Blazer for Men

BLAZER FOR MEN MAGAZINE
BLAZER
fall
2014
/
winter
2015
for
MEN
MAGAZINE
ISSUE 9
THE MENSWEAR STORE OAKVILLE
fall
LIFESTYLE
IS OUR GUIDE
2014 / winter 2015
OUR TRAVELS
Catch a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the
menswear world from the buyers’ eyes
• issue
9
YOUR TRAVELS
See what Airbnb has planned
for your next vacation
bl a zerformen . com
The Vital Group
155 Richmond St. East
Toronto ON M5A 1N9
published by
416 214 5555 x25
416 882 2428
www.thevitalgroup.ca
business
mobile
Patrick Huffman
Liz MacInnis
head writer Lisa Hannam
photographer David Wile
st ylist Gregory Lalonde
contributing writers Karen Lalonde,
Gregory Lalonde
editor
art director
BLAZER FOR MEN
EDITOR’S LETTER
TRAVEL
living
in
style “LIFESTYLE.”
Look good, feel good, live well.
The word is a powerful one.
Simply, though, it’s a compound noun that brings together life and style.
It’s much more than how you go through each day, whether it’s eating well
and exercising regularly. Your lifestyle – highly influenced by surroundings,
loved ones and family, your career, leisure time, hobbies and more – doesn’t
have to be just about how you spend your time. It’s also about the artfulness
of your life, how you see yourself and how you want others to see you.
This really touches home for me. As an editor, I know how the total
package is the ultimate ideal – especially in creating a rounded but interesting magazine. This publication will spark ideas and hopefully serve as
inspiration for your own lifestyle. I know I’m motivated by the stories in this
issue. I’m intrigued by the ingenious business strategies by brands such as
Eleventy (“Autostrade to America,” page 46), and Lipson Shirts (“Off His
Back,” page 33) in making quietly successful branding and top-of-market
quality. I’m thinking more about the impact of my impression on others and
how to make the most of a first meeting. Check out “One Chance,” page 52,
and “Tie One On,” page 27, on how to charm the socks of people and look
smart in a tie.
Speaking of socks and ties, there is nothing more inspirational than the
fashion looks we created. Just picture yourself in the well-curated, welledited ensembles – no matter your lifestyle. Although, this magazine is here
to help you elevate your taste, your wardrobe and ultimately your lifestyle.
Nothing is more telling of how you want your lifestyle to be as much
as when you travel. It’s escapism, true, but it’s when we live life at its best.
I know my next vacation will surely be with an Airbnb booking because of
“Room With A View,” on page 12. And how will I make sure I look good?
I’ll be following the tips on “17 Ways To Pack,” page 20.
I have definitely spent endless hours on this issue (Sorry, honey), but I’m
hoping that you see it as time well spent.
PATRICK HUFFMAN
1
CONTENT
Electric
Revolution.
BLAZER FOR MEN
The All-New BMW i8 plug-in hybrid.
The most progressive sports car in the world is now here at Budds’ BMW Oakville.
MAGAZINE
1
questions or feedback
EDITOR’S LETTER
7
300 North Service Rd. W
Oakville, ON L6M 2S2
Look good,
feel good,
live well.
EDITORIAL
ISSUE 9
fall 2014 / winter 2015
The importance of
“Connection.”
email
phone 905 338 0322
[email protected]
bl a zerformen . com
cover shot
Courtesy of Circolo
10
BEYOND THE TRADESHOWS
Randy and Gregory travel to New
York, Florence, Berlin, Las Vegas
and cities in between in search of
textures, tastes and trends.
16
FAMILY STYLE
Here’s how we spent
an amazing vacation
together in Italy —
and it ended with a
wedding!
20
17 TRAVEL TIPS
12
How to get the most
out of your luggage on
your next trip.
ROOM WITH A VIEW
How anti-hotel firm Airbnb
is taking over the travel
industry.
27
TIE ONE ON
How to perfect
your knots.
Budds’ BMW Oakville
The future is here. www.buddsbmwi.com
3
BLAZER FOR MEN
CONTENT cont.
33
OFF HIS BACK
Ted Lipson built a shirt-making
empire more than 50 years ago.
38
MAN OF STYLE
Within the four walls of Blazer For Men,
you can find an impressive array of looks.
46
AUTOSTRADE
TO AMERICA
How luxury brand
Eleventy came to
Canada.
52 55
ONE CHANCE
You only get one shot
at making a great first
impression.
MEN’S
ESSENTIALS
Your guide to buying
men’s jewellery.
61
65
THE BIG REVEAL
Take your game to
the next level with the
latest links technology.
4
FOR THE LOVE
OF FOOD
Find out what makes
us crave, adore and
lust for the most
delectable dishes
we’ve ever tasted.
BLAZER FOR MEN
EDITORIAL
BLAZER FOR MEN
EDITORIAL
THE BLAZER STAFF
owner
manager
Randy Lalonde
Brian Lalonde
Connection
| buyer
Gregory Lalonde
assistant manager
T
consultant
Matthew King
| visual merchandiser
Ryan Tartaglio
consultant
consultant
Patrick Huffman
Our style,
our commitment
Independently and locally owned, Blazer for Men
has a full staff of highly trained sales associates
and supportive personnel. Each is committed
to customer service that goes beyond the
expected, making a great impression for the first
time customer, and setting the store apart from
the competition for its loyal clients. You can rely
on the Blazer for Men staff for style knowledge,
wardrobe advice, and shopping guidance.
6
assistant
head tailor
Michael Trofimiuk
Grace Trofimiuk
here is more to an independent
clothing store than just the clothes.
The community it creates is the
backbone of the business, and is
the driving force for the styles you
see on the shelves.
This is our 9th edition of the Blazer For Men
Fall Magazine. Within these pages, we wanted to
share our experiences, our ideas, our travels and
our direction — all of which have been influenced
in one way or another by the relationships created
within (and sometimes outside) the walls of our
store. Our customers have ultimately helped define
who Blazer For Men is, and where we are going.
Style influences our feelings and others’
feelings toward us. It’s a very personal thing.
The desire for authenticity and uniqueness is
what keeps us on our toes as we travel to exotic
destinations in search for new fashions, suppliers,
items and ideas. Sometimes it’s the small items
that we would not have seen otherwise that really
help create the individual style our customers
have learned to expect. The status quo is simply
not good enough!
Our travels set the stage for our direction.
Above and beyond the new clothes we find,
the people we meet and the cities we visit give
us unique ideas for the store. These feelings we
collect are then presented in an environment that
is relaxed and inviting. In a sense, our customers
are connected to a unique world of style, just by
stepping into Blazer For Men.
That connection between our community
and the fashion world we curate is self-perpetuating. What we do on a daily basis influences
what we wear. Where we travel influences our
tastes. Who we travel for sets our parameters.
The drive to bring new styles is a direct result of
our relationships with our customers. Ultimately,
lifestyle is our guide!
Finally, without our supportive suppliers, new
and old, this issue would not be what it is. We feel
that we have hand selected the best of the best to
bring their collections and items to our customers.
A big ‘Thank You’ goes out to those who contributed
to this issue and support us throughout the year.
We hope you find this edition of Blazer For
Men Magazine to be the best yet. And I hope you
make the “connection” between what we do and
the styles we select for you, through the Lipson
article, by getting a glimpse of what it takes to
buy in Europe, and by seeing how we experience
the local culture while we are abroad. Above all, I
encourage you to stop by the store and experience
those connections first hand!
In our 9th edition of
the Blazer For Men
Fall Magazine,
we want to show
how community,
travelling, and
fashion are all
connected at
our store.
Cheers!
Randy Lalonde
7
BLAZER FOR MEN
TRAVEL
Randy and Gregory travel to New York, Florence, Berlin, Las Vegas
and cities in between in search of textures, tastes and trends.
They collectively fly over 125,000 kilometres any given year and
walk countless steps as your ambassadors for Blazer For Men.
BEYOND
P
THE
TRADESHOWS
writ ten by
“Every
decision
you have
ever made
in your life
has led you
to deciding
which shirt
you are
wearing
right now.”
Every street had a unique
personality on our trip
through Amsterdam to
Florence in January 2014.
Gregory Lalonde
ersonal style is an ever-evolving
byproduct of experience. One way
style can be defined is by the way
one presents themselves to the
world. But how does one decide
to buy that particular pair of shoes when there
are millions of other alternatives? Why does
one coif their hair the way they do? Or choose
which car they drive, what music they listen to,
or people with which they want to fraternize?
They have innumerable options, yet they
somehow narrow it down to a very finite and
manageable pool of choices based on what
they ‘like.’
Of course there are biological and sociological predispositions that shape how one views
the world, but it still stands that personal style
is the culmination of all of the information
a person has consciously and subconsciously
sifted through their entire life. It guides them
through their choices and into the individual
they are today.
