Fall 2015 / Winter 2016 ISSUE 10

Fall 2015 / Winter 2016
ISSUE 10
39
MAGAZINE ISSUE 10 • FALL 2015 / WINTER 2016
Welcome to blazer for men
22
the blazer staff
5
4
Leave it to Sweden
Embark on a journey to Eton’s homeland
8
trend report
Find out what fall and winter have in store
for men’s fashion.
CONTENTS
14
The BLAZER shoe guide
Step into the season knowing everything you
need to know about men’s footwear
20
there’s an app for that
8
What you need to know about the latest app trends
27
68
did you know?
The Fashion Edition
56
smart car
Ten things you need to know about German
car company Mercedes-Benz
64
das style!
How to visit Berlin in Style
50
big in japan
Japanese company, Echizenya, is dressing
men around the world
26
MEN OF STYLE
CREDITS
Getting personal with the Blazer Boys
The Vital Group
155 Richmond St. East
Toronto ON M5A 1N9
editor
business
416 214 5555 x25
416 882 2428
www.thevitalgroup.ca
photographer
mobile
stylist
published by
Patrick Huffman
art director Jen Snow
head writer Lisa Hannam
David Wile
Gregory Lalonde
Style is art
Cold climate outfits to inspire
37
saluti, prost!
What to order for drinks in Milan or Berlin
J E W E L L E R Y
30
60
blazer
WELCOME
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.
WELCOME TO BLAZER FOR MEN
27
YEARS LATER
As much as fashion and retail changes, many
things will remain the same - our vision for
customer experience.
When I decided to open my own menswear store
in 1988, I had a plan. The goal was to build a shop
where men could find everything they needed
all in one location. The environment was to be
easy and relaxed. A location that was convenient,
hassle-free and close to home. Being an integral
part of the community was important to me. My
“slogan” 27 years ago was “You don’t need a lot of
clothes, you need the right clothes!”, which I still
believe is true today.
I have made it my commitment to create the best
experiences for our customers, in a high energy,
positive environment serviced by knowledgeable
professionals. Check out our feature
“Men of Style” on
page 30 for a fashion
Q&A with Blazers’
own consultants
The retail landscape has dramatically changed
over the last 25 years into a fast paced, product
pushing model, with the arrival of big box stores,
vertical Brand stores and online sales. But I
have to be honest, that has only strengthened
our position, giving customers individual
attention, professional style advice and genuine
service, before, during and after the sale, is our
mission. I guess, just being good listeners first. When we say “we travel the globe to look for
what’s new and exciting”, we really do! In our
last few trips to Milan, Florence, Berlin and
Amsterdam, we’ve found new brands that we
think are perfect for our customers. To name just
a few, we’ve introduced Boglioli, Eleventy, Landi,
Montecore, Tintoria Mattei to our collections,
you may not have even heard of most of these.
Our quest is to not only find new and exciting
brands, but to find new brands, that “fit”, in every
respect.
The Fall Autumn 2015 season, I can truly say, is
the most interesting season ever for fashion and
collections, every brand has a story and we are
excited to share them with you!
–Randy Lalonde
The Blazer Staff
owner
RANDY LALONDE
4
manager
BRIAN LALONDE
assistant manager | buyer
GREGORY LALONDE
consultant
MATTHEW KING
consultant | visual merchandiser
RYAN TARTAGLIO
consultant
PATRICK HUFFMAN
assistant
MICHAEL TROFIMIUK
head tailor
GRACE TROFIMIUK
5
blazer
TRAVEL
LEAVE IT TO
Never hand over a shirt before you
are completely satisfied with it.
Swedish shirtmakers Eton of Sweden extended to us a trip of a
lifetime to their head offices in Sweden this past May, to learn about
the history and the processes behind the best shirts in the world.
The trip began with a cross-Atlantic redeye flight through Copenhagen
to Sweden’s Gothenburg airport. Arriving to a small welcoming
committee between the Volvo signs and baggage carousels, unsure
of what to expect, I found myself in the company of two other wellknown North American retailers whom were also invited to the week’s
carefully planned activities. We were whisked to a small boutique hotel
in the quaint neighboring town of Borås, where the festivities began,
champagne in hand. Among the small crowd were the Eton directors,
including CEO Hans Davidson, a helpful support crew and 23 other
retailers from North America. The mood was cheery and the drinks
flowed freely, before we made our way to Borås’ finest restaurant for our
first of many 5 star meals in the coming days. It became quickly apparent
that this trip was primarily a big ‘thank you’ to those retailers who have
supported ETON during its largest growth period in the company’s 87
year history.
The following morning we made our way to the town of Gånghester,
where Eton’s humble head office and manufacturing facility built in the
1940’s—and recently built state-of-the-art warehouse — dominate the
sparsely populated streets. Our first workshop illuminated the history
of the company and the roots of the legendary shirts it produces.
the world’s finest fabrics, they came across the town of Eton. The name
resonated and ‘The Eton Shirt’ was born. The overwhelming success of
this collection led the company to rebrand a few years later, and has since
been the name most associated with quality dress shirts the world over.
In the early 1960’s, ETON’s success required them to adopt a more
efficient manufacturing process. Inge Davidson (Annie and David’s third
son) conceptualized and installed an automated transport line which
carried pieces from each stage of development, which made the
planning, storage and quality control of shirt production far
more economical. We witnessed the newest iteration of
the original machinery in their factory in Gånghester,
that would not only help Eton Shirts survive growing
competition from newly industrialised countries
of the 60’s, but would also lay groundwork for
automizing garment factories and revolutionize the
entire clothing industry. The Eton System can now
be found in over 6000 factories in 40 countries.
The company once known as ‘Syfabriken Special’ was started by
Annie and David Pettersson in their kitchen during the Depression in
the 1920’s. Their simple motto, “never hand over a shirt before you
are completely satisfied with it,” was and is the cornerstone for their
company’s success. Their four sons, including Rune and Arne, continued
their legacy, and during a trip to England in the late 1940’s in search of
8
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blazer
INTERESTING FACT:
The majority of
Eton’s American
Pima cotton is
grown on the very
same farmlands
from which Heinz
buys many of
their tomatoes.
As cotton leaches
nutrients from the
ground at a high
rate, tomatoes
tend to offset this
by enriching the
soil, so alternating
tomatoes and
cotton crops creates
a manageable
balance for farmers.
Next time you spill
a bit of ketchup
on your crisp
Eton shirt, you’re
actually reuniting
old friends!
TRAVEL
ETON aims to produce a record 1,000,000 shirts
this year. This is partly possible thanks to Jan
Borghardt, Head of Design for ETON in 1981, when
he stopped relying on other mills to produce quality
fabrics and interesting designs, and began spinning
proprietary fabric and creating their own patterns.
This monumental course change allowed ETON to
own every step in a shirt’s production from cotton to
customer, whilst improving quality and design. They
only use the best ELS (Extra Long Staple) cotton from
Egypt and the USA with staple lengths over 40mm,
and weave true 2x2 ply fabrics for further resilience
and body.
Perhaps the greatest advantage the ETON shirt has
over competition is its easy care. No shirt is truly
‘non-iron,’ as many of those who claim to achieve this
simply coat their fabric with a formaldehyde or some
other chemical, which is either not good for your
health, damaging to the environment, or likely both.
ETON’s partner treatment facility in Switzerland
changes the fabric at a molecular level through a
rigorous 4 week organic treatment process, using no
chemicals while retaining the softness of the cotton.
This unique process ensures fabric durability and
lustre, even after hundreds of washes.
It was an information-packed morning! For lunch,
we were guided to their onsite cafeteria. All of the
staff that worked in Gånghester at any of the ETON
buildings gather for lunch together. They can choose
their meals at the beginning of every week, and the
expert kitchen staff have their dishes ready when they
arrive every day. What a wonderful way to treat your
staff, I thought to myself. The meal was restaurant
quality, and had us ready for the afternoon exploring
the warehouse and meeting more friendly staff at
every corner.
A three-hour, late afternoon train ride throughout
the Swedish countryside — which closely resembled
the rocky shield and countless lakes in Muskoka —
led us to the country’s capital city of Stockholm,
where ETON had booked a trendy restaurant for us to
freely mingle and get to know our travel partners and
ETON coordinators after a long day of learning and
commuting. I got to know some of the best retailers in
North America on this trip, and being able to bounce
ideas and enjoy conversations with industry leaders
was truly a rare opportunity.
The following morning, very early I might add,
we gathered at a local movie theatre where the
current Head of Design, Sebastian Dollinger and the
marketing team were ready to teach us their secrets
for success in today’s fast paced world. Being in
charge of design for a €100,000,000 company in your
early 30’s sounds like a stressful job, but Sebastian’s
cool demeanor and exotic flair shows no sign of it.
“We want to be the future vintage shirts,” declared
Sebastian, underlining the importance of quality,
durability and style in an ETON shirt.
For our final dinner together, The ETON team pulled
out all of the stops. We weren’t given any details,
but were instructed to dress colorfully. We paraded
down Stockholm’s busiest street toward the main
pier, where a wooden river boat was waiting for us.
