
  is finding a “chunky” turtleneck. The thick knit provides a cozy plush         looks just as sharp over a T-shirt or a dress shirt. The Bugatti full-zip
feel while helping you keep warm, especially around the neck. A thicker         option works especially well for men who want to layer but find they get
   turtleneck looks great as a stand alone piece, especially when there’s               hot easily. It’s already lightweight but if you find it gets
 detailing in the knit pattern like with this Roberto Collina Turtleneck.                           too warm just unzip the sweater.

                               HEAVY                                                                       HEAVIEST

 8                                                                              10

     ROBERTO COLLINA FAIR ISLE KNIT BOMBER                                          INIS MEÁIN WOOL STORM JACKET SWEATER
                                    $568                                                                          $738

  Some knitwear is made to stand out, especially for the festive season.         Understanding the harsh winter weather fishermen off the Irish coast
  We just had to order this zip cardigan, since it evokes so many fond           face, Inis Meáin knit this sweater with them in mind. The body of the
    memories of growing up in the frigid winter days in Northern                  sweater is made of thick wool made warmer by the key feature of an
   Ontario! A great item to wear for that staff Christmas party, it will           extra layer knit in the shoulders. The Donegal patch is designed for
     certainly draw attention and bring up stories of your youth.                warmth and protection to help those fishermen lug their gear around.
                                                                                             Needless to say, this is the heaviest knit in-store!

28 | BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION FORWARD

                                                                                       What’s changing in menswear,
                                                                                  the expressive trends we’re seeing
                                                                                     and how signature style is more
                                                                                 important now than it has ever been.

                                                                                                                                                       Alberto

Men’s fashion has generally been pretty typical, with wardrobe staples      beyond all recognition, straddling the best bits of the past with more recent
changing subtly to move forward with trends. But the past few years have    fashion preoccupations such as luxury, techy fabrics, body-consciousness and
really shown that menswear has versatility and movement.                    gender fluidity. Today’s lucky style-focused male can now unashamedly pick
“From the 1950s up to the 90s, some men dressed pretty boringly,” reports   and mix from a vast array.”
“iD” magazine. “But since then, men’s style has boomed and mashed-up

                                                                                                                           FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 31
 SUIT YOURSELF – PERSONAL STYLE

                                                                                                                                                                                                            The rise in options has moved to the bespoke and tailored suiting, and the
                                                                                                                                                                                                            demand for custom suiting is on the rise. The ability to choose the fabric,
                                                                                                                                                                                                            under collar, contrast stitching, buttons, lining as well as a personalized label,
                                                                                                                                                                                                            not only gives men choice, but gives them an identity too.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            “It’s the desire to not look like one of a million but one in a million,”

                                                                                      Categories, like                                                                                                      Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at NPD Group told “Forbes.”
                                                                                                                                                                                                            And Salesh Grover, business head at OSL Luxury Collections, which owns

                                                                                    denim, knits, casual                                                                                                    Corneliani agrees. “Standing out seems to have struck a chord among
                                                                                                                                                                                                            style-conscious men. According to recent statistics, men are spending more

                                                                                    athleticwear, jackets
                                                                                                                                                                                                            on shopping than women, which indicates a change in trend. The men’s
                                                                                                                                                                                                            occasion wear market is transforming into a very detail-oriented, fashion
                                                                                                                                                                                                            conscious segment. It is all about getting noticed and being different.”

                                                                                   and more, have grown.                                                                                                    If all of this choice is overwhelming, you are not alone. Building a wardrobe
                                                                                                                                                                                                            with a cohesive aesthetic that reflects who you are takes skill and know-how.
                                                                                                                                                                                                            Leaning on knowledgeable retail staff and expert tailors can help. While sales
                                                                                                                                                                                                            staff may seem friendly – and they are – in asking about your job, family life
                                                                                                                                                                                                            and personal interests, they are actually assessing your fashion needs. And
                                                                                                                                                                                                            bringing lots of options is how they gauge your comfortability with certain
                                                                                                                                                                                                            trends and how bold you’re willing to be. They are also there to push your
                                                                                                                                                                                                            boundaries and evolve your look with the oncoming trends.