Think about it. Every decision you have ever
made in your life has led you to choosing the shirt
you are wearing right now. It seems overstated, but
you base this seemingly insignificant decision on
the sum total of your likes and dislikes. Tomorrow
you may feel differently about the shirt you chose
today, and that’s okay. Your style is ever-evolving.
When Randy and I travel to New York, Florence, Berlin, Las Vegas, or wherever the fashion
world guides us, our primary goal is to attend a
trade show or showrooms. The core experience is
very much like when you go shopping for your
own clothes–perusing a variety of fashions from
various designers, trying to figure out what suits
you best.
The difference is that when we see a brand
or product that fits the style of the store, after
we try it on and critique it, we place an order for
the next season. Every appointment outcome is
directly tied to what we’ve seen before and what
we think will suit the store’s style, much like when
you decide which shirt to buy for that special
occasion. This aspect of the experience is pretty
straightforward.
New York City
Pitti Show, Florence
Perhaps an equally important facet of travelling is experiencing the minutiae of that particular foreign culture–which is in itself a form of
collective style.
We naturally gravitate towards lively neighbourhoods, clothing stores and local restaurants
because that’s where our interests lie. We soak up
the senses; the leaning facades of the row houses
in Amsterdam; the way Van Gils uses bowler
hats as lampshades; how the locals in Florence
wear shorter pants and bright socks that match
their scarves; how every Guinness tastes different
depending on who serves it to you; the unforgiving thousand-year-old cobblestone paths that lead
us to our next adventure.
These subtle experiences are enough to indelibly influence our unique style and by extension
the style of our store. Ultimately it is our dream
for Blazer For Men to become, if only slightly,
just one out of your infinite experiences that
shape your personal style for the better.
Taking in the senses around
the world help shape our
style.
Amsterdam
Florence
10
Amsterdam
Florence
Amsterdam
11
BLAZER FOR MEN
TRAVEL
TRAVEL TIPS
“So far it’s estimated
that more than
17 million guests
have used the
service.”
“You can research a place
to stay in more than 34,000
cities and 190 countries with
800,000 + listings.”
Airbnb.com operates like
a travel agent, meets
Consumer Reports, meets
Facebook.
Room with
a View
How anti-hotel firm
Airbnb is taking over
the travel industry.
Founded in 2008, San
Francisco, California, the
company describes itself
as “a trusted community
marketplace for people
to list, discover, and book
unique accommodations
around the world.”
I
magine waking up with an aerial view of
Central Park in NYC. Or sipping Mythos
while lounging at a private pool in Greece.
Or picking a bowl full of grapes as you
tour the winery while visiting a villa in the
Tuscany countryside in Italy. Instead of a fancy
hotel or resort, all the accommodations and amenities are provided by a local, who can give you
the lowdown on snagging a reservation at the best
restaurant, the quietest time to visit the gallery or
leaves you a platter of the best local cheeses and
a bottle of wine you’ll never find at the LCBO.
Sounds too good, doesn’t it? And searching out a
trustworthy spot may seem like a daunting task,
Airbnb makes it easy.
The website, airbnb.com, operates like a travel
agent, meets Consumer Reports, meets Facebook.
When you log on, much like Expedia or Hotwire,
you can search places to stay, based on your destination, dates and number of guests, and you can
book and pay for your trips, too. But the added
bonus is the quality and control factors, where
people who’ve stayed there can verify things like
cleanliness, location, value and more. And then
you, too, can “befriend” the lessor and praise, recommend, warn or knock the property with your
own review for future visitors to see.
Sounds simple enough. And that’s part of the
site’s charm. But Airbnb also has its own quality
and control. Founded in 2008, San Francisco,
California, the company describes itself as “a
trusted community marketplace for people to
list, discover, and book unique accommodations
around the world.” And it’s working. “Wired” says
that Airbnb is partly responsible for Americans
learning to trust each other again, because it’s
allowing us to welcome strangers into our spare
rooms. “Airbnb instituted many new security
provisions, set up a 24/7 customer-service hotline,
established a $50,000 host guarantee—later
increased to $1 million—and built a new trust
and safety division,” said the 2014 article.
Listings run the gamut, and so do the prices.
You can research a place to stay in more than
34,000 cities and 190 countries with 800,000
plus listings. So far its estimated that more than
17 million guests have used the service. And its
success has expanded the experiential offerings.
13
FAST
FACTS
Airbnb has over
3,000 castles,
2,000 treehouses,
900 islands and
400 lighthouses
available to book
on the site.
BLAZER FOR MEN
TRAVEL
“On a
recent
night,
over 100
people
were
staying in
yurts.”
“We have over 3,000 castles, 2,000 treehouses,
900 islands and 400 lighthouses available to book
on the site,” Brian Chesky, one of the co-founders
of Airbnb, tells the “New York Times” newspaper
this past summer. “On a recent night, over 100
people were staying in yurts.”
Forget football. If there were a trophy awarded
for hospitality in Brazil this past summer, Airbnb
would have won the World Cup. Airbnb estimates
that they offered 17,000 listings in Rio de Janeiro
during the elite soccer event, which expanded the
city’s tourist capacity by 75 per cent.
The travel site’s next venture is to promote its
green benefits. “We have always believed that the
Airbnb community supports environmental sustainability around the world, and it’s truly amazing
to see that the impact is even bigger than we could
have imagined,” Joe Gebbia, Chief Product Officer
and co-founder of Airbnb, says in a statement. “In
North America alone, Airbnb guests use 63 percent less energy than hotel guests – that’s enough
energy to power 19,000 homes for one year. With
an impact that big, it’s clear that the Airbnb community is making a huge difference.”
In a survey conducted by Cleantech Group
amongst its hosts and guests worldwide this past
spring about energy and sustainability practices, Airbnb was found to make the quite the
impact: Nearly 83 per cent of Airbnb hosts in
North America and 79 per cent in Europe report
owning at least one energy efficient appliance
at their property; guests are more likely to take
public transit, walk or bicycle than if they stayed
at a hotel; and nearly all proprietors and lodgers
report recycling.
“Resource sharing is rapidly growing across a
number of sectors including hospitality, consumer
goods, and transportation,” Michael Ellis, EVP
Advisory for CTG, says in a press release. And
that’s exactly what Airbnb is like, a recommendation of where to stay while you travel, from a
good friend.
If there were a trophy
awarded for hospitality in
Brazil this past summer,
Airbnb would have won the
World Cup. Airbnb estimates
that they offered 17,000
listings in Rio de Janeiro
during the elite soccer
event, which expanded the
city’s tourist capacity by 75
per cent.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name Airbnb isn’t as breezy of a name as you might think. It was
2007 when two 27-year-olds were struggling to pay their rent and an
idea came out of thin air.
Joe Gebbia and Brian Chesky launched airbedandbreakfast.com
to accommodate San Francisco visitors for a local conference. The
hotels were booked solid, so Gebbia and Chesky blew up three air
mattresses and offered to cook breakfast for their guests for just $80
a night.
The site expanded and grew to the airbnb.com we know today. Thankfully, though, the options today are broader than an air mattress on
their floor.
15
BLAZER FOR MEN
TRAVEL
BLAZER FOR MEN
TRAVEL
WHERE TO STAY
While Airbnb offers listings from the luxurious
(penthouse views and waterfront properties)
to the quirky (buses and pub lodgings),
we decided to make our picks on our
favourite fashionable spots.
NEW YORK
Known for Broadway, Mad Men and 5th
Avenue, it’s the city that never sleeps.
airbnb.com/rooms/1978201
airbnb.com/rooms/1865619
Family
style
writ ten by
Karen Lalonde
Traveling with the entire family can be a big
event. Here’s how we spent an amazing vacation
together in Italy — and it ended with a wedding!
FLORENCE
Known for Ponte Vecchio, Piazza del Duomo
and Salvatore Ferragamo, it’s the city that
spoils you.
airbnb.com/rooms/483211
airbnb.com/rooms/2157121
COPENHAGEN
Known for bicycles, green energy, and Circle
of Gentlemen.
airbnb.com/rooms/3518940
airbnb.com/rooms/821676
W
hen our daughter was
offered an articling position
in London, we immediately
began planning how we
could all get together celebrate her success. Our family treasures
time with each other because we
are all starved for a regular
connection despite our
busy lives. So it had to
be something special
and every family
member had to
attend.
It would take
10 months for her
to complete her
university degree.
That timeline
became the impetus
to brainstorm how we
should commemorate
her hard work. The final
decision was for us to meet
up in Italy a few weeks before she
returned to Canada for good. We wanted to
raise our glasses, share some laughs and relax as
a family.
The family vacation had to include a Tuscan
farmhouse that slept 10, had to be near Florence
and Siena so we would have lots to see and do as
a group or as couples. Airbnb was our avenue to
discovering our dream holiday into reality. It was
online that we met a beautiful English couple
who have lived in Tuscany over 20 years.