A scenic tour around the winding channels of
Stockholm led us to the lush and vast Hagaparken,
home to Swedish royalty for centuries and steeped
in history. Of course, horse-drawn carriages awaited
us there, and in short time off we galloped through
the trees in the brisk spring evening air. We reached
a large glass greenhouse, where upon opening
the doors we were greeted with a rush of tropical
humidity and lush greenery — the ETON team had
turned the city’s butterfly conservatory into our very
own Midsummer party hall.
ETON’S homeland of
Ladies
first! O
Hagapa n a boat to
rken
SWEDEN
on
ghts
i
s
e
th
g in l day
n
i
k
a
T
utifu
a bea
Every summer solstice, Swedes let loose with their
friends for Midsummer celebration, feasting on a
smörgåsbord, singing traditional drinking songs and
dancing around a maypole (which was explained to
me as a phallic fertility symbol). We ate, we drank,
we sang and we danced. We felt as if we were a
part of the family.
After a short sleep, I had my final day in Stockholm to
myself to explore the streets and styles, while pondering
the lessons learned over the previous three actionpacked days. The importance of the ‘corporate family’
resonated strongly, and the week’s events solidified its
significance in developing a strong brand. Treating your
customers like an extension to your family, much like the
ETON team did with me, can result in fierce loyalty with
a mutually beneficial outcome.
holm
k
c
o
t
hS
roug
h
t
ling
Strol
I think it is safe to say Sweden is recognized for their
fish, meatballs, cars, chefs, sustainability, flat-packed
furniture, among many other revolutionizing items
and ideas. But soon they will also be regarded as
the purveyors of the finest dress shirts in the world.
When it comes to the pursuit of function and style,
leave it to Sweden.
–Gregory Lalonde
Treating your customers like an extension of your family,
much like the Eton team did with me, can result in fierce
loyalty with a mutually beneficial outcome.
10
Planes, trains and boats
took Gregory around
s
party wa
r
e
m
m
u
s
Mid
!
awesome
The E
ton sy
stem
11
fall
2015
Made with pride in Canada.
Coppley.com
blazer
Find out what Fall 2015/Winter 2016 have in store for you.
AT BLAZER FOR MEN, IT’S OUR PASSION TO DRESS YOU IN
BEAUTIFUL QUALITY GARMENTS. BUT WE ALSO KEEP OUR
EYE OUT FOR TRENDS THAT NOT ONLY UP YOUR FASHION
GAME, BUT ALSO MAKE YOU LOOK DAMN GOOD. AND THIS
FALL HAS US PRETTY EXCITED FOR THE LATEST TEXTURES AND
COVETABLE PIECES YOUR WARDROBE IS CRAVING. HERE IS
A ROUND UP OF THE TRENDS WE’RE LOVING THIS SEASON.
FABRIC GETS A NEW FACE
While the structure and design of
men’s pieces are streamlined and
slick, the fabrics used are anything
but. Take a look up close, touch it
and stretch it, and you’ll see what
we mean.
 STRETCH KNITS are big this
season, adding a new dimension
to cotton and wool fabrics. The
shape is flattering, which is what
really matters, and it adds a sense
of quality and performance that is
comfortable and moveable.
A great stretch-knit entry piece
is the sports coat. We’re loving
Z Zegna, Strellson and Boglioli
for what they are doing with jackets
this season.
 KNITTED GARMENTS are at a peak
right now and it all began with the
“knitted” blazer trend that began
four years ago. It’s going strong
and the trend is expanding to other
pieces of the wardrobe including the
sports jacket, dressy outerwear and
versatile trousers. Pant brands, like
AG, Alberto, Heritage, Echizenya and
others, are creating an unbeatable
fit that looks like perfection. But it’s
also gone into the denim category,
as well. Yes, knit denim! Don’t knock
it till you try it!
ONES TO WATCH
Here are two Italian brands we think you need to know about.
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 BOGLIOLI
 ALPHA STUDIO
While their claim to fame is being
the creators of the “hybrid jacket,”
menswear insiders know that it’s their
manufacturing processes that make
their pieces worth the investment.
Other brands will dye and wash fabric
before a garment is constructed. But
Boglioli, who’s factories are located in
Brescia, Italy, does this after the jacket is
made. The result, a perfect combination
to fit and form. And that is where
reputation of having the softest jacket
fabrics come from. Their sports coats
feel like blazers. Come into the store
and see the variety of jackets and knitted
blazers for fall.
While Alpha Studio has been around
30 plus years, the Comeana, Italy-based
brand is doing great things right now in
outerwear. It’s state-of-the-art knitting
processes and craftsmanship fuse
together tradition and innovation,
which the company is very proud of.
The loop-stitches and jacquard textiles
are the company’s secrets. Their coats
are made of knitted wool that is boiled
and fitted. The end product is a dress top
coat that feels like a sweater. You’ll never
want to take it off.
TREND REPORT
 As for shirts, LIGHTWEIGHT KNITS
are favoured because of the woven
look and flexibility. The stretchcut makes them wearable, and the
prints are subtle.
And for more casual shirts,
lightweight printed jersey knits
add a new level of comfort.
PRINTS CHARMING
2
THE ESSENTIALS
Remember when we said to look up close
at fabrics? Well, grab your magnifying glass.
Micro prints and patterns are adding an
interesting twist to basics, classics and
neutrals. The trends are moving away from the
bold, colourful stripes and plaids of years past.
Instead motifs and designs are more detailed on
garments than outlandish self expression. So keep
your eye out for pin dots, dobby weaves, jacquards
and other eye-straining beauties on brands like
Tintoria Mattei and SAND.
Here’s our list of our favourite things. Come into the store, and let us show you why
we’re loving each and every one.
 THE SHIRT JACKET
Z Zenga is the mastermind behind this revolutionary shirt construction transition piece.
It’s a sports coat that has a stretch that’s unique to shirts. The two-button blazer is made
with jersey cotton that gives the dressed-up look a relaxed style.
 THE JOGGER SUIT
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FASHION
Every once in awhile, the fashion industry has an a-ha moment – and right now it is the
jogger. The pant, made with various fabric weights of jersey material, has an elasticized
cuff. While the look isn’t for everyone, the jogger has evolved into a suit. It’s not sloppy
or overly relaxed, though. The slim-fit Strellson suit was designed with a cozy stretch fabric
interestingly paired with classic menswear tailoring. The notched lapels, two-button, singlebreasted jacket anchors the look of the single pleat, zip-fly pants. We love it for travel
(imagine wearing it on a stuffy plane) and the bike-ride commute (no cuff roll-ups required).
 THE NEW CASUAL PANT
Move over jeans and khakis. Make room in the closet for the new casual pant; trimmer,
dressier and just as comfortable as your old favourites. And that’s because the brands
like Echizenya and Hiltl haven’t compromised fabric, design and aesthetics for the upscale,
casual trend.
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TREND REPORT CONTINUED
FABRICOLOGY 101
Here’s what you need to now about the trendiest textiles
 ALPACA: The long wool is named after the Peruvian alpaca,
which gives the fabric its soft feel and resilience.
 CAMEL HAIR: It comes from the undercoat hair of the two-hump
camel. And it is sourced ethically, as it’s not clipped or shaved,
but gathered from the ground.
 CASHMERE: The fibres are taken from the undercoat of the
Kasmir goat is used in pure and blended forms of soft-twilled fabrics.
 CORDUROY: A durable cut-pile fabric with vertical ribs.
 FLANNEL: A soft-twilled fabric with a nappy, loose feel.
It comes in plain and ribbed weaves.
 HERRINGBONE: This is an iconic, classic pattern made of zigzag
or chevron patterns that look like the backbone of a herring.
 HOUNDSTOOTH: A contrasting pattern of small broken checks that
look like a dog’s incisor tooth.
 L AMB’S WOOL: The super soft fabric is made from a young
sheep’s first shearing.
 MOHAIR: This fabric comes from the Angora goat, and is known
for its light feel. Often it is blended with wool.
 SHETLAND: This light, tweed-like textile is made from the undercoat
of sheep raised on the Shetland Islands, Scotland.
 TWEED: This is a wiry wool used to mélange different colours of yarn.
 TWIST: Two yarns are coiled to make one strand and give material a
unique pattern and look.
W
OOLEN: This term is used when different wool fibres of varying
lengths create a soft and thick fabric. It’s often used in tweed.
HOLY FASHION GROUP
strellson.com
blazer
FASHION
THE
BLAZER FOR MEN
SHOE GUIDE
STEP INTO THE SEASON KNOWING EVERYTHING
YOU NEED TO ABOUT MEN’S FOOTWEAR.
Did you know: Blazer has over
50 styles of shoes in store?
We’ve really got you covered
head to toe.
4. MONKS
Under the cuff of a pant, the monk strap looks like
your typical oxford or derby. But instead of laces,
a wide buckled strap crosses over the top of the
shoe as a closure. Slim-fit trousers look best so
you can show off your hardware. Some monks
have two buckles. The choice is yours. Rumour
has it that monks wore them when they weren’t
wearing sandals. Aside from its longevity, this is
a very trendy shoe and suits men with a fashionforward taste level.