                                                                                                                   Eton

   Eleventy
                                                                                                                                                                                             L.B.M. 1911

 WHAT’S CHANGING?                                                                                                          EXPRESSIVE TRENDS

“As the work world relaxes its mandatory uniform, suits have become a less                                                 The power has shifted from men being dictated to on what to wear. Clothing
necessary item for men,” says Randy Lalonde, founder and president of Blazer                                               is now, more than ever, a form of expression about taste and personality.
For Men. “Instead, sport coats have become more important, mainly because                                                  “Men are not who they used to be,” reports “Vogue” on the 2020 menswear
they are less formal more comfortable and allow for wear-ability and mobility.”                                            runway trends. “The archetypes of [2020 …] are no longer bankers or
Today, workwear is about dressing to suit the environment, instead of                                                      lawyers. They are romantics and lovers; they are sustainable sensualists; they
dressing to create the environment. Industries, like technology and creatives,                                             are deeply elegant with escapist tendencies. They are louche and languid and
dictate the wardrobe requirements.                                                                                         lovely – and yes, they actually exist.”
Categories like denim, knits, casual athleticwear, jackets and more, have                                                  There is more colour choice than ever before. Fabric has function, draping,
grown. And they are dressier than we’ve seen in the past. The line between                         Luigi Bianchi Mantova   appeal to the hand, visible texture, unexpected and expressive patterns,
casual is blurred as contemporary dressing is appropriate for a number of                                                  and cut is all about interesting and smart tailoring.
occasions, from date night to boardroom meetings.                                                                          With the fashion rules slackening, men have more options. Curating a
You might think that the demand for suiting would deteriorate, but if                                                      wardrobe is less about staples and more about pieces that are mixable
anything, it’s elevated the occasion for a suit. Weddings, job interviews,                                                 and wearable. You can own more than one style of jeans, a collection of
engagements and charity events call for a suit.                                                                            blazers for whatever mood strikes, a full shoe wardrobe for every occasion,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Eton
And it’s no longer about owning a checklist: Black tie, blue pin-stripe,                                                   sportswear to go from work to the course, and more.
winter wool-blend, and lightweight for summer. Men now choose from
a varied range of styles, fabrics, and numerous custom options. And when
you see men like Harvey Spector from the appropriately named “Suits,”                                                                                                                                        SEASON OF CHANGE
and influencers like @matthewzorpas and @davidgandy_official wear fashion-                                                                 It is all about getting                                          At Blazer For Men, fashion is our product, but monitoring change is our
forward suits, men want more from their suit than a basic ensemble.
                                                                                                                                           noticed and being
                                                                                                                                                                                                            business. We follow and predict the trends, and we bring a wider choice
 “As other retailers give up on certain categories, [like suiting] we gain focus                                                                                                                            of fashion to men in Oakville and beyond with shoplalondes.com. When
on who is still wearing suits and who has never worn a suit but really wants                                                                                                                                the world changes, we change with it. So refresh your style, add to your
to,” says Lalonde.                                                                                                                         different.                                                       wardrobe and let us guide you through the evolving world of men’s fashion.

32 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 33
T H E              K E Y     T O          E x c l u s i v e ,

                         Private FUNCTIONS

wine cellar                                           upstairs seasons                                      private bar room

                                                                                                                               WINTER
                                                                                                                               LOOKS
              CORKS TAPAS BAR                             SEASONS                   BRU GASTRO BAR & CRAFT BEER
         305 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ON      134 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ON      140 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ON
                 T: 905-337-3777                        T: 905-844-0676                        T: 905-844-4400

               corksrestaurant.ca                    seasonsrestaurant.ca                     brurestaurant.ca

                                                                                                                                    FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 35
We wanted so badly to call this look "Elayerventy" but opted for "First-Class", as it is the tagline for                      When you want to make a statement like "It's OK, I got this" without even
                      the star brand in this outfit: Eleventy. Playful patterns on your winter coats don't have to be feared,                        saying a word, then a bold combo like this Luigi Bianchi Mantova sport
                        especially when paired with staple layers like a clean John Smedley quarter-zip and playful Eton                           coat over a vest does the trick. Bring it all together with a tie that comple-
                        sport shirt. You don't take yourself that seriously, so why would you want others to think you do?                                             ments the colours in your outfit for maximum impact.