They told us everything we needed to know:
the must-see local shops and eateries; tourist
attractions and how to get about; but most of all,
they knew how to plan a very special party. Our
daughter got engaged, and our vacation became
an Italian wedding!
It turned out that our Airbnb hostess
was also a wedding planner. She
managed our expectations,
organized everything
for the nuptials and
got her husband to
interpret for the
Italian officiant of
Certaldo Alto who
performed their
wedding ceremony. To add another
incredible layer to
our adventure, our
son and his new wife
joined us for his sister’s
wedding after their own
two-week honeymoon in
Turkey and Greece.
Randy and I also used Airbnb to
book an apartment in Amalfi on the Amalfi Coast
before we met up with the kids in Tuscany. We were
treated as part of the family by our hosts there too.
We had no question that went unanswered and no
request that was unmet. I haven’t smiled more than during these
experiences or in recalling my memories of our
vacation in Italy. Our children are in love. We are a
happy family.
Life is very good when everyone is together and
can celebrate together. Family time requires a
family space.
17
BLAZER FOR MEN
TIPS
BLAZER FOR MEN
TIPS
TRAVEL TIPS
17
4
ways
to
pack
Make the most of
your next trip with
these tips & tricks for
getting the most out
of your luggage.
5
Start with the bigger items and work your way
down to the smaller items. This way you can
properly pack things like sweaters and pants, and
then fill in the gaps with smaller personal items.
It’s difficult to clean a suitcase, so before you
pack, spritz it with Febreeze or place a dryer
sheet inside the luggage. This will make your
clothes smell fresh instead of muggy.
Pack small, fragile items in a sunglass case.
The hard cover will prevent any damage from
luggage being tossed around at the airport.
1
6
Instead of
photocopying travel
documents, take a
snap with your cell.
You’ll have access
to your passport
number, flight info etc,
without having to dig
through your carry-on
to find them.
2
7
3
8
Think neutrals
and classics when
packing. Blue, white
and grey will take you
far. This way you can
layer, mix and match
and opt of multiple
wears on your trip.
Plan for shopping and souvenirs. A foldable
duffle bag can be your second carryon bag,
and it fits nicely in your suitcase underneath
your clothes.
20
Canali’s Guide
to Packing
Essentials
When packing shoes, protect other garments
from the marks and dirt by putting your
footwear in a shoe bag or shower cap.
If you’re traveling somewhere with high security
before entry, put personal items you don’t want
them to touch in clear baggies.
Canali, a menswear brand, knows its
jetsetting clientel. The line is sold
across the globe, suiting men up to
look good — no matter where they live
or travel.
Most men, frequently or otherwise, have
to travel with suits and blazers. This
presents one major difficulty: however
well it is pressed, a suit can arrive at the
destination looking less than fresh. All
of our wool textiles go part of the way to
circumventing this problem, recovering
easily from folding and creasing. But it
also helps if each garment is transported properly.
Some prefer wearing their blazer during
travel to avoid creases, especially on
long haul flights. But if it must be packed, it should be turned inside out. Pop
the collar and fold the jacket in half,
holding it by the inside shoulders: this
will reduce the risk of visible creasing
and will protect the surface of the wool.
Trousers are easier to fold, but they’re
still prone to wrinkle. One way to avoid
this is to pad the very bottom of the
suitcase with underwear and a few
T-shirts, then place the trousers on
top, leaving half of their length out of
the luggage. Proceed by filling up the
bag with other clothes. Finally, fold
the remaining length of trousers back
over, wrapping over everything. This will
prevent a hard crease forming at the
middle of the trousers, and will help
them to keep their shape if they have
been pressed previously.
A final trick, once in the hotel room, is to
hang suits in the bathroom: the steam
from the shower will release wrinkles.
21
BLAZER FOR MEN
TIPS
Wear your blazer on the plane. With fashion
trends today, you can look good with a smart
jacket, jeans and loafers (easy to get on and off
for security, too). Then you don’t have to worry
about wrinkles.
To keep shirt collars lapels from getting
squished, line them with a rolled up leather
belt. It’ll keep the structure of the garment
and prevent any need for dry-cleaning or press
services when you arrive at your destination.
DID YOU KNOW?
Canali’s fit tips.
Wearing a suit well is, at core, a matter
of identifying the right proportions for an
individual’s body shape.
The neck and shoulders are key to the fit
of a suit, as both areas are relatively difficult to alter. In a natural standing pose,
the jacket’s collar should sit on the neck
without standing away from it (too large),
nor showing stretch marks (too tight).
The jacket’s sleeve should just touch
the shoulder and flow down the arm: the
armhole should not hang loose or wrap
tightly around the muscle.
9
11
Conversely, tall men may have to balance
their height with three-button jackets and
regular length trousers.
12
Consider the space
you’re not using in
your luggage, like
the inside of shoes
and your hat, to store
underwear and socks.
Lengthwise, the hem of the jacket should
end half way along the hand, with the
arms held straight to the sides. Its sleeve
should sit at the wrist, while its total
length should be half the height of the
suit overall. When these measurements
are all in order, a look in the mirror is
essential.
Men with short physiques should
consider narrow leg trousers and fitted
two-buttoned blazers, which should also
be slightly shorter than the standard,
giving a sharper look overall.
10
To keep pant creases in tact, roll pants. It can
also work for soft unconstructed jackets. To get
minor wrinkles out of the garment hang on the
outside of the shower as you get ready for your
first dinner on your trip.
23
BLAZER FOR MEN
TIPS
BLAZER FOR MEN
TRAVEL
BONUS TIP:
RETAIL THERAPY
Next time you buy a shirt,
keep the wrapping. It’ll help
keep the structure of your
shirt in the luggage.
Style Checklist
Here’s your must-pack list:
aUnderwear and socks for each day –
and a few extra in your carryon just in
case of lost luggage
For a business trip or
a wedding, invest in a
folding garment bag
for a fine suit or tux.
aDark denim
aAn unlined blazer
aOne pair of swim trunks – they’re quick
to dry, so no need to bring multiples
aUndershirts in various colours
aLayering pieces – a cardigan or thinknit V-neck instead of a thick sweater
saves space and gives you more outfit
options
Opt for travel-size grooming gear for a lighter
load. Often hotels provide the essentials,
including razors. However, nicer the hotel,
the nicer the amenities and freebees will be.
aOne pair of loafers and one pair of
sneakers – do you really need more?
aNavy or grey suit with a few shirt and
tie options
aChinos
aAccessories, including a watch, a travel
umbrella, la eather travel wallet, brown
and black belts, a few tie options, and
cufflinks if you’ve got a fancy affair.
What not to pack:
13
×× Logo tees
14
×× Pattern shorts
×× Athletic footwear.
15
16
To prevent leaks and
spills from liquids, you
can wrap them with
an undershirt, toss
them in a Ziploc, or
put a piece of cling
wrap under the lid.
Don’t pack heavy
coins. Leave change
and small bills to the
hotel staff. They’ve
worked hard for it.
Often times hotels stock up on chargers for
guests who forget the chargers for their phones
and tablets. Call the front desk ahead of time
to see if they have a compatible one for your
gear. If so, then you don’t need to pack it. If
they don’t have it, don’t worry about the plug
charger, just bring the USB one. You can plug it
into the back of the TV in your room.
24
17
“For 10 years, I have aspired to achieve the
ultimate organic shave treatment. As Master
Barbers, we are continuously focused on
providing the greatest experience, and now
you get to take it home. My formula is a 100%
Certifed Organic Beard Softening Treatment,
expressed as a Luxurious Shave Lather,
entwined in a high-quality food grade jar &
suited in a completely recyclable package.
Finally I have the opportunity in sharing my
passion with you!
Enjoy Shave Aficionado!”
×× Nothing screams tourist (and rip me
off) more than tacky clothes.
“Take a snap of
travel documents
with your phone so
you won’t have to
search for them in
your carry-on.”
SERGIO FRANCO, MASTER BARBER
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT
new york
new york
Mens Grooming Lounge
DOWNTOWN BURLINGTON
(289) 337-6085 • www.nynyformen.com
25
DION
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
ST YLE • QUALITÉ • SER VICE
TIE ONE ON
“A tip of a tie should
hit the belt buckle or
the waistband of the
pants.”
How to perfect your knots.
I
t’s a skill no man should be
without: tying his own tie. While
it would be easy to just clip one
on, you know the importance of
the real thing. Knot trends come
in and out of style, but here are
the top knots you need to know
now, whether you want a bold and
power tie like Suits’ Harvey Specter or something
more subtle and masculine like James Bond. We
lead you through the entire process so you can look
top notch the next time you sport a tie.
Suits’ Harvey Specter,
played by Gabriel Macht
FULL WINDSOR KNOT
1
2
3
w w w. d i o n n e c k we a r. co m
4
This thick, bulky knot works best with widespread
or tall collars. Men with large features or build
can pull it off easily. Your knot inspiration: Suits’
Harvey Specter.
