We asked some of our favourite local boutiques and designers what kind of styles they'd like to see more—and less—of in the coming year.
In lieu of giving strictly my own opinion on what should be carried forward or left behind in 2012, I thought it would be much more interesting to ask the people who I’ve talked to this year in The Dapper Gent for their thoughts on what they’d like to see more of and less of next year.
Jonathan Elias, Lost & Found
“The one thing I would like to see more of is people putting effort and time into creating their outfits. This is definitely an extension from buying less but buying better. I truly believe consumers are going to invest more into less pieces that will last and stand the test of seasonal trends. I would like to see less of fast fashion. I understand there is a time and a place, but I truly believe people get caught up too much in the price tag and not enough in the piece.”
Hiroshi Awai, CREEP
“I’d like to see more men in wide leg pants. And I’d like to see less Navajo pattern so I can wear my Pendleton again.”
Erin Hall, Robber
“I’d like to see more alternatives to heritage wear. And I’d like to see less fun socks.”
Nic Jones, Jonathan+Olivia
“I’d like to see a Fashion’s Night Out Toronto or a similar style event. There’s enough good designers and stores here in Toronto to have a city-wide event of this nature. I’d like to see less anonymous, unfounded and frankly hurtful comments on blogs—less bitchin’ and a bit more supporting your local businesses.”
Ainaz Maleko, Woodlawn
“As much as we love raw dark denim, we’d love to see a little less of it this year. It would be nice to get some variety in men’s pants. We’d love to see more tailored cargos or maybe a punch of colour in denim. If worn correctly, coloured denim can look just as subtle as dark denim. Time for men to start experimenting with colour!”
David Moltz, D.S. & Durga
“I’d like to see more quality craftmanship, timelessness, behaving in public situations, properly brewed tea, cool family-friendly places, American classical music, dressing up, quality dinner parties and serving drinks in their proper glasses. I’d like to see less ‘put a bird on it,’ faux-old done poorly, social media, walking/driving while texting, talking during movies, cupcakes, the influence that Sex and the City had on people and lip gloss.”
Philip Sparks
“I’d like to see more men wearing tailored blazers. I’d like to see less hipsters with long greasy hair wearing toques and wool plaid shirts in the summer heat.”
Josh Reichmann, Ruins
“I’d like to see more over dyed prints—over-dyed stuff in general—dark stuff with something hidden. I’d like to see less people asking for Hitler-youth haircuts—I’ll scalp you if you describe your do that way to me.”
Daniel Torjman, 18 Waits
“I think accessories are a great way to personalize a look or get creative with your style. Hats, scarves, bandanas, glasses, bag clips, all kinds of jewellery—as long as it’s done properly, it really adds to an outfit or look. And, more generally, accessories can help show your personality and what you’re trying to convey to the world through what you’re wearing. There are tons of great accessories that guys could and should be pulling off—it’s definitely not a women’s-only market!
“I like the proliferation of new great stores and brands that cater to men’s fashion. There are so many great stores that men can now find great items at and there are also many brands that are either exclusive to men or have terrific selections for their male customers. And this just wasn’t the case a decade ago. I think that women will always have more fashion options, but there’s now very little excuse for men to look like idiots.”
Christopher Parker, The Dapper Gent
“I’d like to see more of a sense of community and interaction amongst the designers, retailers, buyers and the like in this city. Many of the people I’ve talked to this year share similar viewpoints and sensibilities, yet have never met, which is really something of a bummer in a city so small. I’d like to see less attachment to the idea that the only quality goods come from heritage brands and the lines that style themselves after such. There’s no shortage of ‘fashion’ brands—Jil Sander and Dries Van Noten come to mind—making high-quality clothing that veers thankfully far away from the urban woodsman trend.”
End note: Sadly, this is the final installment of The Dapper Gent. I’ve learned a lot over the past year and a half—in particular about the people who are making our city such an exciting place for menswear at the moment—and I hope you have, too.