                                            First-Class Layering                                                                                 The Bolder the Better
                                          ELEVENTY Topcoat, $995 // BOGLIOLI Sport Jacket, $1,298 // JOHN SMEDLEY Quarter-Zip Sweater, $378 //                LUIGI BIANCHI MANTOVA Jacket, $998 // LUIGI BIANCHI MANTOVA Vest, $298 //
                                                                                 ETON Shirt, $240 // ETON Scarf, $205 // HESTRA Gloves, $168                              ETON Shirt, $270 // CANALI Tie, $188 // DRAKE’S Pocketsquare, $110

36 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                          FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 37
So smooth, you might as well call it a pebble, this rock-inspired outfit       In case you were wondering what smart-casual looks like, look no further.
                         is a great example of how to dress up a casual look. The burnt orange               A soft sport coat in a rich eggplant colour from L.B.M. 1911, over a casual
                      cashmere and silk turtleneck anchors the dark outer layers, but also looks             sportshirt and v-neck sweater is perfect for those colder days when you
                         great on its own after the set is finished and you're relaxing backstage.           need to go into the office but also don't want to look like everyone else.

                                              Smooth Rock                                                                     Wicked Smart
                                             JOHN VARVATOS Bomber, $498 // JOHN VARVATOS Hoodie, $358 //                                      L.B.M. 1911 Sport Jacket, $928 // ORIAN Shirt, $298 //
                                                                          JOHN VARVATOS Turtleneck, $598                                         GIM V-neck Sweater, $268 // DRAKE’S Scarf, $240

38 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 39
Private White V.C. doesn't make anything but beautiful functional clothing.                 You scoff as the snow casually accumulates on your window sill, knowing that it's no match
                      Made in Manchester to this day, a simple utility chore coat turns into the perfect layering               for your winter tires – and your winter threads. For us urbanites, jackets, like this Bugatti
                          piece while out Christmas shopping with your SO. If you like colour, pairing it with a                  winter coat, can brighten up our typically dark winter wardrobes, but is still easy to pair
                                    Donegal berry sweater from Ireland's Inis Meáin is a good idea. And it is.                    with practically anything casual. Plus, you'll never lose your jacket at coat check again.

                                        Industry Standard                                                                                                    All Wheel Drive
                                                               PRIVATE WHITE V.C. Coat, $598 // INIS MEÁIN Sweater, $598 //                              BUGATTI Coat, $550 // INIS MEÁIN Sweater, $498 // TINTORIA MATTEI Shirt, $298 //
                                                                                   ORIAN Shirt, $338 // HESTRA Gloves, $135                                            DRAKE’S Scarf, $148 // INIS MEÁIN Toque, $118 // HESTRA Gloves, $168

40 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                         FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 41
The term RTW refers to
                                                                                                                                  the fact that the suit has
                                                                                                                                  already been made and
                                                                                                                                  is on a rack available
                                                                                                                                  for purchase or for
                                                                                                                                  alterations to be
                                                                                                                                  made to it.

       Within every professional field, there                          Walk into Blazer for Men or any store with a          will start at $4,000. The term RTW refers to the      fitting process begins the same – the associate
       are terms or abbreviations exclusive to                         suiting department, when you take a look around,      fact that the suit has already been made and is on    will fit you to a "base model" garment that best
       each subculture that make no sense to                           what you’re seeing are Ready To Wear (will            a rack available for purchase or for alterations      fits you. After that, you can select the fabric,

                                                     What you need
       anyone not immersed in the subculture.                          be hereby referred to as RTW) garments. If I          to be made to it. It speaks nothing about the         button colour, threading colour, lining choice,
       For example those in the medical field                          were to make an estimate, globally this makes         quality of fabric, construction of the garment, the   and even type of jacket cut you want. However
       will say PRN, real estate agents talk about                     up 90 to 95 per cent of total suit sales. Ready to    amount of handwork placed into making the piece.      MTO holds one disadvantage after these things.