1. With the tie around your neck, make sure
that the wide end is significantly longer
than the narrow end (about one-third the
length of the tie).
2. Take the wide end and cross it over and
then under the narrow end, near your neck.
Instead of pulling it through the loop like
you would with a slim knot, bring the wide
end over the “knot” to one side.
3. The wide end will now be underneath the
“knot,” so fold it over the knot from one
side to the other so it creates the look of
the inverted triangle look of the knot.
4. Pull the wide end up through the back and
through the inverted triangle to finish off
the Windsor knot.
27
RULE
BREAKERS
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
MR. FIX-IT:
If the thin end hangs lower than the wide end, start over with
the wide end hanging lower than it was when you first put
the tie on. If the wide end hangs below the waistband of your
dress pants, start over with the slim end hanging lower than
it was when you first put the tie on.
Ties are often connected with tradition and
formal dress. But we’re a new generation,
with a new sense of style. Let’s break a few
rules that are tying us down.
DRESS UP.
THE LONG &
SHORT OF IT
There’s no reason a sharp-knotted tie won’t
go with a jeans, khakis or a chambray button down.
DRESS FOR WORK.
Fashion trends loop on a cycle, but there
are some rules that are cemented in style.
Tie lengths, though, are one thing that
remains unchanging. A tip of a tie should
hit the belt buckle or the waistband of the
pants. If you find that after you knot it the
ends run past this point, you might be choosing the wrong knot.
White-collar workers are often thought of as
the tie-wearing industry. But other vocations
are necktie-friendly. Just imagine the swagger when a knot peeks out from underneath
a V-neck sweater, lab coat, white coat, coveralls, whatever.
DRESS FOR YOUR BODY TYPE.
Italian-made cravats will run long to accommodate a thick Windsor knot, where as the
skinny ties are shorter because it suits a
slim twist up top.
While some fashion-forward designers will
play with the length of the two different ends
on the runway, to look polished, stick with
the slim end of the tie to be shorter than the
thicker end. The look is smart, ageless and,
frankly, attractive. So tie it like a boss.
Sean Connery as James
Bond in From Russia with
Love (1963)
DON’T OVERDRESS.
Leonardo DiCaprio as
Jordan Belfort in The Wolf of
Wall Street (2013)
2
4
28
3
5
A tie can be situation-appropriate – if the rest
of your ensemble is fitting of the occasion.
Own the tie and bring on the confidence and
your cravat will instantly be part of your personal style.
FOUR-IN-HAND
HALF WINDSOR
1
Some people think that ties can be slimming
or widening, but the truth is: this is one of
the few accessories where men can embrace trends no matter what. Like brights?
Go for it. Want a bold tartan? It’s yours. The
only tie that will make your belly look big is
one that isn’t long enough and looks like an
arrow on target.
Like the look of the full Windsor, but the size of
the knot seems too bulky? This medium-sized,
modest knot is just right. It works well with
standard collared shirts. Your knot inspiration:
Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort in The
Wolf of Wall Street.
1. Start with tie around your neck and the
wider end hanging about a foot longer the
narrow end.
2. Take the wide end and cross it over the
narrow end. The wide end should be
underneath the narrow end.
3. Bring the wide end up and over the loop
you just made. Again the wide end will be
behind the narrow end.
4. Now, take that wide end and cross it over
to the other side to pull it up in behind
the knot, to create the triangle loop. Gently tighten the loop.
5. Holding the narrow end, take the wide
end from behind and feed it under the
front loop. Push the knot up to fit it at the
collar.
This knot is the opposite of the full Windsor. It’s stylishly imperfect and not
fussy at all. This classic knot is long and narrow and looks best when a wide
tie is worn with a regular spread, button tab collar. Your knot inspiration:
Any James Bond, including the Daniel Craig, Pierce Brosnan and Sean
Connery years.
1. With the tie hanging around the neck, have the wide end twice as
long as the slim end.
2. Cross the wide end over and around the thin end two times, so that
the wide part is brought around the front again.
3. Bring the wide end around and up behind the knot. Now, tuck the
wide end down through the loop. Pull it down tight. It shouldn’t be
perfect, but should look neat and trim.
1
DRESS NEUTRAL.
That’s an old tie trend from the 1990s. Nowadays colour knows no bounds. Unsure what
to pair a bright tie with? Ask our staff. They’re
up-to-date on the current trends and will
make sure you look good.
DRESS TO FIT.
2
The old way of thinking is that your tie bar
should be longer than the width of your tie.
But with trends today giving us lots of skinny
and wide tie options, you can wear the bar
short or long. The only rule you must abide
is to wear it between the second and third
button of your dress shirt. That’s not to say
you should own just one – get a few that will
go with your watches and cufflinks.
DRESS SIMPLY.
3
Matchy-matchy? Pshaw. You can really show
your sense of style and personality with a tie.
Weight of patterns can be played with and
should be expressive. Let your tie be the focal
point of your suit.
29
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
1
2
3
4
THE PRATT
Somewhere between the full and half Windsor knots, Pratt is a wide, symmetrical triangle knot. To give it girth without bulk, you’ll want to use a broad tie
that is somewhat light in fabric, like silk. Your knot inspiration: Also known as
the Shelby knot, named after famed American journalist Don Shelby.
1. With the tie around your neck, it should be inside out, so that you can
see the seam. The wide end should be significantly longer.
2. Cross the wide end under the slim end. And loop it over and behind
the beginnings of your knot. Tighten gently.
3. Now bring the wide end over in front of the knot and across to the
other side. Loop it around back.
4. Take the wide end and bring it up front, and feed it through the knot.
Tighten again.
American journalist
Don Shelby
BOW TIE
While bow ties have typically been saved for extra special occasions, ones
that called for tails and tuxedos, the dapper accessory has recently become
more versatile. With eye-catching checks and colours, the bowtie can even
be worn with just a waistcoat and pants. Your knot inspiration: dressed to
the nines like Humphrey Bogart or more casually like fashion director
Nick Wooster.
1. Let the middle of the bowtie sit at the back of your neck and the
ends hang down the front. One side should be longer than the other
by about an inch.
2. Take the longer piece and cross it over the shorter piece near your
neck, and tie it in a single knot, so that the long end goes up and
under the knot.
3. Now with the shorter piece, fold it to create half of a bow and hold
the centre part, where the knot would be.
4. With the long piece wrap it down over the centre to form the knot.
Then fold it in half to form the other side of the bow, and push it
through the centre of the knot.
1
30
2
Humphrey Bogart in
Casablanca (1942)
3
4
31
OFF HIS BACK
Ted Lipson built a
shirt-making empire
more than 50 years
ago. Times have
changed, and so
have styles, but the
brand has kept its
commitment to style
and craftsmanship.
I
t was the 1940s, when Ted Lipson
opened his haberdashery in downtown
Toronto. Having difficulty finding
shirts that lived up to his exacting
specifications, Ted decided to manufacture his own, and in 1958 incorporated
T. Lipson & Sons Limited. Ever since, the
Lipson name has been synonymous with a
tradition of fine tailoring and craftsmanship. Combining the finest fabrics from
around the world with over 50 years of
shirting heritage creates something special.
When Ted Lipson founded his Toronto
shirt-making company after the war, his goal
was to provide customers with exceptional
tailoring and fit. BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
His mantra of “As Usual, The Unusual”
quickly gained attention from retailers across
North America, and Ted’s special products indeed
showcased unusual levels of quality and detail.
Today, Lipson Shirtmakers continues Ted’s legacy
by combining the art of traditional tailoring with
the science of modern textile technology, ensuring
every Lipson shirt continues to provide the comfort and style every man wants from his garments.
From lock-stitched buttons and over 20
stitches per inch, each Lipson shirt is defined by
quality details. Contrast button holes, hot-dyed
buttons and a variety of contrast trimmings add
flair to traditional garments, while the finest
Wendler interlinings ensure your Lipson shirt
withstands the test of time. 33
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
Lipson Shirtmakers is now under third generation management, first with Ted, then with Jack and now with Jordan
Lipson taking the reigns to navigate the contemporary
menswear market.
Under the Blazer
“Lipson Shirtmakers
continue Ted’s legacy
by combining the art
of traditional tailoring
with the science
of modern textile
technology.”
Each Lipson shirt is made to exacting
specifications using only the finest fabrics and
trimmings. Every component of the shirt, from
threads to buttons to interlinings, undergoes
thorough testing before it is introduced into their
collections. Their aim is to provide customers with
the finest shirts available, and they are constantly
assessing quality yardsticks to achieve this goal. Their 30,000 square-foot facility in Etobicoke is home to a sophisticated combination of
the latest technology and traditional tailoring
techniques. It’s here where automated cutting
machines, computed-assisted design workstations
and experienced sewers come together for the fine
art of shirt-making. The staff form the bedrock of Lipson. Many
sewers have over 30 years of tailoring experience
and come from all over the world. Each bring to
Lipson a unique blend of talents and techniques.