8. CHELSEA BOOTS
Originally favoured by writers, musicians and
London’s fashionable set, the Chelsea boot
is an equestrian style slip-on boot that has a
stretchy gusset panel on both sides to make it
easy to get on and off. These are very casual,
howeversome dress shoemakers have
created an elevated version with a
slick toe for more formal
occasions.
4
5. LOAFERS
1. OXFORDS
The leather oxford, also known as
balmorals, is the shoe every man must
have. It’s a sartorial classic; thanks to
its clean lines. Think simple design: a
seamless style, possible toecap, and
laces. You can wear it casually with
denim and chinos or dressed up with a
jacket or suit. And if you have a patent
pair, it is the most formal shoes a man
can wear – get the tails cleaned!
1
2. BROGUES
2
3. DERBIES
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The derby is the slightly more casual cousin of
the oxford. Although they also come in black,
derbies can also come in leather hues described
as cognac, oxblood, tobacco, red, brown and
more. If your day job requires a suit, derbies
give you more options on what to wear on your
feet every day. Plus, they look good with jeans
or khakis and a sports jacket. They’re sometimes
called bluchers.
Love fashionable details? Then you likely have
a pair of brogues in your shoe wardrobe. The
brogue shoe has the most beautiful treatment
with perforated holes decorating the layered
leathers. It has been said that the original
purpose for the Irish design was to deal with
the elements and drain water from the feet.
There are sub-classifications for brogues and
they can be made many types of leather – the
softer the leather, the more casual the brogue.
Depending on the look, the colour and the
shine, it can be worn for day and night. It really
is the perfect fall shoe.
The loafer has recently come back in style,
specifically during the summer months.
Mostly because it can be worn with or
without socks. And because of the low
vamp, it’s a favourite for men who love to
show off bold socks. The upper usually has
little to no detail, save for a strap, a penny
or a tassel. It can also make small feet look
longer. Style it like you would a derby.
5
6. CHUKKAS
The chukka boot is the choice for men who
want classic footwear with a more solid look.
The clean design allows for just three eyelets
and it’s usually made from leather or suede.
A leather or black rubber sole dresses it up,
while a crepe sole turns the chukka into a
dessert boot. It’s not worn with a suit, and is
more a casual boot. Wear chukkas with your
favourite jeans.
7. HUNTING BOOT
The perfect Canadian winter boot is the
hunting boot. The rubber sole comes up above
the toes and vamp and meets with a synthetic
boot shaft. Inside, some offer a cozy shearling
lining that becomes even more comfortable
when you lace the boots snugly. Wear it with
your casual winter jacket, like a puffer or
bomber, and tucked-in jeans.
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blazer
FASHION
ANATOMY OF A SHOE
TOES TALK
The shape of the toe is a major ‘tell’ of how old your shoes are. Wide, square toes are out, and
slim, almond shoes are in. You want a streamlined look that works well with the slim suit that’s
on trend right now. Now that we have that covered, consider any of these toe styles.
topline
welt
throat
vamp
Quarter
toe
facing
shank
outsole
PLAIN TOE
WINGTIPS
If you want something
that’s not fussy but elegant,
then the clean look of a plain
toe is the way to go. It is very
formal and works with all
types of suits.
HOW TO WEAR SHOES
SEMI BROGUES
This is one of the brogue
Think of this as a fusion
styles. Wingtips have a leather
between a brogue and a toecap.
upper that look like a W or wings
It’s more simple than the wingtip.
shape that’s perforated along the
It’s also referred to as the halfedges and on the toes. It spans
brogue. It’s less formal
across the toes and down
than a plain-toe
the sides of
TOE CAP
oxford.
the shoe.
This is exactly what it
sounds like. A piece of leather
that caps off the toe. The seam
line across the top adds an
interesting element.
It’s great for dressy
work wear.
There’s more to it than just putting them on your feet.
BROWN VS. BLACK
SOLES
LEATHER VS. RUBBER
Leather taps, soles and heels have generally
been thought to be much more dressy than
rubber ones, but shoemakers have designed
some smart-looking rubber-based footwear.
It’s more about the thickness of the rubber than
the actual material. Think about the Cs:
If it’s chunky looking, then it is casual.
European men save the black shoes for more formal attire, and everyday footwear
is about brown and its varying shades. Here in Canada, and in the United States,
we think we need to match everything with brown leather shoes, from our jackets
to our watchbands. But when you look at European men, it’s the tone of the brown
shoes that makes the difference. Jeans or chinos call for a light brown shoe, and a
business suit or overcoat pair better with chocolate brown.
DRESS BOOTS VS. DRESS SHOES
When it comes to what to wear with a suit, it’s up to you whether you choose
dress boots or dress shoes. But for a very formal occasion, stick with your
patent oxfords.
SNEAKERS WITH A SUIT!?
If you have a creative job that allows you to be more expressive with your
business suit, you just might be able to wear sneakers to work. The thin white
sole of plimsolls is a very smart and stylish look that doesn’t discriminate age.
But make sure your suit is just as trendy as your footwear choice. Opt for a
slim suit with cropped pants. But leave your high-tops at the basketball court.
SOCKS
Don’t be so stuffy. Let your socks express how you’re feeling.
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RED
WING
HERITAGE
Copyright © 2015 Red Wing Shoe Company Inc.
Roughneck
redwingheritage.com
blazer
FASHION
BIG IN
JAPAN
WOOL DONEGAL
These winter weight wool pants have a
splash of colour and a whole lot of style.
Not for the feint of heart, these trousers
aren’t your run of the mill chinos.
A tonal pattern woven into the fabric
gives a unique visual interest to the
look of this pant. It can be dressed up
or work smartly casual all year round.
Echizenya pants bring Italian style and Japanese
design into your wardrobe.
TONAL JACQUARD
KNIT BOUCLÉ
Ever wanted to wear jogging pants to
work? These slim stretchy cotton pants
give you ultimate comfort and keeps you
ahead of the fashion curve.
This cloth is dyed to give it a mélange
of colours. Then a fine-brush gives it a
unique look that makes it wearable all
season long.
MÉLANGE COTTON TWILL
Japanese trouser company Echizenya is debuting this fall in Canada at Blazer For Men. During their trip to Pitti Uomo in
Florence this past January, Randy and Gregory came across a tradeshow booth staffed by Mr. Asai, his wife and his son,
a family of Japanese pantmakers, looking to leave a mark on the European fashion world with their concise selection of
unique trousers. What they didn’t expect was a father-son duo from Canada placing an order! The Blazer buyers fell in
love with the product, admired the people and were intrigued by their story, and decided to bring home a small collection
of their trousers to share with their customers.
Echizenya pants (also known as Calzoni in the international market) are designed and manufactured in Matsuura, a
small city surrounded by mountains on the southern tip of Japan. The 65-year-old company employs artisans to make
the pants with meticulous care. Each pair is carefully inspected over 10 stages to ensure a perfect fit and long-term
wear. They fit close to the body and is designed with a modern silhouette in mind. Some of the fabrics are made in Italy,
however the largest part of their fabric collection is made right there in Japan. The style is Italian-inspired, but the
unusual fabrics retain that distinct Japanese flair.
Outlined on the opposite page are a few of the styles that were brought into Canada for the first time.
However, to really appreciate their uniqueness, you’ll have to come in and try them on!
26
27
FASHION
FASHION
blazer
MEN OF
STYLE
It’s been said that clothes don’t make the man. But, as we discover
from Blazer for Men’s consultants, it’s the men who create the looks.
What’s the difference between a well-dressed
man and a stylish man? His approach to
choosing the garments he wears and the
confidence he has in his clothes and himself.
“If there was one thing I could broadcast
to the world, it would be that dressing
well isn’t an exercise in self-importance or
ostentatiousness, but rather an expression
of self-respect and respect for those around
you.” says Gregory Lalonde. “When you
find clothes you feel great in, it can instill
confidence that can have a positive effect
on your life.” The menswear buyer and the
team at Blazer for Men share their insights
on what life is like in their shoes, and a few
signature style tips for good measure.
B
BRIAN LALONDE
Brian has worked at Blazer for Men with Randy since its first year of
operation. With more than 27 years of experience, Brian loves what he
does and why he has such a great following as a full-time consultant in the
store. He and his wife Tracy have two children, Shanley and Brady.
M
MATTHEW KING
Matthew was born and raised in Calgary, graduated from Saint Mary’s
University in Halifax. Originally a customer at the store with knowledge
of the product we sold, who became a permanent member of the team
in 1990.
G
GREGORY LALONDE
Gregory practically grew up in the business, hanging around the Blazer for
Men store since he was just three years old. It’s in his blood, so to speak.
He plays a very strategic part in the company, and has been full-time for
five years now. He leaves his mark on every part of the business.
R
RYAN TARTAGLIO
Ryan grew up in Calgary and moved to Toronto just over 10 years ago.
He has always loved clothes and has an honours degree in fashion
management and merchandising. He admittedly loves fashion and will
stop at nothing to find the perfect outfit for anyone.
Blazer: When do you decide what you’ll wear?
B
I normally decide what to wear when I’m shaving. I look at myself and
see what mood I’m in. I also check outside for the weather. More often
than not, I’ll wear a sport jacket because I feel most comfortable in one.