                                                     to know about
       the CCR, investors talk about FAANG                             wear is exactly as it sounds. It is a suit that has   Made to Order and Made to Measure (will               In an MTO garment you are unable to change
       stocks, all abbreviations foreign to any                        been pre-made and is ready to wear right off the      hereby be referred to as MTO & MTM) share a           the measurements needed to the garment prior
       passerby. The same can be said for                              rack. Unlike the other terms, RTW is the only         lot of similarities. I would feel comfortable using   to receiving it. This means if you need to change
       menswear, what is RTW, MTO, MTM?                                terminology that isn’t linked to the price and                                                              the length of the sleeves, shorten the body, let

                                                     Made To Fit,
                                                                                                                             "custom" synonymously with either term. Both
       Is there a difference? Is it the same as                        quality of the garment. You can find a RTW suit       MTO and MTM allow you to typically customize          out or take in a certain part of the suit, it must
       bespoke? A company has "bespoke" in                             out of China for $50 or a RTW Brioni suit that        the garment to your liking. In both options, the      be done after the garment is ordered. All the
       the name, does that mean it’s bespoke?                                                                                                                                      customizations exist but you are ordering it to

                                                     custom order,
       These next few pages will help answer                                                                                                                                       the base model.
       some of your questions!                                                                                                                                                     MTM allows you to be particular about the fit
                                                                                                                                                                                   and eventually eliminate the need for further

                                                     Ready To Wear,
                                                                                                                                                                                   alterations. (It takes a few MTM garments before
       The best place to start is to clarify
       what each abbreviated term refers to:                                                                                 In an MTO garment, you                                nailing the fit down.) Any measurements taken
                                                                                                                                                                                   on body are then applied to the base model and
       RTW = Ready to Wear                                                                                                   are unable to change any                              changed in production at the factory where they

                                                     and bespoke.
                                                                                                                                                                                   make the suit. That is the biggest advantage of
       MTO = Made to Order                                                                                                   measurements needed                                   MTM over MTO.
       MTM = Made to Measure                                                                                                 to the garment prior to                               Also note, that not all MTMs are created
                                                                                                                                                                                   equal, just like not all RTW suits are created
                                                                                                                             receiving it.                                         equal. There is a difference in quality that
                                                     BY JONATHAN LAM