Roughly 100 highly skilled operators combine to
create our exceptional, proudly-Canadian products. From Italy to Spain, the designers scour the
globe in search of the finest fabrics available.
Working with the worlds top luxury fabric mills
such as Thomas Mason and Canclini, they collaborate to develop exclusive patterns and yarns.
From 120 two-ply cottons to novelty blends, each
34
We feel like a shirt with our name on it should
have all of the style and quality reflective of our
brand. Instead of producing the bare minimum
and jacking up the margins, because there is no
fear of competition, we did the opposite. We use
Lipson’s best available fabrics. Combined with
the quality craftsmanship of Lipson and the
distinguished style of Blazer For Men, we have
collaborated to produce a top-notch shirt for a
great price.
Working with Lipson, a proud Canadian
company, and producing them in Canada also
reflects our values. As an independent retailer, we
understand that a healthy local economy is good
for our bottom line. Lipson makes it easy to reinvest in our local economy, as the superb product
and the ultimate customizability makes Blazer
private label shirts worth every penny.
Their 30,000 square-foot
facility in Etobicoke is
home to a sophisticated
combination of the latest
technology and traditional
tailoring techniques.
fabric is chosen with care. Modern information systems and cutting-edge equipment provide an advanced level
of quality control, accuracy and efficiency in the
Lipson factory. The luxury of Lipson shirts goes beyond its
product offering. With a focus on managing
customer relationships and efficient but exacting
production, the company seeks to provide bestin-class service and customer support to offer the
highest levels of service, quality and craftsmanship. 35
Since 1997 Glazier Opticians has evolved into an award winning service through one simple philosophy: Quality.
Paul and Claudia Glazier, both registered opticians, have embraced this philosophy which has led to a
prosperous referral based business. We are doctor recommended in a highly competitive optical market
and will continue to serve our customers in a professional and progressive manner.
We invite clients to experience our vast collections, including exclusive European eyewear.
Our caring and knowledgeable staff makes Glazier stand out amongst opticians.
FALL 2014
MAde with pride in CAnAdA.
coppley.com
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
the
Professor
Man of Style
W
ithin the four walls Blazer For Men, you can find an impressive
array of looks. From weekend to formal, the selection we curate
stems from across the globe. Sometimes it takes an extra little
detail to set the outfit apart, and we can help.
The lookbook has become one of our trademarks. Product shots with no
particular target demographic allows you to imagine yourself or someone you’re
thinking of to be the model. Twice a year, we work hard and put together an array
of the products we carry into a conveniently sized lookbook and send it to you for
inspiration. Be sure to keep an eye out in early spring and early fall for your copy.
As always, we will help put it all together for you.
L.B.M. 1911 Windowpane Sport Jacket
$898 Made in Italy
Circle of Gentlemen Gingham Shirt
$255 Made in Turkey
John Smedley Wool V-Neck Sweater
$275 Made in Great Britain
Eton Knit Wool Tie
$128 Made in Italy
Van Gils Flannel Pant
$195 Made in Bulgaria
Hugo Boss Grey Leather Belt
$145 Made in Italy
Cole Haan Smart Casual Leather Shoes
$228 Made in India
Eye Bobs Readers
$75 Made in China
Braemore Wool Pocket Square
$65 Made in Italy
38
39
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
the
Mathematician
the
Artist
Eleventy Denim Shirt
$298 Made in Italy
Eleventy Knit Sport Jacket
$798 Made in Italy
Corneliani Wool/Cashmere Stroller Coat $1,098 Made in Turkey
Eleventy Quilted Vest
$648 Made in Italy
Robert Talbott Alpaca Basket Weave Shawl Pullover $298
Made in Italy
Eleventy Fair Isle Wool Sweater
$368 Made in Italy
Circle of Gentlemen Exploded Check Shirt $275 Made in Turkey
Eleventy Slim Jeans
$398 Made in Italy
Anderson Calf Leather Belt $225 Made in Italy
Red Wing Briar Oil Chukka
$265 Made in USA
40
Sand 5 Pocket Indigo Square Cords $295 Made in Europe
Pantherella Merino Wool Socks $38 Made in England
Red Wing Beckman Boots $346 Made in USA
41
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
the
Debonair
the
Freshman
Z Zegna Broken Twill Wool Sport Jacket
$1,150 Made in Mexico
Clark Ross Baby Alpaca Sweater
$298 Made in Peru
Eton Floral Print Shirt
$275 Made in Lithuania
Adriano Goldschmeid Cotton Pants
$250 Made in USA
Pantherella Merino Wool Socks
$32 Made in England
Eton Wool Pocket Square
$55 Made in Italy
Giulio Moretti Brogue Winter Shoe
$398 Made in Italy
Hugo Boss Leather Belt
$135 Made in Italy
Eye Bobs Readers
$75 Made in China
42
Bark Wool Duffle Coat
$798 Made in Italy
Blazer For Men Cotton Check Shirt
$218 Made in Canada
Fidelity Grey Stretch Jeans
$220 Made in USA
Quill & Tine Lambskin Gloves
$130 Made in China
John Varvatos Shearling Lined
Brogue Boots
$498 Made in China
43
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
the
Specialist
the
Motivator
Canali Check Wool Suit
$2,398 Made in Italy
Canali Micro Dot Jacquard Shirt
$420 Made in Italy
Robert Talbott silk Pocket Square
$78 Made in Italy
Dion Silk Tie
$120 Made in Canada
44
Strellson Wool 3 Piece Navy Suit
$898 Made in Bulgaria
Blazer For Men Check
Houndstooth Shirt
$238 Made in Canada
Z Zegna Wool Tie
$135 Made in Italy
Canali Wool Pocket Square
$98 Made in Italy
Canali Leather Brogue Leather Belt
$228 Made in Italy
John Varvatos Textured Double
Monk Shoes
$325 Made in China
Canali Brogue Wingtip Shoes
$798 Made in Italy
Hugo Boss Double Sided Belt
$140 Made in Tunisia
45
BLAZER FOR MEN
YOUNG
FASHIONMEN
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
B
AUTOSTRADE
TO AMERICA
How luxury brand
Eleventy came to
Canada.
46
This is a caption Igenim
et es molupta voluptati
diorporpore peria es unt,
soluta sam, net optas aci
cus, et volutam quatem si.
orn in Italy, growing abroad, Eleventy
is starting its journey in North
America. While the young fashion
label calls Florence its home, the
majority of its loyal fan base expanded
to countries like fashion-forward Japan and Korea,
and now finally arriving in Canada, the brand is
being carried in only a few prestigious shops.
Eleventy is one of those cool unassuming
brands. You won’t see a sweater emblazoned with
an embroidered label like Calvin Klein or a tie
with an instantly noticeable tartan like Burberry.
Yet, Eleventy still ranks up there with these iconic
brands. It’s a newer label, with a fresh take on
menswear, so it doesn’t have to rely on tradition or
recognition tactics to get consumers’ attentions.
Instead Eleventy becomes recognizable from
its loyal fashion fans. Its wearers are influencers,
style makers and media savvy. They are fashion
editors, bloggers, unpretentious men who are
snapped by photojournalists for their street style.
Blogger Filippo Cirulli, actor Andrew Scott and
one of its founders Marco Baldassari are a few
to name drop. And that’s how the popularity for
Eleventy is spreading across the globe.
Italy is already a dense and competitive
market for men’s fashions – with Milan as the
epicentre for men’s style it’s easy to understand
why Eleventy broadened it’s market. But to try in
Asia? Eleventy with its David-like size killed it in
such a big Goliath of commerce. With support of
Esquire Korea, Uomo Japan, InStyle Man Germany,
Vogue Korea, and GQ Japan, consumers instantly
realized the value in Eleventy – a brand that feels
like it came out of nowhere.
It was 2006 when Eleventy started. Founders Marco Baldassari, Paul Zuntini and Andrea
Scuderi offered a small collection of polo shirts free
of logos. But what made the fashion elite pause and
take notice were the special treatments and finishes,
which gave the shirts a refined and exclusive look.
The three men sought after a male demo,
aged 25 and up, belonging to the upper-middle
or upper socio-economic class, professionals, with
high levels of education, income and social status.
Their consumers are entrepreneurs, professionals,
managers and employees. With the support of a
sales team of 15, Eleventy is distributed across the
world. Globally, 150 multi-brand stores abroad,
with another 300 in Italy.
The autumn/winter
2014-2015 menswear
collection brings about a
new it-piece for Eleventy.
While it’s always been
a more dressed-up line
(most recently there’s been
a heavy push on men’s
jackets), the Milanese
company is redefining the
full-piece suit — a very
contemporary, relaxed look
with a sharp jacket and
matching cargo pants.
The fall color palate is
slightly darker, with deep
bark and smokey greys.
Even the blues and ochers
colors are burnt. Cashmere,
flannel jersey, and tweed
are the most used fabrics in
this collection.
47
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
“The brand says it
will remain 100
percent Italian.”