Then I pick out a shirt and pant to complete the outfit.
M
I usually decide what I’m going to wear the day of. I think about it a bit
over my morning coffee. The caffeine jolt usually hits me in the shower
and that’s when I make my final decision. However, if there a special event
is coming up, I will give it some thought the night before.
G
When I’m in the shower, I’ll think of an item or two I feel like
wearing. And then I’ll build the outfit around that when it comes time
to get dressed.
R
I dress inspired by my mood. And I always add a current trend element to
my outfit, such as stacked bracelets, a lapel pin, and a colour trend with a shirt.
Blazer: How do you organize your closet?
B I have a two-tier system. Jackets and shirts are on top, and pants and
jeans are on the bottom. They are all organized by colour and season.
M
The left side of closet is for my more casual and weekend clothing.
The right side is for my dress clothes. All of my workout, athletic and
gym wear are put in a separate closet.
G
I have a seven-foot rack, organized from dressy to casual. It keeps
all of my potential matches together. My pants are folded and arranged
by season, with the current season at the top. My shoes, though, are
scattered throughout the house. It’s like a fun game of “hide and seek”
right before I leave in the morning.
R
I organize my closet based on colour and tone, from lightest to
darkest. And I do a seasonal flip twice a year. At that point, I also assess
what I haven’t worn in a season and donate pieces to charity.
30
31
blazer
Blazer: What is your suit wardrobe like?
B
I have currently two suits: one formal for
all occasions, and one bold one for fun. I keep
it to just two suits because I have more of a
jacket wardrobe. I’m more comfortable wearing
jackets, and they are more versatile for me on
most occasions.
M At the moment I have four suits, and
it’s time to get another one. Thanks for the
reminder. I like to have at least five in rotation
so I never have to wear the same suit more than
once a week.
G
I have four suits: a year-round, solidcharcoal suit; a fall, tweed, grey-check suit; a
summer, navy-check suit; and a fall, navy, polkadot suit. All my bases are covered for special
events throughout the year with these, and I
don’t wear suits during the week, so four is the
right number for me.
R
I have two suits – a navy one and a charcoal
one. I prefer to mix separate pieces every
chance I can get. I did just buy a black jersey
knit “athleisure” suit. The trouser bottoms
are joggers, so it doesn’t really count as a
traditional suit.
Blazer: What makes the perfect shirt?
B
A white shirt with a semi-spread collar,
mother-of-pearl or coloured buttons. You can’t
go wrong with this, as it goes with everything.
M
A classic shirt is a crisp and white, whether
it’s plain or it’s something a little different with
coloured buttons or a tonal pattern. Right now,
I probably have four or five shirts that fit that
description.
G
The classic shirt is a collared, button-up
cotton shirt. It can be crisp or soft, depending
on the occasion. It can be solid, have a slight
pattern or texture, but it must always have a
white ground.
R As I dress mostly in separates, a crisp, white
shirt never looks boring. Although, I do dress
vibrantly, so pattern matching is always in the
back of my mind when choosing shirts.
Blazer: Do you recommend men invest in
a shoe wardrobe?
B Yes. I have a varied shoe wardrobe. I tend to
wear the comfortable ones most often. Together,
I have one black dress pair, one dress brown pair
and two casual pairs, including a suede pair and a
leather pair. They are all lace-ups. I also have two
32
FASHION
pairs of low-top boots for jeans on weekends. Six
pairs cover all scenarios for me.
R
I love colour! I push people to try colour
in their wardrobe all the time. There’s a trend
colour every season. If you adopt it in your
wardrobe, it somehow pushes you to refine
your own style.
M
I don’t know if I would call it a wardrobe,
but I do have a collection of shoes. Lately, I’ve
been buying brown and grey shoes to mix
things up a bit. Shoes are like clothes, every
once in awhile you have to get rid of the ones
you don’t wear anymore.
I have to admit, I have a full shoe wardrobe.
One must-have is a pair of brown dress shoes,
preferably with a brogue or burnished detail. You
also need a pair of current yet versatile fashion
sneakers, whether it’s a New Balance-type or
a monochromatic high top. Don’t go for bright
colours, and no crazy stripes. Keep it basic.
Blazer: What’s your take on trendy
versus classic?
B To me, a classic garment is considered to be
a modern silhouette with a subtle pattern like
a small print, a mini check or a tone-on-tone.
These never go out of style. Whereas trendy
is more of a lofted fabric, heavier in look and
pattern, often found in sweaters, pants, or
surface finish sport coats. They can be a lot
more fun to wear for sure.
M Trends come and go. Remember the mullet?
Classics may change subtly over time, but they
don’t tend to stand out as much. It’s always nice
to have some fun trendy pieces in your wardrobe.
G
Currently, the trends are about adopting
classic elements into a look, so that is a tough
question right now. Though, the rule of thumb is if
you imagine yourself five years from now looking
back at pictures of you today and cringing a bit,
it’s likely just a passing trend. There’s nothing
inherently wrong with trends or being trendy,
however. It’s a visual identifier that shows you are
willing to explore and have a little fun.
R
Clothing styles have really more refined
than evolved over the years. The life cycle of a
trend has sped up so much! Revivals and past
generation trends appear and are interpreted
by modern society at a fast rate.
beard. It’s also a good motivator to go to the
gym in the first place. I eat breakfast after I get
dressed. I’m not hungry before then.
Blazer: What about denim?
Blazer: What’s the first thing you do
when you go home?
B
Blazer: What’s your take on
men’s jewellery?
B I am not opposed to jewellery on others,
although I wear very little myself. My wife
blows our jewellery budget.
G Everyone is different, based on their lifestyle.
If you regularly wear suits, it’s not unreasonable
to have five pairs of investment dress shoes. But
if your daily routine is less formal, a good balance
of hybrid or casual shoes are a must. Don’t forget
about a pair of great boots too, as they will come
in handy for those dreary days when you still
need to look your best.
R
and workout gear in the dryer. Price does not
matter to me when it comes to how I wash my
clothes. I am cautious no matter what.
M
Men’s jewellery? Sure why not?
Have some fun.
Blazer: How many times do you change
in a day?
B
I can have two looks in one day. First, I have
my work attire and then when I get home I
usually change into denim or track pants with a
casual top. It’s all about comfort.
Generally, I only wear two looks in one day:
What I wear to work and what I wear when I get
home. The after-work look will vary depending on
what I am doing, whether it’s going to a party, out
for dinner, to a movie, to the gym or just chilling.
Blazer: Should men wear more colour?
B
I am fairly conservative with my look. I tend
to wear a lot of blue, charcoal and black. All
these colours appear to suit me best and since
I am a little stocky, and it makes me appear
slimmer. I get enough digs about this at work!
M
I’ve been accused of having a closet full of
blue, but that’s not quite true. I like colour.
G
It’s a personal choice, and it all depends on
what you want your visual signature to be. For
those with a neutral wardrobe, easy colours to
wear include a versatile blue and rich brown.
But beyond that, a splash of colour like red or
green can make impact when executed tastefully
and can bring a look to life. On the other hand,
monochromatic looks can be very appealing and
timeless. There’s no simple way to incorporate
colour. You just have to experiment.
All my jeans go in the wash. I usually hang
them to dry, unless I’m in a hurry when I might
toss them in the dryer for a few minutes.
G
Beat them up and show them who is boss!
“Work wear,” such as jeans, is meant to be worn
hard. And over time they get more comfortable
and look better. If you want to dress up a casual
look, then a nicer pair of cotton-twill chinos will
be sharper than jeans. I spend the time caring
for those much more than denim.
Blazer: What makes you feel like you
look good?
B
Colour and things that make appear
slimmer look good on me. Obviously when
someone compliments my appearance it
brightens my day.
G
R I would say, my work outfit, my loungearound-the-house outfit and my gym outfit.
M
R I rarely wash them. I hate faded jeans. Of
course there is a line – I also like smelling good.
M
I’ll wear three different outfits on any given
day, accommodating how I need to look for the
dog walk in the morning, being at work during the
day and for my plans after work. They all call for a
different look and feel, so I change accordingly.
I wash my jeans as needed. Denim tends to
build more character the less you wash it, and
they last longer, too. I use cold water to wash,
and I always hang it hang to dry.
G
Why not!? There’s no prescription for
accessories.
R The way fashion is now; you can use every
opportunity to define your style. If jewellery is a
part of that, then go for it!
Blazer: How do you maintain the look of
your clothes?
B
Shirts, cottons and jeans I wash myself. I
don’t use chemicals, which is easier on fabrics. I
only dry-clean my suits and dress pants. I tend to
take better care of my more expensive clothes.
M
The only clothing I dry-clean are my suits,
sport jackets and dress pants. Pretty much
everything else goes into the wash.
G
I dry-clean my suits, sport coats, cashmere
and outerwear. Everything else can handle
the gentle cycle. The price can factor into how
closely I stick to the washing instructions, but
if I know the fabric can handle water, I usually
don’t sweat it too much.
R
I am very particular about my washing
rituals. I dry-clean anything that says so on the
label. I have a T-shirt that needs dry-cleaning.