42 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                    FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 43
Once you’ve had your experience with a few suits
                                                                                                               and are willing to wait a month to get exactly
                                                       MTM allows you to be                                    what you want, MTO and MTM become great
                                                                                                               options. If you find that certain brands fit you
                                                       particular about the                                    well and what is most important to you is fabric
                                                       fit...Any measurements                                  choice, MTO is the better option. Some details
                                                                                                               are important to some and less important to
                                                       taken on your body are                                  others. If fit and fabric are the priority and you
                                                                                                               can’t be bothered with lapel choice, lining choice,
                                                       then applied to the base                                etc. MTO is the right choice for you. However,
                                                       model and changed in                                    if you care about those little details and want a
                                                                                                               say on your jacket cut, linings, etc., MTM is the
                                                       production at the factory                               better option for you. If you’re a procrastinator,
                                                       where they make the suit.                               this option isn’t for you, it takes patience to go
                                                                                                               through the selection process and then wait for
                                                                                                               the suit to arrive, typically four to six weeks. For
                                                                                                               myself, MTM makes up most of my suiting. It
                                                                                                               allows me to be particular with my fabric choice,
                                                                                                               the style of jacket and gives me an option I likely
exists between MTM makers. The quality and             So what type of suiting do you need? RTW,
                                                                                                               won’t see on others or see on a shelf.
construction of something like Suitsupply which        MTO, MTM, or bespoke? To be honest, I can’t
is made in China will be of a lower quality than       answer that for you. Every person is individual,        The option of going with bespoke is like buying
Luigi Bianchi Mantova from Italy. Between              however I can lay out some scenarios that you           a piece of art, and it’s not for everyone. Most
various factories, you are looking at a wide range     might fall under and consider the next time you         bespoke tailors will start at $5,000 a suit, likely
in the smaller details like threading, machinery,      buy a suit. For those who rarely wear a suit or are     ending up around $7,500. You should be prepared
style of stitching, type of canvas and the largest     just starting to wear suits for work, this is an easy   to wait three to four months if not longer for
difference being sartorial expertise.                  suggestion, grab a RTW suit. Jumping straight to        your garment to be completed. I should also
                                                       any of the other options isn’t practical, you don’t     add, the cliché is true: The best bespoke tailors
Now to the single term in menswear that is
                                                       have the experience to know what you would              hail from Italy. A lot of the most reputable ones
most often misused and misunderstood: Bespoke.
                                                       want to customize in the suit. Do you want side         travel the world and will stop by Toronto two
Before defining what that is, I’d like to clarify
                                                       tabs or zip front, notch lapel or peak lapel, fully     or three times a year for a couple days at a time.
some things. First, just because bespoke is in the
                                                       lined or unlined? These are all questions that          For true bespoke tailors, the allure comes not in
name of a company or brand does not mean the
                                                       are tough to answer without much custom suit            just having a suit but the personal details that are
garment is a true bespoke. Many brands use the
                                                       experience. For most men, RTW is probably the           exclusive to the tailor, similar to how each artist
term ‘bespoke’ because of the status associated
                                                       way to go. Most men fit into RTW suits and will         has their own unique style. Each person has a
with the term. Sometimes, in actuality, you are
                                                       only need minor tailor adjustments. This option         unique set of needs and circumstances that dictate
receiving a custom garment, typically an MTM
                                                       is the quickest out of the four with a typical wait     the best options for them. Figuring out what
suit. A true bespoke garment is made exclusive
                                                       time of a week or two, conveniently working             those needs are best allows you to decide which
to the client and will take easily over one work
                                                       with the hustle and bustle most of us go through.       type of suit you’ll
week (minimum 40 hours), all done by hand.
                                                                                                               need next.
The process of fitting and creating a traditional
bespoke garment will take a few months with
multiple visits (between four to five months) in
order to ensure that the perfect garment is made.
                                                                                                                                                                      FINEST FABRICS
At each store visit, the tailor is building the suit        A true bespoke garment
to your shape and making adjustments based off                                                                                                                        FALL 2019
your measurements. If this isn’t your experience            is made exclusive to the
at a bespoke retailer, I’m sorry to say you haven’t         client and will take easily
been to a true bespoke tailor. We can count
the number of true bespoke tailors that exist in            over one work week
Toronto, that is an indication of how scarce and
rare this art of tailoring is.
                                                            (40 hours minimum),
                                                            all done by hand.

44 | BLAZER FOR MEN
BLAZER FOR MEN'S

TOP 10
OUTERWEAR

                   FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 47
1                                                                                                                                               3
                                                                                                            2                                                                                                                                            4
                          LUIGI BIANCHI MANTOVA                                                                                                                                     HERNO
                           Grey Twill Topcoat, $1,098                                                                                                                   Laminar Down Filled Parka, $1,185

                                                                                                         BUGATTI                                                                                                                                  JOHN VARVATOS
                                                                                                   Ecowool Car Coat, $698                                                                                                                        Check Top Coat, $998

                  GREY TWILL TOPCOAT                                                                                                                       LAMINAR DOWN FILLED PARKA