But one thing will never expand and that is
Eleventy’s production beyond the Italian boarders.
The brand says it will remain 100 percent Italian.
Its reach into Canada is a quiet one. As only
the most fashion-minded retailers have taken note
of Eleventy’s unconventional route to success.
Those with an eye for fresh fashion, rule breakers
and tastemakers. This season marks the debut for
Eleventy at Blazer For Men, with key pieces like
the knit sportscoat and beautiful quilted vests –
dressy and casual – which are certain to pique the
interests of discerning shoppers.
Nowadays strategy, from viral campaigns to
dressing actors, is behind the brand awareness of
all fashion companies, even the ones that have
been around forever. But with Eleventy, that’s
where it is a bit more traditional. “A more general
concept of “responsibility” that came from a deep
conviction, a moral obligation, and an ethical
imperative,” is what drives Baldassari, Zuntini
and Scuderi. “Anyone would envy their plans
for expansion, especially in light of the arduous
recession that is affecting our global economy. A
fluke? Certainly not,” they say on their website.
And they push that hard work, tenacity, passion is
what gives them their edge.
Their growth seems organic and honest. They
have a full accessories line, and even added women’s wear to its résumé. They still remain unobtrusive with branding – you won’t see a large logo
or motif on their pieces. The style is classic but
forward, making each garment a true investment
piece with an artisanal touch.
“Enjoy life with Eleventy!” is their slogan,
and Baldassari, Zuntini and Scuderi are taking
heart in that, too. What a ride they’ve had.
The company supports
artisanal and industrial
production within Italy, as
well as continuing support
for the country in general
and its domestic economy.
This is a cornerstone of the
company to help Italy during
the devastating recession.
48
Eleventy has partnered with an eco-friendly certified
supplier. The pants are resined and internally printed to
meet green standards. Some of the pieces made with nylon
are also sustainable. The threads are spun using 94 per cent
less water than typical yarn productions, 60 per cent less
energy and reduce the carbon dioxide emissions by 32 per
cent during the production process.
www.sandcopenhagen.com
BLAZER FOR MEN
TIPS
DID YOU KNOW?
BLAZER FOR MEN
TIPS
It only takes seven seconds for someone to get
an impression of your personality, including
disposition, temperament, integrity, social
status, and reliability.
One Chance
You only get one shot at making a great first impression.
Here’s how not to screw it up.
pulls the handshakees hand away from their body
slightly. It’s subtle but impressive. If you encounter
this type of handshake and want the upper hand, so
to speak, listen to them at first instead of fighting
for airtime. Find common ground and lead the
discussion that way.
I
t’s not often that you can look to Eminem
for image consulting or business advice.
But he was onto something with his “Lose
Yourself ” lyrics. When it comes to first
impressions, the provocative rapper was
right: “You only get one shot/ do not miss your chance to
blow/ This opportunity only comes once in a lifetime.”
Seven seconds is all you have, reports Forbes
Magazine. You may not think that’s enough time
to judge your complicated but genuine character.
But it’s your visual and physical cues and their
receptors that work together, gathering information
about your disposition, temperament, integrity,
social standing, ethics, status, reliability, virtue, value
system and so much more. All in seven seconds. It’s
insane, right?
Sure there is room for error and in the end it’s
their gut that makes this quick trigger decisions
about your personality. And the biggest factor is
charisma – which not every one has. But the good
news is everyone can fake it. It’s in your style of
handshake, the power of your fashion, and the
confidence in your voice, grooming and scent. Your
amazing skill set, work ethic and drive, well, they
can figure that out later.
Shake It Off
You likely don’t need much convincing that an “off ”
handshake outlines a weak demeanor. Limp, sweaty,
flinching gestures signify a lack of confidence and
incompetence. (After all, if you don’t believe in
yourself, why should anybody else?). And Forbes
Magazine reports that the rapport people get from
your handshake is equivalent of three hours of
interacting. You might think if your handshake is
pathetic, you’d be better off chatting for the next
few hours, but that’s not necessary. Dr. Gregory
Stebbins identifies in his book, Peoplesavvy, different handshakes and how others read into them.
Here are two types you might consider.
The Controller: This dominant personality keeps
a strong hold with their hands. It’s not just a firm
shake; it’s the movement during the gesture. Instead
of a quick clasp of the hands, The Controller
52
The Politician: This is more of a sales-type handshake, where intimacy is suggested, begging for
trust and support. Again, the hand gesture is firm
and confident, but your other hand touches them,
whether it’s part of the handshake clasping over top
or reaching out to the shoulder. To pair your conversation with this style of handshake, you’ll have to
be attentive, earnest and nod your head frequently.
Have Them at Hello
Scottish researchers from the University of
Glasgow found that the word “hello” is a big tell
into how people form opinions on others. People
were able to determine perspectives on trustworthiness, aggressiveness, confidence, dominance and
warmth with that five-letter word. Deep, low voices
ranked low, especially in terms of trust. The secret is
to be natural, not aggressive, and friendly.
Suit Up, Power Up
The most impressive garment is without a doubt a
suit. But it’s also a commanding garment reports
multiple studies.
Sure what we wear is superficial, but a study
published in “The Journal of Psychology” found
that men’s fashions command attention, namely
from women. “Costume” affected women’s ratings
of attractiveness of men, and it greatly affected
their decisions on entering any type of relationship,
romantic or otherwise. And a 2011 survey from
Payscale, found that men salaries are partly judged
based on the fashions they wear.
Another study from University of Hertfordshire
in Britain found that the bespoke suit (a custom,
well-fitting suit) had a “powerful impact on judgments of personality and professional status.” In
the research, men were viewed for five minutes and
then rated on confidence, success, trustworthiness,
salary and flexibility in different types of suits. And
the more accurate the cut, the more favourable the
men appeared.
Every man entering the workforce should
have one to two suits in their wardrobe. Bespoke
suits can be expensive on an entry-level salary, so
getting a well-fitting off-the-rack suit is key. For
the blazer, when the top button is done up, you
A study from the University
of Hertfordshire found
that the bespoke suit had
a powerful impact on
judgments of personality
and professional status.
should be able to fit your palm inside the jacket
(you don’t want it too tight or too roomy). The
bottom button shouldn’t be lower than your belly
button, the sleeves should end just below the wrist,
and shoulder pads should never extend past your
shoulders. Pant silhouettes can follow the trends,
which now is a much more streamlined, slim fit.
Get a suit tailored, always. And if you’re in doubt
about anything, ask the sales staff. They’ve been
fitting suits for years and will be knowledgeable
about what looks good.
Look the Part
Despite the popularity of facial hair on the runway
and among younger men, a beard or five o’clock
shadow might not be the best look for a first
impression. You might want to shave for that job
interview or big meeting.
As for skin, the airline company Emirates
knows the value of a first impression and “A Beauty
Feature” reported that the company recommends
grooming for their crew and staff. They are armed
with a skin care regime to help them not look
tired or victims of their hectic schedules. The kit
includes exfoliation, masques and eye treatments.
Skin-healthy ingredients to look for include free
radical-fighting antioxidants, such as vitamins A,
C and E.
Scent of a Man
Axe’s silly advertisements may be onto something.
A Harvard Medical School researcher found that
cologne body sprays do alter the impressions men
make, but just not in the way you might think.
Science showed that it affected men in a way that
had them acting more self-assured and confident,
and that was what made them more attractive.
Not the other way around.
Armed with these tools and some prep work,
the first impression is in your hands and not in
the seven seconds you first meet someone. And
as Marshall Mathers asks: “If you had one shot, or
one opportunity to seize everything you ever wanted,
would you capture it or just let it slip?”
That is up to you.
53
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
MEN’S
ESSENTIALS
Men’s jewellery is anything but basic. It’s all
about statement pieces, worthy investments
and collecting items you love. Here’s your guide
on what to buy and wear.
I
t used to be a fine line for men and
jewellery. Minimal was masculine and
“forgetting” to wear your wedding band
was acceptable. But more is more now
with men’s jewellery. “It’s not like a
decade or more ago, when a man had a gold
ring on his left finger and that was it,” says
Jeff Buzbuzian, goldsmith, designer and
co-owner of Knar Jewellery. “Today’s
man is more about design and expressing himself than ever before.” Now
you’ve got a ton of options – a few we
will outline here for you.
So why the push for diamonds and gold?
It’s hard to spot a musician, athlete without
jewellery. “George Clooney will wear a quality watch and classic cufflinks,” he says. “Jay Z
always has something snazzy on.” And, blame it
on your sense of style. “It’s the same thing with
men’s jackets,” says Buzbuzian. Men’s fashion has
become more expressive and bold. Just 10 years
ago, most men’s wardrobe would have included
varying blue, grey and black suits. Not anymore.
You’ve got a trendy blazer that perhaps has a
pattern or bright shades of colour. “A high-fashion wardrobe deserves a fresh take on jewellery
as well,” says Buzbuzian. “Men are saying, ‘I want
something really cool.’” Here are the masculine
and stylish jewellery essentials any man can wear.