I wash most colours in cold and only put socks
M
When my clothes are clean and pressed, I
feel good about what I’m wearing. If you feel
good about your clothes you will also feel more
confident.
G I like playing with new combinations. Even
if I’ve owned the clothes for years, if I find a
new way to wear them, then I usually feel great.
Of course, getting a new item also generates a
little extra swagger in my step.
R
I know I look good when I am wearing
exactly what is appropriate.
Blazer: What’s your morning routine?
B
I shave after I shower. I feel that my skin is a
little softer afterwards and it is much easier to
shave then. I eat breakfast a lot of time when I’m on
the go because I have a bit of a commute for work.
M
Coffee, quick shower, shave and then I’m out
the door. I usually have a snack when I get to work.
G
I don’t shave. I do just a trim, which only
happens after a shower. I generally eat before
getting dressed, but a good sleep-in may take
precedence every once in a while.
R
I actually shave at the gym whenever I
can. The steam room and shower soften my
B
I always greet my wife and two kids, and
then I do the dishes.
M
I change my clothes.
G
Kiss my wife and change my socks.
R I put on something with an elastic waist. No
judgments here.
Blazer: Finally, what’s your secret to
great style?
B
I take chances with fashion. You will always
feel more confident with yourself when you
do. The more confidant you are with your
appearance, the more successful you will be.
It may cost more, but if you can afford it, try it
once and see who notices.
M
You have to watch out for a few things.
For example: Some colours don’t work well
together, and some patterns don’t work with
each other. Also, we are all creatures of habit
and sometimes need a nudge to try something
different – something outside of our comfort
zones. Everyone has a different sense of
personal style, and what works for me may
not work for you. But just make sure that your
clothes fit properly and you feel good about
wearing them.
G First and foremost: Clothes have to
feel good. They have to fit well and be a joy
to wear. After that, I think one of the most
important keys to making clothes look good
when putting them together is tonality. The
tones and colours, patterns and fabrics should
be complimentary. Meaning: they should be
neither too similar nor too different. A tie that
is significantly lighter than the shirt colour
seems disconnected, for example. Pairing jeans
with a suit jacket would be an example of an
abrupt pairing in fabric. Wearing a blue blazer
and a separate slightly darker blue pant isn’t
recommended because they are so similar. You
could be mistaken for wearing a poorly matched
suit! These examples are general rules that can
be bent or broken in the right context, but can be
effectively used to guide style decisions. The rest
is a never-ending quest to refining personal style.
R
Education. Learning a few cardinal rules will
let you play with your own style.
33
FASHION
FASHION
STYLE IS ART
Clothes are the primary media in the art of style. Besides,
what could possibly be more artistic than self-expression?
Finding clothes that strike that perfect balance of form
and function, and combining them into our own visual
signature can express how we feel about ourselves and
our surroundings. We’ve lined up 11 outfits that we found
to be visually striking and functionally superior, and laid
them out in our miniature art gallery on the pages ahead.
Admission is free, but be sure to stop by the store to
experience all of the masterpieces we have to offer.
37
FASHION
blazer
No 1
No 2
HETREGO Barberis Wool/Nylon Bomber
LUIGI BIANCHI Lofty Wool Topcoat
$1298 | Italy
$858 | Moldavia
SAND Wool Cable Knit
$445 | China
BOGLIOLI Washed Wool Jacket
CULTURATA Brushed Cotton Plaid Shirt
CANALI Knit Cotton Shirt
$208 | Italy
$328 | Italy
CHELSEY Micro Chenille Scarf
HILTL Perfetto Flannel Dress Pant
$120 | China
$280 | Romania
FERRANTE Washed Wool Toque
CHELSEY Paisley Scarf
$128 | Italy
$140 | Italy
DL 1961 Stretch Denim
MICHELASSI Wool Paisley Pocket Square
$248 | Pakistan
$65 | Italy
LLOYD Gortex Boot
LOAKE ‘Warton’ Brogue Shoe
$359 | Romania
$550 | England
38
$1898 | Italy
39
FASHION
FASHION
blazer
No 3
No 4
HETREGO Down (Wool/Nylon)
Bomber Jacket | $758 - Europe
FERRANTE Cable Crew Neck Wool/Viscose
BLAZER Casentino Wool Topcoat
BOGLIOLI Deconstructed Wool Suit
Sweater $280 | Italy
$1478 | Italy
BLAZER Cotton Flannel Check Shirt
ETON Mini Squares Dress Shirt
$208 | Canada
$255 | Romania
AG Matchbox 5 Pocket Denim Jean
BOGLIOLI Wool Scarf
$255 | USA
$250 | Italy
ONEXONE Wrinkled Leather Belt
DION Corduroy Bow Tie
$98 | Canada
$110 | Canada
SCOTT NICHOL Wool Socks
BENCHCRAFT Stamped Faux Reptile Belt
$40 | England
$98 | Canada
LLOYD Lambskin Lined Leather Boots
LOAKE ‘Bedale’ Brogue Boot
$379 | Romania
$588 | England
40
$898 | Italy
41
FASHION
FASHION
blazer
No 5
No 6
ROBERT GRAHAM McDaniels Paisley Sport Coat
GIMOS Napa ¾ Length Leather Coat
$898 | Jordan
$2750 | Italy
Circle Of Gentlemen Shirt
JOHN SMEDLEY Cable Crew Merino Wool Sweater
$255 | Turkey
$498 | Great Britain
ZEGNA Mini Check Pant
$328 | Egypt
CULTURATA Oxford Cotton Shirt
LOAKE ‘Vincent’ Shoe
PAUL & SHARK Indigo Cotton/Stretch Jean
$398 | India
$330 | Italy
$198 | Italy
CHELSEY Horizontal Stripe Merino Wool Scarf
$138 | China
ANDERSON Braided Leather Belt
$235 | Italy
GIULIO MORETTI Burnished Dress Leather Boot
$450 | Italy
42
43
FASHION
FASHION
blazer
No 8
No 7
Z ZEGNA Tech Merino Eco Down Check Parka
Bugatti Gore-Tex Wool Car Coat
$898 | Europe
ROBERT GRAHAM Cream V-Neck Wool Sweater
$1798 | Romania
$278 | China
Z ZEGNA Wool Cable Knit Zip Cardigan
ROBERT GRAHAM Cotton Shirt
$650 | Romania
JOHN VARVATOS Long Sleeve Crew
$98 | Peru
LUIGI BIANCHI Cotton Chino
$288 | Italy
PAUL & SHARK Cotton Stretch Woven Belt
$198 | Italy
RED WING Leather Boot
$290 | USA
44
$298 | India
BRAX Diamond Weave 5 Pocket Cotton Pant
$235 | Ukraine
CHELSEY Chevron Wool Scarf
$140 | Italy
ONEXONE Wrinkled Leather Belt
$98 | Canada
LOAKE Derby Leather Shoe
$398 | India
45
FASHION
FASHION
blazer
No 9
ELEVENTY Quilted Vest
$595 | Italy
No 10
Z ZEGNA Melange Wool/Cotton Sport Coat
MONTECORE Down Parka With Coyote Trim
$1050 | Mexico
Z ZEGNA Check Shirt
$268 | Egypt
ALBERTO Printed Satin Cotton 5 Pocket
$258 | Tunisia
BENCHCRAFT Suede Brogue Belt
$1598 | Bulgaria
ROBERTO COLLINA Alpaca Argyle Cable
$478 | Italy
ELEVENTY Printed Chambray Shirt
$275 | Italy
$148 | Canada
BERWICH Glen Check Wool Pant
$348 | Italy
ETON Silk Knit Pocket Square
CHELSEY Silk Mosaic Scarf
$75 | Italy
ETON Knit Silk Tie
$145 | Italy
$138 | China
GIULIO MORETTI 2 Tone Leather Boot
$428 | Italy
LLOYD Chocolate Leather Chukka
$299 | Romania
46
47
blazer
No 11
OUTCLASS Melton wool/Leather Bomber
$565 | Canada
JOHN SMEDLEY Jaquard Crew Neck Merino
Wool Sweater $348 | Great Britain
CANALI Braided Stretch Leather Belt
$230 | Italy
AG “Nomad” 5 Pocket Cotton Jean
$260 | Mexico
RED WING Upper Tier Mock Toe 6” Leather Boot
$298 | USA
48
blazer
TRAVEL
DAS
STYLE!
Berlin is the fashion world’s hidden gem.
The city has the most beautifully decorated
hotels, art-filled restaurants and the best
shopping areas. Here’s how to
visit in style.
Travel not only opens the mind; it opens up the senses.
And this year Randy and Gregory Lalonde trekked to Berlin
to check out the fashion and trade shows, and bring back
to Oakville a taste of Europe. But along their travels they
discovered that the city’s style isn’t just in its fashions, but
also its restaurants, hotels and culture. They wanted to
share their finds (and more) with you. But you don’t need
Blazer for Men to tell you to walk Berlin Wall, visit the
Bauhaus Museum and grab some currywurst while you’re
there. Instead, we’ll tell you what we know best about travel
– the stylish way to see the world. We’ve rounded up luxury
hotels, cool restaurants and notable shopping districts.