                                                                                           ECOWOOL CAR COAT                                                                                                                               CHECK TOPCOAT
   The single-breasted topcoat may historically be the go-to jacket                                                                                 Are you tired of lugging around that five-pound down jacket
   to wear with a suit, but modern style has made it a primary choice                                                                               wherever you go? Heavy-duty and down-filled are requirements
   with a clean shirt and jeans. The dual versatility of this piece is a   Sustainability and environmentally friendly processes within             for our Canadian winters, but there is no need for it to be so
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Once snow touches the ground, it seems like colour and pattern
   must-have for any modern man. This option from Luigi Bianchi            fashion have long drawn the ire of the public due to the perceived       heavy. Herno has uncompromised in offering lightweight options
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         drain out of the closet. Wardrobes seem to reflect the shorter
   not only utilizes the Italian tailoring expertise but it sources the    lack of care and amount of waste produced by the fashion                 that functions like their competitors who make heavy jackets
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         and darker days. That doesn’t have to be the case. There is no
   exterior from Loro Piana, renowned for producing the most               industry. Bugatti seeks to break that stigma by opening up about         filled with Canadian goose down. The lightweight and sleek coat
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         written rule telling your wardrobe to lose its flavour! Varvatos
   luxurious fabrics in the world. The result is a water-proof wool        their processes and where they source material. This high-collar         provides warmth that looks clean enough to wear over a suit but
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         understands that and wants to spark some interest with pattern
   exterior from Loro Piana’s Storm System fabrics, making this as         topcoat sources its exterior from Bellandi Mills, an Italian Mill        just as stylish for your casual look. Our favourite feature is the
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         and brightness in this light grey plaid topcoat. Allow this jacket to
   practical of an option in our wet, fall season and snowy winters.       renowned for using recycled wool. Old garments are brought               elasticized cuffs, ensuring no wind is getting in from the wrists,
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         be your stand out piece this winter, and you won't be needing any
                                                                           back to life as the fibres are reused to create new fabrics, like this   preventing you from being a walking wind tunnel.
                                                                                                                                                                                                                         other part of your look to be attention-seeking.
                                                                           beautiful wool twill exterior. Know that as you look stylish in the
                                                                           coat, you picked a jacket that did its part in being environmentally
                                                                           friendly in its production.

48 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 49
5                                                                                                                                        7
                                                                                                         6                                                                                                                                       8
                                  HERNO                                                                                                                                  MONTECORE
                      Beaver Collar Wool Topcoat, $1,470                                                                                                            Technical Car Coat, $1,398

                                                                                                      Z ZEGNA                                                                                                                              MONTECORE
                                                                                                3-in-1 Mac Coat, $1,295                                                                                                             Technical Short Jacket, $1,298

         BEAVER COLLAR WOOL TOPCOAT                                                                                                                       TECHNICAL CAR COAT

                                                                                           3-IN-1 MAC COAT                                                                                                               TECHNICAL SHORT JACKET
    Some men prefer a simpler option, and Herno tastefully meets                                                                            With fabrics becoming more innovative, it has allowed
    that need. With a minimalist silhouette, the high-collar topcoat                                                                        menswear to evolve traditional garments and offer better day-
    is an elegant look for any man. The wool exterior of this Herno                                                                         to-day function. By utilizing the traditional topcoat silhouette,
    jacket, is not only plush, it utlizes Herno’s Laminar technology    Z Zegna has made menswear for years and continually offers          Montecore worked to create a sportier more technical option.        The shorter brother to our popular Montecore Technical Car
    keeping it water resistant for those snowy days. The added detail   stylish and well-cut garments. You can expect nothing less from     The Montecore jacket retains the same function and visual           Coat, this jacket inspires its silhouette from a traditional blazer.
    of the 100 percent Canadian beaver (removable) collar makes for     this Z Zegna outerwear piece. A classic Mac coat inspires this      signatures as the topcoat but it provides a couple of technical     Utilizing the same water-proof and wrinkle-free exterior, it
    a subtle accent while adding warmth around the neck for those       3-in-1 jacket that features a removable inner (vest/bomber) that    advantages. Each outer membrane of the jacket is water-proof        provides sharp-looking winter outerwear. Fitting nicely over
    frigid winter mornings. This simple-yet-elegant option makes        can be worn separately. For those cool spring and fall days, take   and that is only further strengthened by the taped seams            your suit, this is a topcoat alternative. The removable storm collar
    for a great outerwear option especially those who frequently        out the inner liner and you have a great rain jacket. Once the      throughout, making it ready for any weather you face. Couple        gives you the ability to take it off when the weather gets a little
    wear suits.                                                         weather drops into the negatives, throw this Z Zenga 3-in-1 over    that with the wrinkle resistance woven into the fabric, and you     warm, making this a multi-seasonal option. As to how you wear
                                                                        your suit like it’s designed for.                                   will always have a clean-looking appearance, even if you’ve         it: long or short? It really comes down to preference. We have
                                                                                                                                            thrown it in the back seat for a couple of days.                    both, but the short jacket owners outnumber the longer owners.

50 | BLAZER FOR MEN                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           FALL 2019 / WINTER 2020 | 51
You can also read