“Today’s man is
more about design
and expressing
himself than ever
before.”
Sterling silver and rubber
bracelet with one row of
black spinals and 18kt rose
gold plate.
$1,092
Timepieces
“Years ago men weren’t that interested in fashion,
overall, and part of that was because there weren’t
many designs that were accessible, masculine and
cool enough,” says Buzbuzian. Men have become
very interested in jewellery as an accessory and more
interested in fashion as a whole.” And jewellery has
become the important finishing accessory.
Watch collections are about building upon
timepieces by adding items you don’t already have.
Your first piece can be an investment piece – a
classic watch that never goes out of style. But as you
establish a good edit of chronometers, it becomes
more about collecting based on uniqueness, rarity
and models that stand out.
Sterling silver and rubber
bracelet with black spinels,
white sapphires and 18kt
rose gold accents.
$487
55
HUGO BOSS CANADA INC. Phone +1 905 739 2677 www.hugoboss.com
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
DID YOU KNOW?
Knar has 4 brick and mortar locations in
Toronto, Guelph, Waterloo and Oakville
(321 Cornwall Road)
18kt white and rose gold
rectangular cufflinks with
round brilliant diamonds
and side rivet.
$6,776
Titanium and rose gold
disc cufflinks with black
diamond centres.
$1,370
“White metal has been the big trend for the
last while, such as white gold, platinum, stainless
steel. Now, we’re seeing more yellow gold and
rose gold,” says Buzbuzian. “The watch faces are
still large, ranging between 39 mm and 46 mm.
There are more diamonds set in watches as well.
Jewellery is becoming dressier. Or, they are going
with something that’s really exclusive with what
we in the industry call ‘complications.’ Those
are special technical features that a typical watch
doesn’t have, such as stop watch functionality,
durability, perpetual calendars, moon phases, and
even treatments on the face of the watch, such as
adornments.” For casual, everyday timepieces you
can wear to a meeting, leather straps wear well
and are quite handsome.
Rolex remains iconic because of its quality
assurance and because the watches truly hold
their value. “Having a good solid gold watch is
truly an investment. We see the twinkle in their
eye when they put it on their wrist.”
56
Cufflinks
Bracelets
“Today’s man is wearing cufflinks on a casual
basis,” says Buzbuzian. “He’s wearing blue jeans a
colourful shirt, and he wants a sporty, stylish cufflink to work with that.” You have lots of options,
too. You can find the simplistic dome style with
a few etched lines for a subtle sophistication. But
you can find others that really lay on the character,
with sculptural, technical details, which add a bit
of edge to your look. They’re quite a conversation
starter, too. Buzbuzian loves Italian cufflinks with
18-karat gold blended with steel or titanium and
decorated with and black and white diamonds
and hand-enameled designs by Germany’s finest
design craftsmen.
Men’s wrist jewellery is literally off the charts
right now. The current trends point toward a solid
bracelet cuff made with hard metal and rubber.
They’re more of an everyday piece, which can be
worn casually, as well as dressed up for work or
parties. “It’s for the guy who likes to wear Hugo
Boss, Robert Graham and John Varvatos. They
stand out. They are striking, masculine, and fun
to wear.
56
BLAZER FOR MEN
FASHION
Fashion meets functionality
Bring style home
FASHION
FORWARD
Finding that special piece for you or a
loved one can say what words can’t.
It is a way to express sentiment and
personal style. For more than 35 years,
Knar Jewellery (pronounced Kh-nar)
has offered its clientele fashion-forward
jewellery that professes luxury and
design.
Award-winning jewellers Jeff and
Greg Buzbuzian hunt for unique and
exclusive pieces for Knar. They have
discovered trend-setting designers
from Italy, Holland, Germany, France,
Canada and the United States, bringing
their avant-garde designs here.
Step in to one of their four brick and
mortar locations in Toronto, Guelph,
Waterloo and Oakville (321 Cornwall
Road, Olde Oakville Marketplace,
(905) 815-8777), and you’ll recognize
brands such as Hearts on Fire,
Scott Kay, ArtCarved, Rolex, Chopard,
Glashütte, Tudor, Philip Stein and
Hermes.
Pieces are adorned with rare-coloured
diamonds and gems, sought-after
pearls and leather and fabrics,
fashionable timepieces, as well as
“Hearts on Fire – The World’s Most
Perfectly Cut Diamond.”
You will discover modern pieces with
traditional service, meaning that Knar’s
knowledgeable, professional and
reliable staff offers personal service,
cutting-edge custom work, and that
luxury that every customer deserves.
58
18kt white and rose gold
ring with black and round
brilliant diamonds.
$7,000
Rings
Rose Gold
The left hand isn’t the only one with a ring. Buzbuzian says more and more men are embracing a
right-hand ring. And it’s not adorned with your
school ring or a signet ring with your initial either.
The showpiece ring is about design, character and
uniqueness. It can also be about how it’s made
and the occasion. The latest desires include black
and white diamonds, embossing and metals with
good heft for that manly feel. These rings really
express the personality of their owners.
From jewellery, necklaces, bracelets and cufflinks,
a fashion-forward piece of jewellery can be set
in rose gold. “It has a nice, warm tone and it’s
unique,” says Buzbuzian. But more often than
not, rose gold is used in combination with white
gold in men’s jewellery to really show the warmth
of the metal.
Knar Jewellery has seen significant increases
in request for custom pieces for men. Inspiration,
he says, comes from lifestyle, hobbies, sports,
accessories and the lure of owning a one-of-a
kind piece. Rose gold requests are growing rapidly
because many of today’s watchmakers have incorporated rose gold on the case and dial. “It’s only
natural for people to want a piece to work with
the dominant colours of their timepiece.”
Custom pieces
Creating something you’ll love is a great option.
Buzbuzian says other pieces in store that you
fancy or by things you already own, like a watch
or a bracelet can inspire you. It’s not about going
matchy-matchy, but making sure that your look
goes well together. Buzbuzian says that rings
are often a big demand for his custom work. He
can incorporate colour, like black, grey and blue,
with enamel inlay work. But many of Buzbuzian’s
clientele will set a sizable diamond or multiple
diamonds in a ring.
A new focus in custom work is lapel pins. “It’s
a nice accessory for a man to pin on his jacket if
he’s not wearing a tie – a diamond lapel pin gives a
jacket some character,” says Buzbuzian. “It is subtle. Imagine a black tuxedo and no tie. You put a
diamond star on his lapel. When he goes out with
a pair of jeans, white shirt, jacket and a lapel pin,
it’s sophisticated. It’s a cool way to stand out in a
crowd and it makes a great conversation piece.”
Diamond Studs
“Earring studs never go out of style,” says
Buzbuzian. But it’s all about the right size of
carat. It depends on his job, the occasion, and his
personal style.
We take the time to do it right
Luxury products and services for all your floor covering needs.
CARPE T | AREA RUGS | TILE & STONE | HARDWOOD | LAMINATE | RESILIENT
SPEERS ROAD
BROADLOOM
400 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON L6K 2G2
(289) 218-7376
speersroadbroadloom.com
BLAZER FOR MEN
LIFESTYLE
For the Love of Food
Find out what makes us crave,
adore and lust for the most delectable
dishes we’ve ever tasted.
W
e know you love food. We do, too. Everyone does.
Food has the most amazing power to bend our will
to have just one more bite, evoke memories, comfort
us and even be used as a love potion. A big part of it
is nourishment, sure, but there’s so much more to the
enjoyment of eating than getting what we need to stay healthy and alive. It’s
about our relationship with dining and drinking, and enjoying every bite.
Science has a lot to say about our passion for feasting. And the reason food is
so infatuating is because it flirts with all of our senses.
Taste is the obvious one. Taste can often be the main reason we choose
what we eat, even though we know better and should consider nutrition
or satiety. With salty and sweet being the two polar flavours we recognize.
But as we get older, taste buds, those bulbous nerve endings on the tongue,
begin to dull. As infants, we have more of a sweet-tooth, and that’s because
babies have more sweet-recognizing taste buds, which are more likely to be
sensitive, and that gives reason to why some kids are just so darn picky with
food. Adults yearn for complex flavours, which is why our taste, so to speak,
is more evolved, grander, and frankly more expensive, which would explain
the penchant for pricier bottles of wine.
61
Your business is
our pleasure
BLAZER FOR MEN
LIFESTYLE
You know the smell of your mom’s or grandma’s cooking. It’s distinct.
It’s powerful. And it really takes you home, no matter how old (or young
at heart) you are. The interesting thing about smell is its immense effect on
memory. Research has shown that the first exposure to a certain aroma will
create the strongest impression. Research from Sweden found that while
memories are said to be established at age 10 and older, scents can evoke
memories from subjects from when they were much younger. It’s likely
because that’s when those scents are first introduced to the brain. Scent is
also a provocative sense. Perfume and cologne hold up a $37 billion industry.