50
WHERE TO STAY
“We stayed at PARK PLAZA WALLSTREET HOTEL
in Mitte district,” says Randy. The hotel was clean
and the staff is friendly! It’s in walking distance
of the Berlin Wall, and it was the perfect central
location to hit all of our stops. The hotel’s modest
but modern rooms had an average rate of $150 a
night. All we really look for when we travel are beds
that are comfortable and clean! This was good
value in Berlin.” // parkplaza.com
HOTEL Q!
Visually you will be blown away by the
décor, art, design and architecture of this
trendy and stylishly modern hotel near the
Kurfürstendamm. The rooms are slick and
clean, and it’s a wonderful place to return to
after a long day of sightseeing and shopping.
Designed by Graft-Architects, the hotel
was built using earth-friendly resources.
Before you head to bed, take advantage of
the hotel’s cocktail bar, The Fox Bar, with a
fireside drink. Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie and
Jennifer Lopez have been known to stay here.
// hotel-q.com
TITANIC DELUXE BERLIN
Get your crown ready, as you’ll feel like a
king here. This five-star hotel is housed
in what was formerly known as the State
Opera’s warehouse. And like the other
Titanic, the boat, opulence is the theme.
Situated near the Gendarmenmarkt area,
the 18th-century architecture blends
together traditional and classic elements.
The large hotel has 208 stylish rooms, a
relaxing spa, and The Schinkel Bar and Beef
Grill Club by Hasir restaurant. If you don’t
feel like venturing far for a bit of nightlife,
the cocktail bar features live music regularly.
// titanic.com.tr
HOTEL ZOO BERLIN
With a name like Zoo, you might expect an
eclectic atmosphere. And you would be right.
A popular hotel with celebrities in the 1920s,
Hotel Zoo was renovated by American
designer Dayna Lee. The original elements
of the building, like high ceilings and crown
moldings, were preserved and paired it with
modern elegance, like bespoke furniture and
large windows. There is even 120-year-old
exposed brick as part of the décor. And it’s
close to Kurfürstendamm, too. The Living
Room, a central part of the hotel, is a real
must-see. And hang out at Grace Bar to run
into Berlin’s who’s-who. // hotelzoo.de
51
blazer
TRAVEL
WHERE TO EAT
“One of the finest restaurants in Berlin is at the
WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL”, says Gregory.
“LES SOLISTES is – hands down! – the best fivecourse meal we’ve ever experienced,” says Randy, of
their meal at the Waldorf Astoria Berlin restaurant,
ran by Chef Pierre Gagnaire. “I can’t even tell you
what we had, but it was fantastic! Of course the
appropriate wine pairing with each course didn’t
take away from the flavours of the food. My taste
buds enjoyed a whole new gamut of excitement.
And, it was there that I discovered my new favourite
German red wine – a pinot noir called Rudolf Fürst
Spätburgunder 2008 Vintage.”
// pierre-gagnaire.com
CAFÉ EINSTEIN
This oak-paneled villa restaurant is dimly lit and cozy with its plush
chairs. And the bar is well stocked with more than 700 types of rum
and gin. No wonder its clientele consists of artists, politicians, the
like. And part of the movie “Inglorious Basterds” was filmed here. The
restaurant bakes its own bread and roasts its own coffee. With this kind
of attention to detail, it has to be good. // cafeeinstein.com
DÓTTIR
This is the place to eat if you love seafood. The Nordic-inspired menu
lists bright and pretty dishes using local ingredients. The décor is
minimalist, which pleasantly contrasts the food. But the chef plays with
flavour and texture that are sure to excite your palate. Reservations are
recommended. // dottirberlin.com
REINSTOFF
If you’re going to treat yourself to at least one upscale meal in Berlin,
then make sure this Michelin-star restaurant is on your list. Located in
a former light bulb factory you will be treated to the dark, warm, roomy
and relaxing ambiance. Chef Daniel Achilles was awarded Chef of the
Year 2014 by Gault&Millau, and his menu is described to be purely
German. You’ll find many of the dishes to have a cosmopolitan feel and
often include seasonal vegetables. // reinstoff.eu
52
WHAT TO DO
WHAT WE SAW
KURFÜRSTENDAMM
Affectionately known as
“Kudamm” by the locals and
visitors in the know, this is the
area to walk and take in the
sights. The three-and-a-half
kilometre route will lead you
from Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial
Church to the Rathenauplatz in Grunewald. As you stroll,
pop into the boutiques and stores, and grab yourself
an espresso from one of the cafés. Be sure to check out
the Marble House, which was built in 1913, and the
Kranzlereck, which opened in 2001.
To stock Blazer for Men with the world’s best-made and
unique-to-you fashions, Randy and Gregory travel the world.
Berlin has been a highlight for 2015. Here’s what they saw
in the stylish city.
MITTE
This district is a must-see
because of the architecture.
So map out Bellevue Palace,
the Philharmonic Hall, the
Chamber Music Hall, the
State Library, Museum
Island, Gendarmenmarkt
and Potsdamer Platz for
your visit. At Potsdamer Platz, enjoy the old and new
architecture, as well as the monument to the murdered
Jews in Europe. Mitte also has a huge art scene, with
about 400 galleries, including Berlin Museum. And there
is also the Philharmonic Hall, which hosts one of the
best orchestras in the world. Be sure to go shopping at
Unter den Linden, Quartier 206 department store, the
Potsdamer Platz arcades, the restored Galeria Kaufhof,
and the Alexa and Die Mitte shopping centres.
PREMIUM EXHIBITIONS
“Quality over quantity.” That’s this
show’s motto, which constantly
curates collections from around
the world in a beautifully designed
space. And just as its name
suggests, premium fashions are
presented. Over the past 10 years,
this show has anchored Berlin as
one of the most creative fashion
centres in the world. In 2010,
Premium was awarded the Order
of Merit of the State of Berlin.
SEEK
As one of Berlin’s most
progressive and contemporary
shows, it features more than 200
fashion brands. Seek is known
to “seek” out new labels as well
as some of our old favourites.
These fashions are selected
because they were created by
independent producers and with
the highest quality.
BREAD & BUTTER
This show focuses on the modern
and urban lifestyle with brands
and pieces that are meant to
inspire, invigorate and energize
the wardrobe. It was once one
of the world’s most renowned
fashion shows, but recently is
going through a complete rebuild.
PANORAMA BERLIN
This new show – just two years
under its belt – is one of the
top in the trade. It has grown
in size and in venue because
of its success in featuring
a contemporary collection
of fashion, footwear and
accessories by the world’s
leading brands.
WHAT TO PACK
Berliners are casually stylish
with a reserved sense of taste.
They take daywear to the next
level with well-fitting pants,
shirts and jackets that are
accessorized to perfection.
To look like one of the locals,
consider leather loafers, boots
or trendy sneaks, cuffed pants or
jeans and a sports jacket paired
a hat or scarf and a backpack.
53
www.sandcopenhagen.com
blazer
FACTOIDS
DID YOU
KNOW?
FASHION EDITION
Welcome to our fact-filled pages,
but this year we decided to do
things a bit differently and focus
on our favourite topic:
5. … what High Performance is?
You might think high-performance textiles are
something used only by athletic wear and golf
brands. But they are also used in contemporary
fashion. The fabric is made by using fine, hightwist yarns made from cotton, viscose, bamboo,
polyester, acrylic, nylon and elastane, which give
the fabric high resistance, resiliency, and moves
with its wearer. It can also be processed and
coated for functional finishes to regulate body
temperature, wick moisture, resist water and to
be antibacterial. It’s, obviously, a modern textile
made for the modern man. And it’s influence into
casual wear was influence by golf wear.
luxury textiles.
1. … what Micron is?
Micron may sounds like a 007 weapon,
but it’s actually a fashion term used to
measure the fibre diametre of wool. Simply
explained: One micron equals one millionth
of a metre. It’s also used to measure optical
fibres, as well. A strand of hair from your
head is said to be about 50 microns wide.
With that as a guide, the lower the number
the finer the fabric.
2. … what Worsted is?
Worsted was reportedly created in the
Middle Ages, when settlers came to
Worstead in Norfolk, England and set
up shop as weavers and spinners. They
created this fabric because of the sheep’s
fur available in the area, which was long
wool that was gilled and combed. It looks
different from your woolly sweater, and
that’s because the knit is tight with no space
between the fibres. It also has a somewhat
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shinier finish that you might expect from
wool, thanks to the combing and tight
knit. Nowadays, worsted wool is a costly
fabric because of the resources required to
produce the wool. So you’ll also find worsted
fabrics that aren’t made from wool, but is a
much lighter and more breathable fabric.
3. … what Serge is?
Serge is a very old fabric-making process,
and it’s been dated back to the eighth
century with the French and the Greeks.
The names refers to silk. It was produced
with wool in the early renaissance in
Florence, Italy. The look of serge is
smooth with a diagonal rib on both sides
of the fabric, and it offers a stretch across
the grain. And you’ll find that it’s made with
wool-blends, such as cotton, silk and rayon,
and it comes in varying fabric weights.
Your navy suit is likely serge. And it’s also
used for jackets and trench coats, too.
4. … what Vicuna is?
If you’ve ever wondered why a suit or jacket
was the price it was, it was likely made of
vicuna. It’s the most luxurious fabric a man
can wear. And it’s made from the beige
wool of rare and wild vicuna goats from the
South America Andes. It’s not often dyed,
but you can find vicuna wool pieces in navy.
Zegna makes suits in three variations of this
dark-blue worsted wool. It’s very soft, very
fine, warm and beautiful. To own a vicuna
garment is like owning a Rolex.
6. … what Saxony is?
On a map, Saxony is a town in Germany.
But on the label of your jacket, saxony
means a soft, pliable, lightly napped wool
or worsted high-quality fabric that has a
clear concise finish. The original saxony
was made from the wool from the sheep
raised in, you guessed it, Saxony. The sheep,
though, are part of the genetic
line of merino sheep, so you may feel a
similarity between saxony and merino wools.
This medium-weight fabric is soft, fine and can
be made with a bit of stretch. Since the wool is
short, the smooth weave conceals the length.
Thanks to the attractive draping, it’s often used
in suits, sports jackets and scarves.
7. … what Donegal is?
This tweed fabric treatment, typically made
with wool or cotton, is named after a county
in Ireland of the same name. With that in mind
you can know that it’s not a thin and wispy
fabric, but something warmer and more durable.
The medium- to heavy-weight fabric’s appeal
comes from the rough, contrasting-hued
“neps” or “slubs” that are woven into the
fabric. It’s often used on suits and winter
coats, although nowadays you may also
see it on hats and scarves.
8. … what Glen Plaid is?
Glen plaid originally comes from the
Glenurquhart, Scotland when it was created in
the 19th century. It’s also called the Prince of
Wales check, since it was often worn by
Prince of Wales Sir Edward VIII. Despite its
rich fashionable history, the pattern-mixing
is a very wearable and sophisticated look for
today. Often it’s used with neutral tones, like
black and white. It’s a hound’s-tooth weave
of various thicknesses done in cross-hatched
pattern. It’s a perfect jacket look.
9. … what Gabardine is?
Tightly woven with a twill surface, gabardine
is weave with diagonal ribbing. It was used by
pilgrims in the Middle Ages to be worn in the
wind and rain. However, Although the weave
was intended to be made with wool, it’s also
made with cotton, silk and rayon blends. And
it’s still used in rainwear, such as trench coats,
but it is also used in suits, pants, shirts and
light coats. In fact, it’s the faved fabric of
fashion designer Thomas Burberry in the
late 19th century. It was named after the
long, loose “gabardine” overcoat.
10. … what Bemberg Silk is?
Last but not least, bemberg silk is the lining of
your jacket, which is made from cupro rayon.
Bemberg silk is a less costly, and versatile,
substitute for natural silk. It was the 1920s
when German company J.P. Bemberg set
up shop in Tennessee to become the main
producer of rayon, known as “artificial silk.”
This fabric may be hidden inside your jacket,
but it’s still a very expressive way to dress and
embrace trends. Many suit makers include
bright, opulent patterns bemberg linings. And in
made-to-measure, the bemberg is so important
that you get to choose the colour and pattern,
just as you would the outer fabric.
57
DION
ST YLE • QUALITY • SER VICE
w w w. d i o n n e c k we a r. co m
blazer
TRAVEL
Saluti, Prost!
Finding yourself in Milan or Berlin? Here are Blazer For Men’s
recommendations on what to order from the drink menu.
O
ther than a Manhattan,
not many drinks are
linked to major cities.
And, especially in Europe,
farming regions lay the claim to different
types of wines, liqueurs, spirits, aperitifs
or digestifs. It’s like saying you must
order a blah-blah-blah when you visit
Oakville. It’s just not common.
But Milan and Berlin are different.
Their richly cultured background and
nightlife is the perfect backdrop for
creating signature alcoholic beverages.
And we’ve got three drinks you should
order when visiting these stylish urban
centres that should get you through
the evening.
When in
Berlin
Toasting a few lagers is a cultured and
classy activity in Berlin, mostly because
When in Milan
the city offers dimly lit lounge-like bars with
sofas for you to enjoy a craft beer. But don’t
You could not go to Italy without
are choosey about their ales, their
favourite bottle of wine with dinner, but
liqueurs and spirits are just
later for dopo cena (after dinner), there’s
as refined.
no reason not to enjoy a few local
cocktails in the city.
CAMPARI
RABARBARO ZUCCA AMARO
SBAGLIATO
A Milan favourite since it’s produced
there, too, since the 1800s. The bitter liquor’s
recipe is a long-kept secret but we do know that
it is made from the tangy cinchona bark infused
with herbs and fruit. You can enjoy it straight
with ice for sipping and to open up your palette.
But you can also have it with soda and orange
slice. It’s popularly enjoyed as a Negroni.
A branded amaro that was created in Milan in
1845 by Ettore Zucca. It was a royalty favourite
and was used to woo the court. It’s a smoky and
dark liquor that hints flavours of char, mint and
rhubarb. If you can, head to the bar Zucca near
the Duomo and order a glass on ice.
A mixed cocktail with a taled history in Milan.
Word on the street is that a bartender at
Bar Brasso was making a negroni when he
accidentally reached for the prosecco instead
of gin. It was a hit and called negroni sbagliato
and added to the drink menu. You can make
it yourself with equal parts prosecco, red
vermouth and bitters and enjoy it before
dinner or at brunch.
60
discount the cocktails. Just as Berliners
exploring the country’s vino. Enjoy your
BERLINER KINDL WEISSE
MICHELBERGER BOOZE
A top-rated beer that is produced in Berlin.
The beer was first produced in 1872 and it
was a bottom-fermented Pilsner. You can
order a pint of course, but many Berliners
favour adding a sweet syrup. Just ask the
bartender what flavour add-ons the pub has.
are two modern concoctions made by
the hip Michelberger Hotel located near the
Oberbaum Bridge. But the recipes may be as
old as the 140-year-old distillery where they
are produced. They are herbal schnapps that
you can taste cinnamon, vanilla and clove with
Michelberger Forest, or peppermint, fennel
and lemon balm with Michelberger Mountain.
Enjoy a glass over ice at the hotel bar or order
a bottle from the hotel as a souvenir.
PREUSSISCHER
is a whisky produced just outside of Berlin
in the village of Schönermark. The 160-year-old
distillery produces small batches of single-malt
whisky. The nose is fruity with hints of wood,
but the taste and finish is spicy, peppery and
long. Add water and it becomes a dry whisky.
61
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blazer
SMART CAR
You know Mercedes-Benz
stands for luxury, and it’s a
form of armor that defines
the way you have built your
life. It is to the car industry,
what made-to-measure is to
fashion. But here are a few
things you may not know
about the iconic brand.
Sit back and enjoy the ride.
10 THINGS
1. It was 1936 when Mercedes-Benz
revolutionized the auto industry, and
many of those impacts we still see today.
The car company created the first dieselpowered engine, which has influenced
even the design of the car you have in your
driveway, even if it’s not a Benz.
5. For $795 you can take a winter driving
course with one-on-one training for
handling in the cold-weather conditions.
In the one-day course, the instructors will
take you through driving exercises to show
proper steering, vision and vehicle control,
as well as shortening stopping distances
on slippery roads, maintaining traction
through all conditions, proper use of ABS,
ESP (stability or skid control programs)
and proper execution of emergency
maneuvers, such as slalom (with and
without ESP), braking, skid control
(understeer and oversteer) and
high-speed emergency lane changes.
2. Mercedes-Benz has an entourage of
workers that build and create each of the
cars – from C to T classes. In fact, the auto
company employs one inspector for every
11 workers to meticulously critique every
stage of the building process. Talk about
maintenance.
3. The founding partners of Mercedes
were Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm
Maybach, and they named their company
after Wilhelm’s daughter Mercédès. The
Benz part of the name was later added
when their company merged with Benz
and Cie in 1926.
4. The logo has evolved over the years,
but the three-pointed star you know
and love is the most memorable. And
the symbolism of each point represents
Mercedes-Benz’s domination of the
land, the sea and air. The company also
has made vans, trucks, busses as well as
motorcycles, bicycles and race cars.
6. Have you heard of the G-Class
Papamobil? It’s Mercedes-Benz car made
for the pope, which was first used for Pope
John Paul II in 1980. The Prada-wearing
Pope Francis would likely have his own
stylish upgrades for his ride.
7. It might be worth all those people
working on and critiquing your MercedesBenz. According to a Reuters report last
year, the company was found to have the
lowest rate of vehicle recalls.
8. Mercedes-Benz USA CEO Steve
Cannon was a former U.S. Army Ranger
and holds a record for doing 133 pushups
in two minutes at West Point, where he
headed Mercedes-Benz.
9. The Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrow is an
icon to be sure. But it wasn’t an intentional
car creation. It was 1934 when a W5
didn’t meet the weight regulations for a
race. Instead of hanging their heads low,
the Mercedes-Benz mechanics got car
race-ready by scraping off the paint and
putty from the body. Not only did the car
meet the requirements, that day it held a
historic win!