But what is interesting is how food influences our preferences. Vanilla is very
a popular note in women’s fragrances. The Social Issues Research Centre in
England suggests that men like the sweet smell of vanilla because it evokes
childhood memories of cake, making it a comfort-food scent. With a spritz
of a vanilla-based perfume, and he thinks it’s been a slice.
The sight of food alone can be enticing. In fact a study from University of Southern California, found that looking at photos of sweets, such as
ice cream, triggered the brain to crave junk food. Unfortunately though, the
same didn’t happen with healthy food, such as greens.
Does that mean if we avoid looking at food we’ll be less likely to enjoy
eating? Not so, suggests an interesting trend in restaurants and dinner
62
parties, where they challenge the importance
of seeing food to enjoy eating. Researchers
call this sight deprivation, which is thought to
enhance how the body uses the other senses.
With out the ability to receive information
visually, taste and touch, for example, would be
heightened. Some write it off as a fad, while
others are literally feasting on it.
Touch is the first way we learn to
communicate as babies. You likely don’t think
of touching food as very seductive. But eating
with your hands is such a primal way to enjoy
a food. Imagine pulling at the gooey string of
cheese connecting two slices of pizza, cracking
open a fresh crusty roll, or delicately selecting
the chocolate you want from the box. Touch is
definitely a part of chowing down. But touch
also plays a part in how we eat food.
The amazing thing about textures is how
they can be layered and supports each other.
Not just in food (we’re instantly craving millefeuille right about now), but also art and fashion. Texture creates interest, signifies creativity,
and stimulates the imagination about the other
senses. One study found that layered flavours
lead to greater satisfaction and satiety with
food. The same could be said about fashion –
the layering appropriately (leather, wool and
denim) makes its wearer feel complete.
Sound – this one is likely the least influential of all the senses when it comes to food.
But nothing spreads fads faster than better
than word-of-mouth. And that is the essence
of all trends – fashion, travel and hotspots for
dining. But sensory researchers have determined that all the sense come together for a
full experience with food. And with the power
of these senses, it affects more than our enjoyment with food. It moves us emotionally with
memories, preferences, influences and style.
WiFi access
Spacious and naturally lit conference areas
Four private meeting rooms
On-site catering
Accessible location (just off the QEW)
Complimentary meeting supplies
Audio visual equipment
Competitive package rates
Accommodate groups of up to 200. Open to the public.
TO bOOk mEETing SpACE Or plAn yOur
nExT FunCTiOn, COnTACT:
Leigh Raynor Catering Sales Manager
905-844-1800 ext. 236 | [email protected]
glen Abbey golf Club | 1333 Dorval Drive, Oakville, Ont., l6m 4g2
BLAZER FOR MEN
ADVERTORIAL
Take your game to
the next level with
the latest links
technology.
Big
the
Reveal
S
eptember 17th was a gloriously sunny
autumn day. Lori Heller and Scot
W.R.Nei of RoboGolfPro, and Grant
Holcomb, Executive Director of
ClubLink Corporation, were ready to
greet the media and guests who came to see the
most innovative training tool in golf today. As
the door to the robot’s building rose, Glen Abbey
Academy officially became the first home for
RoboGolfPro in Canada!
Lori Heller, instrumental in bringing the
RoboGolfPro to Canada, spoke to the audience
about how the robotic swing trainer can improve
your game and the advantages of using RGP as a
business investment. Scot W.R. Nei, the CEO of
RoboGolfPro, gave a terrific demonstration of the
robot and used non-golfer Molly Hidi to show
how effective RoboGolfPro is as a training tool.
The results were impressive and golf journalists like
Steve Waxman couldn’t wait to publish their stories
and spread the word that RoboGolfPro is now in
Canada: canadiangolfer.com/fairwaystevie
As the sole distributor of the golf swing trainer
in Canada, Lori is in the enviable position of
being able to provide her executive clientele with
outstanding golf events that go beyond the typical
golf tournament. Lori’s core business has always
been corporate event planning and golf events
are her specialty. Lori has hosted innumerable
events for Fortune 500 companies at resorts across
the United States. When she came across the
RoboGolfPro at Pebble Beach she saw an amazing
opportunity, stating that “I wanted to able to provide my clients with that Pebble Beach experience
without having to leave Canada.”
We’re extremely excited that RoboGolfPro
has a permanent home at Glen Abbey Golf
Academy. With a year-round training facility,
golf lessons can continue to be booked on the
robotic swing trainer over the winter enabling
anyone to continue honing their golf skills. Neither rain, snow, sleet nor hail will get in the way
of your progress!
The RoboGolfPro develops a customized
swing for each player. You can discover the swing
that works best for your body and store it in RGP’s
computer for future reference. The robot works so
well because it relies on motor learning to train the
golfer to automatically remember the correct swing
form. You will see improvement after just one
lesson – imagine the impact a whole winter on the
swing robot will have on your game. Glen Abbey
golf instructor, Ben Ferguson, says the RoboGolfPro allows him to bring a hooker to a gentle fade
in just one lesson! That is why RoboGolfPro is
becoming an essential tool for both PGA Tour
players and regular golf enthusiasts alike.
Glen Abbey, of course, has long been associated with golf greatness. Being one of the country’s
top golf courses, Glen Abbey hosts the Canadian
Open. It also houses the headquarters of Golf
Canada, the Canadian Golf Museum and Hall of
Fame, as well as the TaylorMade Performance Lab.
In keeping with its reputation for greatness,
Glen Abbey’s instructors are top notch. Sean
Casey, Director of Instruction at Glen Abbey is
also Head Coach for the Canadian Junior Golf
Association (CJGA) National Teams. In 2011,
“Golf Digest” named Sean one of the top four
prominent teachers in Canada. In 2009 he was
Steve Dolson of LXRY,
Scot W.R.Nei, and Glen
Abbey Golf Instructor Ben
Ferguson – RoboGolfPro
“You will see
improvement after
just one lesson –
imagine the impact
a whole winter on
the swing robot will
have on your game.”
honored as the “Teacher of the Year” by both the
PGA of Ontario and Canada. Needless to say,
receiving golf instruction from Sean is a real treat.
Add RoboGolfPro to Sean’s amazing instruction,
and you will surely be impressed with how quickly
your game improves.
We are excited to give you the opportunity
to learn more about RoboGolfPro and to try the
robot for yourselves. You’ll soon discover that
your personal best is better than you think! All
sessions include one-hour of instruction with a
Glen Abbey Academy teaching pro. If you are a
ClubLink Member, you pay just $200 per person.
The cost for non-members is $225 per person. To
reserve your lesson, contact Glen Abbey Academy
at 905-844-1902 or [email protected].
If you are interested in incorporating RoboGolfPro into your business or if you just want to
have Lori and her team arrange a golf event for
you, you can contact her by hellerproductionsinc.
com or [email protected].
65
Creator of classic high quality belts
for men since 1966.
As one of the oldest men's belt manufacturer in Europe,
our heritage is evident in placing values on material, sewing,
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manufactured with highest standards and craftsmanship.
Anderson's is a real family business, proud to still be
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belts are manufactured. Production takes place exclusively
at the laboratories in Parma (historically well known for the
manufacturing of shoes and leather goods), where each
individual operation is supervised by expert craftsmen. The town
Parma has been the birthplace of high quality Italian belts and
Anderson's pieces are one of its outstanding products.
Anderson’s is synonymous with the highest quality of design
and manufacturing, combining modern techniques with the
experience and tradition of the “Parma leather artisans”.
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BlazerForMen_CAN_4,5x5,875inch_Strel_FW14_prem.indd 1
28.08.14 10:31
Case Feenstra
Sales Representative
FIND YOUR DREAM HOME
WITH CASE FEENSTRA
Office 905 338 3737
Direct 905 330 0727
Case Feenstra knows the difference between a house and
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[email protected]
casefeenstrateam.com
In addition to his wealth of experience in sales and
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he truly guides his clients into finding the home of their
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Royal LePage Real Estate Services
251 North Service Rd. W. Oakville
He truly is a leader in the industry – he was the recipient
of the National Chairman’s Club Award representing the
top one per cent in residential sales.
Case Feenstra is a past board member and longtime supporter of Home Suite Hope, a homelessness
intervention in Halton that provides innovative,
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Contact Case today to stop looking for a house and
to find your home – your dream home.
Your drive has arrived.
Introducing the all-new 2015 C - Class.
Ask us about Prepaid Maintenance.
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THE ALL-NEW 2015 C 300 4MATICTM
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300 South Service Road West, Oakville, ON L6K 3X5 | 1-888-839-2240| www.mboakville.ca
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* 2015 C 300 4MATICTM total price starting at $46,032. Freight/PDI, tricor, air tax, admin fee, tire stewardship, OMVIC fee, and wheel locks are included. Vehicle licensing,
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