10. So what do the letter classes mean
with Mercedes-Benz models? This handy
little chart will tell you:
C Coupe or cabriolet, and may also be
offered as a sedan
D Diesel engine
E
Einspritzung with petrol fuel injection
G Geländewagen off-road
K Kompressor supercharger engine
L
Leicht for lightweight for sports cars,
or Lang for sedans
R
Rennen racing car
S
Sonderklasse is a special class flagship
model
The new 2016 GLE Coupe.
Make the best of every ground.
T Touring station wagon
© 2016 Mercedes-Benz Canada Inc.
Mercedes-Benz Oakville
64
300 South Service Road West, Oakville, ON L6K 3X5 | 1-888-839-2240 | www.m-boakville.ca
Mercedes-Benz Star Dealer of the Year 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
Fashion meets functionality
Bring style home
We take the time to do it right
Luxury products and services for all your floor covering needs.
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400 Speers Rd., Oakville, ON L6K 2G2
(289) 218-7376
speersroadbroadloom.com
blazer
FACTOIDS
there’s an
app for that
Trends aren’t just in fashion; they’re also in tech,
social media and express how we behave. Here’s
what you need to know about the latest app trends.
With more than 1.5 million apps available on
the Apple App Store (and 1.6 on Google Play
Store), there’s no wonder there’s an app for
literally everything. You can download one to
help you order wine, fund startups, buy real
estate, find a date and literally millions of other
ways to make your life easier, work faster and
have fun. According to research from Nielson,
men have on average 27 apps on their devices,
spending almost 41 hours a month using them.
That’s almost a full week of work (if you leave
at five). But apps also connect us through social
media, like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Here are the top trends for social media apps.
1. Social media apps are ageist.
According to “Entrepreneur Magazine” not all
apps are equal, and it’s not just the youngins
that are getting attention on social media.
Facebook is said to be an older demographic,
with younger groups engaged on Instagram
Twitter and Tumblr.
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2. Social media will be completely
searchable.
/blazerformen
4. I t’s all about news bites and
“snackable” content.
Ain’t nobody got time for that – long-form
content on social media. The need for short,
digestible information has the need for what
“The Guardian” calls “snackable” content that’s
sharable and intriguing. “The more snackable a
brand makes its content, the more social it will
be. Easy to understand means easy to share,
which translates into better results for content
and campaigns.”
5. Even your feeds need a filter.
Hashtags have made social media searchable,
but unless you know the exact wording and
spelling of a specific hashtag, it can be tough
to find the results you’re wanting. SEO has
expanded into YouTube, Facebook,
Yelp, Pinterest and others.
Feeds on all social media apps are curated by
the user. It reflects their interests. Instead of
a “newspaper” way of approaching content,
and specializing in targeted messaging that
reaches a specific audience is key. According
to “Marketing” in the U.K.: “People will hear
only what they want to hear, filtering out the
rest.” So instead of reading everything, we’re
editing down our sources of information. And
even newspapers are becoming more targeted
online, such as focusing on a community or city,
political beat and more.
3. Apps are the new catalogue.
Tagged “Scommerce” by emarsys.com,
the fusion of social media and commerce has
evolved online and mobile interaction beyond
baby pics and status updates. By connecting
brands with shoppers, we can now see what’s
available in store now. Just check out Blazer
for Men on Instagram (blazerformen), to get
the lookbook images, new stock announcements,
behind-the-scenes from shoots and display
merchandising, buying trips abroad and
so much more. This movement from brick
and mortar into the digital world brings
together consumer engagement and building
relationships with staff and you.
check out
blazer for men
on instagram
6. Women like shopping; men are
into finance
Men have on
average 27 apps
on their phone.
It sounds like a bad stereotype, but research
from the 2015 Liftoff Mobile App Engagement
Index says it’s true. Women are more likely to
make a purchase on a social media app, where
as men are downloading more financial apps.
69
blazer
FACTOIDS
Instagram
TOP APPS RIGHT NOW
You’d have to be living under a social media
rock to not know what Instagram is. The
picture- and video-sharing app (which can link
to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr and more) is one
of the most populated apps out there – more
than 400 million have the app on their phone,
tablet or other device. Brands, like Blazer
for Men (blazerformen on Intagram), use the
app to give insight into new stock, happening
events and insider info about their team and
products. But this isn’t it. Instagram Inc. also
has three other apps you should know about.
Snapchat
Want a peak behind the scenes of the latest
007 movie, the MLS playoffs or even an
insight into the Buzzfeed offices. Sorry, that
raw footage has disappeared. They all, and a
ton of other brands have posted on Snapchat,
one of the buzziest social media platforms of
recent. The deal is that the posted video or
pictures can only be seen for 24-hours and
then it’s gone. And the search function only
shows the specific handle, so if you want to
find someone, you’ll have to know his or her
exact avatar name. Although sexting teens
were the reported original users of the app, it
now is used to announce launches, behind-thescenes and live-streaming content. Snapchat
Inc. does warn that any of your followers can
take a screenshot – proving, once again, that
everything lives forever on the Internet.
Whisper
Shhhhh… this free app is all about
anonymity. And unlike other social media
that tries to make 15-minute celebrities
out of its users, this app is more about
peaking in on others posts and texts.
Developer WhisperText LLC says that it’s
where people can express themselves
with “like-minded individuals” and learn
about “the unseen world around them.”
What the heck does that mean? Well,
you can search posts based on topics and
location. And if you want to keep an eye
out on your teens, you can read all about
the secret posts about their school. The
question is, though, is that your kid?
FAD
Fashion fans may already have this one
downloaded. FAD, tagged “The Ultimate
Fashion Dictionary,” is a style resource
with more than 1,300 design, fabric and
sewing definitions, designer names, and
more, loaded in the app. It’s like having your
favourite knowledgeable Blazer for Men
sales staff in your pocket.
HYPERLAPSE
Vibbidi
Remember Vine? Neither do we. The latest
video apps have taken your cell flicks to
the next level. And one of those is Vibbidi, a
growingly popular app that let’s you edit your
videos. Move over Guy Ritchie, there’s a new
director in town and it’s you! By Glue-th, Inc.,
the makers of the app simplified the process
of editing vids so that anyone can have silverscreen quality moving pictures with tools
that add filters, manipulates speed (think
Baywatch slow to Wes Anderson fast),
add music and more.
Necktie Deluxe
Does the wife tie your ties? Well, what do
you do when she’s not around? Download
Necktie Deluxe. This easy-to-follow app
will explain the how-tos of the knot you
want, including the Cavendish, the Batlhus
and the always-unwieldy bow tie. And you
can up our tie game with its tips for caring
and story your neckties.
is a four-year-old oldie but goodie
from Instagram. It essentially
speeds up a video so that you
can squeeze in more than that
15-second window, by changing
the actual time to 1x to 12x the
speed. Tape your morning run,
your kitchen reno, or your toddler
playing in the park for a laugh.
BOOMERANG
is Instagram’s latest app. Unlike the looping
video option on the Instagram app, this app
allows you to manipulate movement in the
video by making it go in reverse. Imagine:
falling up, unripping your shirt or sucking
back a handful of confetti. It’ll be perfect for
taping the kids unwrap their presents on
Christmas morning. It’s automatic, so you
don’t have to do anything except hit the
round dot on your screen.
Beardify
Want to see what you’d look like with a
beard, mustache, goatee or a five-o’clock
shadow before you commit to growing
your facial hair? Beardify helps you avoid
the itch with an instant pic of you with
different styles of facial hair.
“The more snackable a brand
makes its content, the more
social it will be.”
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LAYOUT
allows you to combine multiple pictures
into one post with a layout. In addition
to creating a collage, you can also mirror
images by using the same picture twice and
flipping one. You simply drag and drop your
photos in the layout to your liking, adjusting
the size, and from there, you have complete
artistic control. Drag and drop photos to
rearrange them, pinch to zoom or pull the
sides of each photo to adjust its size and get
your layout just right. Then flip and rotate
your photos to create cool arrangements
and mirror effects. And if you’re feeling
playful, there’s a photo booth tool where
you can take multiple selfies for a layout.
71
Since 1966 | Parma, Italy
T H E
K E Y
T O
E x c l u s i v e ,
Private FUNCTIONS
wine cellar
private bar room
upstairs seasons
A HOME IS MORE THAN JUST A HOUSE.
Homes are where kids are raised, where we live and relax, where memories
are made. Homes are part of broader communities and neighbourhoods.
With their deep knowledge of local real estate markets, and combined years
of professional sales experience, the Feenstra & Raham Team consistently
provide the homes that fit their client’s desires (and budget). They recognize
homes are not just a financial investment, but an investment for the comfort
and well being of their clients.
CORKS TAPAS BAR
SEASONS
MALUCA WINE BAR
BRU gASTRO BAR & CRAfT BEER
305 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ON
T: 905-337-3777
134 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ON
T: 905-844-0676
142 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ON
T: 905-842-6111
138 Lakeshore Rd. E., Oakville ON
T: 905-844-4400
corksrestaurant.ca
seasonsrestaurant.ca
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e. [email protected]
t. 905.849.3390
www.feenstraraham.com
Find us on:
home of your desires.
251 North Service Rd. W
Oakville, ON.
905.338.3737
Delivering Real Results for Real Needs.
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15-10-20 12:31 PM
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